Forum Discussion

rjsnow's avatar
rjsnow
New member | Level 1
2 years ago

The desktop app on Windows isn't starting up, why?

I purchased a new computer and am running Windows.  When I start my computer a box pops up that says "Dropbox Can't Open".  It gives the error message of C:Users\Owner\AppData\Local\Temp\dropbox_erro...
desktop
windows
rjsnow's avatar
rjsnow
New member | Level 1
2 years ago

I could not find Dropbox in any of the files you mentioned.  I am not sure it is on my computer at all.  I did unistall my app.  I checked for the files in the instructions and could not find any of them, so I restarted my computer and reinstalled the app, but when I clicked on open after the install, I got the same message that I could not open Dropbox with the same issue showing as originally.

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    2 years ago

    Hey rjsnow, sorry to hear about that!

    Often, the antivirus (not only your firewall) or security software on your computer will block Dropbox from completing the install or startup process. To see if this is the issue, follow these steps:

    Temporarily disable any antivirus or security programs on your computer. Reinstall the Dropbox application using our offline installer.

    If you still get the same result let me know. Thanks!

    • rjsnow's avatar
      rjsnow
      New member | Level 1
      2 years ago

      Hi Megan,

      My computer no longer gets the error message!  When I go to my app, it does show a file Dropbox file.  When I click on it, it has two items - (1) The Dropbox app logo and (2) Dropbox Website.  When I click on the app logo, I get a small circle on my screen for a few seconds, and then it goes away and nothing happens.  When I click on Dropbox Website, the Dropbox site does open.  Is this what is supposed to happen?

      • Megan's avatar
        Megan
        Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
        2 years ago

        Hey rjsnow, good thing that the error is gone!
        Now onto the app itself. It shouldn't behave like that. 
        Can you clarify if you're clicking on the little Dropbox icon on your taskbar, next to your WiFi?
        Also, it might sound trivial but have you tried restarting your device at all?

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