Crossed-out pen next to global inbox

DEVONthink
1

I am running Devonthink 3.9.16. After migrating to a new MacBook there is a crossed-out pen next to the global inbox and I can’t move any data to or from it (except copy it to the finder). On startup the app reports 6 instances of conflict and asks me to rebuild the database. I have done this repeatedly, using the button in the warning message on start-up but also the menu item in the file menu. The crossed-out pen is still there. If there is a way to fix the issue without reinstalling the app, I’d appreciate any suggestions.

2

Welcome @WalterR

This is not an unknown issue when using Time Machine or Apple’s Migration Assistant. Try this…

  1. Quit DEVONthink.
  2. In the Finder, select the Go menu while holding the Option key, then choose Library.
  3. Go into the Application Support folder, select the DEVONthink folder, and press Command-I to open the Get Info pane.
  4. In the Sharing & Permissions section at the bottom, click the lock (you’ll need to enter your administrative password), then make sure the account that shows (Me) is set to Read & Write. Rechoose it, if it’s already set.
  5. Click the Action button (gear icon) and choose Apply to enclosed items.
  6. When it’s done, launch DEVONthink and see how it behaves.

PS: Version 3 is in maintenance and will be retired at some point in the future. We recommend upgrading to version 4 sooner rather than later if hardware supports modern versions of macOS (Ventura and later).

3

Thank you for the quick reply.
Unfortunately the issue still persists. On start-up I still get the message asking me to rebuild the database, and the crossed-out pen is still there, too.

4

You’re welcome.
Is this the Global Inbox you’re referring to or a separate database?

5

It’s the global inbox. I can’t add anything to this inbox in Devonthink, and if I add a file to the inbox in the Finder it doesn’t appear in Devonthink. Adding and removing files from my databases “Eingang” or “Privat” works normally.

CleanShot 2026-01-10 at 19.17.19
CleanShot 2026-01-10 at 19.17.19256×134 5.52 KB

6

What you’re showing is actually quite peculiar.
In DEVONthink, hold the Option key and select Help > Report Bug.

7

Okay, done.