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Forum Discussion

Ben T.22's avatar
Ben T.22
Helpful | Level 5
5 years ago

Completely disable "Dropbox on Startup"

When starting up my computer and logging in to the user account, I do NOT want Dropbox to be starting, at all.  The files Dropbox needs are not even accessible unless I as the user take a particular ...
Desktop
Setting up the apps
Sync
Jane's avatar
Jane
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
Hey Ben T.22, thanks for the detailed message! 
 
In general, un-checking the box to launch the Dropbox app automatically through Preferences should do. 
 
I hope that’s answer you’ve been seeking; please let me know if you have any follow-up questions.
 
Happy holidays! 
Ben T.22's avatar
Ben T.22
Helpful | Level 5
5 years ago

Hi @Jane,

As noted in the initial post, unchecking the box to start on system startup does NOT stop Dropbox from presenting this "Couldn't start Dropbox" error.  Clearly, Dropbox is doing other things to try to start itself up.  I even see it flash briefly in Background Processes when I have Task Manager up, before the error.  I found some sources where Dropbox appeared to be trying to do something on login, and disabled those also as noted above, but apparently am still missing something.

I agree that this one checkbox SHOULD be enough, and am significantly concerned about Dropbox's security and ethics that it is not, but I would like to find out how to actually and completely disable Dropbox on startup.

Thanks!

 

  • Jane's avatar
    Jane
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    5 years ago
    I understand Ben T.22; let's have a closer look! 
     
    • In order to make sure we’re on the same page, could you include a screenshot (omitting personal info) in your next post for me showing me the error message please? 
    • Also, can you re-create the behavior & walk me through the steps resulting to the error message? 
    Once I have this info, I'll address your initial inquiry a bit closer. Thanks again! 
    • Ben T.22's avatar
      Ben T.22
      Helpful | Level 5
      5 years ago

      Hi Jane,

      The steps resulting in the error message are quite simple:

      1. Press the power button to turn the computer on.

      2. Wait for Windows 10 to boot up.

      3. Enter user password to log in. 

      4. Wait several seconds, not doing anything. 

      5. This error appears, when Dropbox should NOT be trying to start up:

      Dropbox error pops up on login.png

      Here are some views from Dropbox Settings:

      Dropbox preferences general.png

      Dropbox preferences import.png

      These are the AutoPlay settings:

      Autoplay settings.png

      And in msconfig, I see this:

      Msconfig services-Dropbox disabled.png

      How do I disable Dropbox from trying to start up?

      • Jane's avatar
        Jane
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
        5 years ago
        Thanks for the in-depth message back Ben T.22!
         
        Given that you’re unchecked the option to launch the desktop app prior to the reboot, it’s indeed odd that the app is trying to launch. Off the top of my head, your description makes me think that you’ve linked more than one Dropbox accounts for each User login. 
         
        It would be very helpful if you could copy & paste the text you’re seeing on the blue hyperlink on the Permissions error box in your next post.  
         
        Thanks again for your ongoing cooperation! 

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