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Dropbox folder opens on computer startup - how can I disable that?
Yes, this has been discussed before. Those discussions have been closed. I am very annoyed by this behavior. I have done the steps described in other posts. Nothing has worked.
I have uninstalled Dropbox. In addition to that, I have deleted the folders C:\ProgramData\Dropbox and C:\Users\<my user>\AppData\Roaming\DropBox. For good measure, I opened the Registry and delete all key I felt safe to delete that contained info on Dropbox. And the folder STILL opens on Startup.
I have verified in Preferences > General - Open Dropbox upon startup is off. I did note one peculiar behavior. When I open Preferences, for a split second, that setting is momentarily on, then flips off. I don't know if that's relevant, but there it is. I'm wondering if Dropbox support has the knowledge of telling me where that setting is stored so maybe I can nuke it there.
I am appealing for any detailed suggestions for solving this. Or at least a confirmation that this is a defect in the current update and hopefully that it is going to be fixed.
Thanks for any insight.
I am glad to report that I have fixed the issue of the Explorer window pop up. After performing the re-install process you provided (which in my case wasn't successful) I discovered that the real issue was a left over shortcut in my folder: %appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup. I think this was left over from the time when it seemed to be needed to start Dropbox on startup.
Although I appreciate the reinstall instructions, there are several parts of this that I feel are problematic.
- The registry keys (not folders) to delete are also in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive at: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Dropbox and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\DropboxUpdate
- I would be more specific about the keys to delete because you don't want users to have a chance to delete the wrong key. If I use the Search (Ctrl-F) function, I will hit many more places where the word Dropbox is found, such as in other Keys and MANY Classes.
- I install DB as a Std User. Therefore I was unable to delete the key in HKLM until I ran regedit as Administrator.
- Add a standard disclaimer about modifying the registry.
- Add a section to check for a shortcut in the Startup folder. Or other places where DB can be started that could be left behind.
After all the cleanup and removing the shortcut, all is working. The visual behavior is not critical, but you will see it if you set that Preference to Off. For some reason, when I reinstalled, Dropbox still knew my DB logon credentials and still logged in. Where were these stored?
7 Replies
- Hannah
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi there, DoctorBashir, thanks for bringing this to our attention.
I completely understand your frustration, so let's get right to it.
Just to make sure I have this right, the Dropbox folder just pops open whenever you start your computer?
Can you let us know the version and sync status of the app as shown when hovering over the Dropbox icon in your system tray?
Also, what's your exact OS version?
Any other info that you think might be relevant, please send it along as well.
Thanks in advance. Hi Hannah . Thank you for the quick response. Here the info:
Windows 11 Pro, version 24h2, build 26100.4351. This install is an upgrade from Win 10
DropBox Version: 226.4.5094. Status: Up to date.On another VM where Dropbox is installed that isn't logged in the prompt to log in is displayed. It is interesting that when I reinstalled Dropbox without uninstalling the previous install, TWO Explorer windows popped up! That's when I completely uninstalled Dropbox and deleted registry key related to Dropbox. I'm sure there are other registry keys I might delete but that's as far as I was comfortable deleting. (Although, I've been pretty bold in other changes in the registry.)
This screenshot shows a warning that is present but may not be relevant:
Dropbox is experiencing some issues. Before opening online-only files and folders, right-click and choose Make available offline.
I hope this is helpful.
- Megan
Hey DoctorBashir, let me also jump in here!
Would you be able to attach a screenshot showing a visual of the app's behavior when you start your device, and specifically the pop-up you see?
You should be able to click the camera-like icon when replying back to us, and attach your files that way.
Have you tried an advanced reinstall using these steps, by any chance?
I am glad to report that I have fixed the issue of the Explorer window pop up. After performing the re-install process you provided (which in my case wasn't successful) I discovered that the real issue was a left over shortcut in my folder: %appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup. I think this was left over from the time when it seemed to be needed to start Dropbox on startup.
Although I appreciate the reinstall instructions, there are several parts of this that I feel are problematic.
- The registry keys (not folders) to delete are also in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive at: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Dropbox and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\DropboxUpdate
- I would be more specific about the keys to delete because you don't want users to have a chance to delete the wrong key. If I use the Search (Ctrl-F) function, I will hit many more places where the word Dropbox is found, such as in other Keys and MANY Classes.
- I install DB as a Std User. Therefore I was unable to delete the key in HKLM until I ran regedit as Administrator.
- Add a standard disclaimer about modifying the registry.
- Add a section to check for a shortcut in the Startup folder. Or other places where DB can be started that could be left behind.
After all the cleanup and removing the shortcut, all is working. The visual behavior is not critical, but you will see it if you set that Preference to Off. For some reason, when I reinstalled, Dropbox still knew my DB logon credentials and still logged in. Where were these stored?
- Walter
We're happy to hear it's sorted now and thanks for the update and also sharing your thoughts on this with us DoctorBashir - most appreciated.
Just to note, we always recommend installing the Dropbox desktop app with admin privileges on your computer(s) as outlined here.
As for your stored credentials after reinstalling, can you let us know some additional information or, better yet, send us a couple of screenshots (omitting any personal information) so that we can have a visual too? If you're using a web browser as well to access your Dropbox account, it might have been a cookie for example, that's why I'm asking.
I thinks it may have been because at the time I reinstalled I had a browser session open to the account. Yes, I could purge the browser cache and cookies, but I'll defer that to another time. I'd need to uninstall and reinstall everything again.
- Megan
Hey DoctorBashir!
Yes, it sounds like it'd be quite the process for right now, especially since you have everything settled.
In any case, if you need something else, please give us a shout! 😇
