Dropbox.com not accessible via desktop, throwing weird error

[Blinick]

Hello, I am receiving error: NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID
Here's what I can tell you: I am an expat living in Indonesia. I know there are some govt blocks but Dropbox is not one of them and I can still access it on my phone no problem, just not my PC. I can use a VPN and get past govt blocks, but still not able to access dropbox.

What I've tried so far:
- Tried using a VPN (and not)
- Updating my date and time
- Turning off my firewall and antivirus
- updating my OS and browser
- Cleared HSTS in Chrome settings
- Cleared cache and everything else relevant since "all time"
- Tried using a different browser (Edge, Opera and Chrome)
- Tried connecting to my mobile hotspot instead of my home wifi

System: Windows 10 Home, 64-bit OS, HP Omen

I believe that's about it. If you can help me, as I said, I am truly desperate.

I posted this on the windows help forum, and after no success they suggested I post this here. I really have no clue what to do.

Thank you!

[Daphne]

Hello @Blinick, I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with this!

Could you just try using an incognito browsing window to see if there's any difference there? This will help rule out most browser related issues.

If you still receive the same error, could you please send a screenshot of the error message?

Looking forward to hearing back from you!

[Blinick]

Hi Daphne,

Thanks for the message. Unfortunately as I can only reach this page via mobile, I only see a place to enter text so I cannot send a screenshot but here is all the text that appears (from incognito): (the only two buttons are “back to safety” and “show/hide advanced”)

Your connection is not private
Attackers might be trying to steal your information from dropbox.com (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards). Learn more
NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID
dropbox.com normally uses encryption to protect your information. When Google Chrome tried to connect to dropbox.com this time, the website sent back unusual and incorrect credentials. This may happen when an attacker is trying to pretend to be dropbox.com, or a Wi-Fi sign-in screen has interrupted the connection. Your information is still secure because Google Chrome stopped the connection before any data was exchanged.

You cannot visit dropbox.com right now because the website uses HSTS. Network errors and attacks are usually temporary, so this page will probably work later.

[Daphne]

Thanks for getting back to me here @Blinick!

A screenshot of this would be best, as the visual is very helpful in these circumstances.

Since you're using your mobile, you can take a screenshot or picture of the error, and create a shared link to the file.

You can just paste the link here since you can't attach it in your reply directly.

[Blinick]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/oty7ou64grw38mk/Photo%20Nov%2024%2C%204%2025%2034%20PM.jpg?dl=0

[Walter]

Hey @Blinick; I'm sorry to jump in here, but why are you not trying a secure internet protocol (HTTPS instead of HTTP) by using the following link?

https://www.dropbox.com/

Does this also give you an error?

[Blinick]

Hi Walter,

No problem I appreciate any help. I have tried both http and https. I’m beginning to feel hopeless actually. I’m fairly savvy with the web and have gone to two pages on a windows forum where no one could give me a solution. I’ve literally tried everything.

[Jay]

Hi @Blinick, it does sounds like there is block at the ISP/router level, if you've tried everything else. I'd recommend checking with them on this matter to see if these Dropbox domains have been restricted.

As to why it doesn't work on the mobile hotspot, do you get the same error, or a different message? Does the Dropbox mobile app work on the mobile?

[Blinick]

Jay,

Using my PC on mobile hotspot gives me the same error in the browser. Also, I can use the chrome app on my phone on the same WiFi (with my data off) to access Dropbox.com. The Dropbox mobile and desktop app each work on the respective devices. That’s how I’ve been managing so far. But obviously it’s not ideal to have to receive all Dropbox links via my phone, put in my dropbox and then retrieve them in my desktop app. Anyways, yeah, I’m open to any suggestions. Thank you.

[Jay]

It definitely sounds like something on your computer is preventing the connection to Dropbox. As to what that is, only you can determine if you have any old antivirus software or security software installed which could be preventing connections to the Dropbox site.

Since it's a security certificate error, this can also occur with company-managed devices or networks, to prevent access to unauthorized sites. You can search for this error message on the internet to find possible solutions, although none of them are related to Dropbox itself and more to do with fixing the browser.