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timjones514's avatar
timjones514
New member | Level 2
1 month ago
Solved

Desktop application fails to launch only when connected to the internet

Application Affected Dropbox for Windows Device Lenovo Yoga Operating System/Browser (if using the web) Windows 11 The Dropbox application will only open if I am not connected to the internet....
desktop
windows
  • timjones514's avatar
    timjones514
    1 month ago

    Have figured this one out.  The VPN application Astrill was causing it, so if you hear this issue described again it's likely a VPN causing it.  Similar to, but not the same problem as, this one: 

    https://www.dropboxforum.com/discussions/101001016/dropbox-and-vpn-connection-in-china-/845459

Hannah's avatar
Hannah
Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
1 month ago

Thanks for bringing this to our attention, timjones514.

When you say that the app opens when not connected to the internet, can you please clarify? Are you referring to the Dropbox folder or the small Dropbox icon in your system tray that opens the app's preferences?

Does that icon appear when you re-connect to the internet? And if so, what do you see when you hover over it with your mouse?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

  • timjones514's avatar
    timjones514
    New member | Level 2
    1 month ago

    The system tray icon will only appear if I launch the program while I do not have an internet connection. As soon as the computer connects to the internet, Dropbox's processes close without producing an error message. The folder is never visible because I cannot get the setup process to start, since it closes on launch.

    • Hannah's avatar
      Hannah
      Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
      1 month ago

      Thanks for the update, Tim.

      How about when connecting to a completely different network, would that be something you can possibly try?

      • timjones514's avatar
        timjones514
        New member | Level 2
        1 month ago

        Using a wired connection into the computer which is in a completely different IP block on my institution's network produces the same result.

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