Persistent syncing and connection errors with Avast

[utpmg]

For a few weeks now I've been having frequent 'establish secure connection' errors and usually can't sync files . finally determined it will successfully sync when i turn off Avast web and file shields. Is this a problem with Avast or with Dropbox?
Mac OSX 10.11.6 Avast 12.8

[310EI]

Hello, @utpmg...

Have you read this Help Center article?  If not... see if anything listed there can help.

Otherwise, in most cases, the problem lies with your anti-virus software preventing connections it deems as a possible threat.  If you've temporarily shut-off Avast and your files sync as you stated... then that's your proof it's probably Avast.  In the meantime, you could see if you can exclude dropbox.exe within your Avast program (view Avast's instructions).

I should point out that I don't use Avast or a MAC OS but above should steer you in the right direction, hopefully.

[utpmg]

Thanks, I did see that but the firewall section of that article doesn't seem to refer to the default firewall on my OS (10.11.6) which doesn't allow me to do anything more specific than allow the dropbox app incoming access.

[310EI]

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@utpmg wrote:

Thanks, I did see that but the firewall section of that article doesn't seem to refer to the default firewall on my OS (10.11.6) which doesn't allow me to do anything more specific than allow the dropbox app incoming access.

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Hello, @utpmg...

Okay... you're welcome.

DId you try the second suggestion that I made yesterday about your antivirus software Avast (read 2nd paragraph)?  Since you mentioned it in your OP that Dropbox worked when you shut-off Avast, then you should read the Avast instructions I included yesterday.

[utpmg]

That link was to a slightly different product. I'm using Avast Security for Mac (free) and the only relevant setting I can see is adding dropbox.com both public and secure domains to the whitelist.

[310EI · Accepted solution]

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@utpmg wrote:

That link was to a slightly different product. I'm using Avast Security for Mac (free) and the only relevant setting I can see is adding dropbox.com both public and secure domains to the whitelist.

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Hello, @utpmg...

Unfortunately, I don't know what specific Avast version you're using other than 12.8 unless you would have entered it in one your previous posts.  I'm merely trying to help you by offering suggestions with what information you provided.

Did you enter dropbox.com and dropbox.exe into Avast's whitelist area?  If not... try it and see if it helps.  If you did and it didn''t help with your situation, then you should contact Avast's support center to see if they can help you (since it appears as though it's their product that's causing the problem).

You stated in your original post that you, "finally determined it will successfully sync when i turn off Avast web and file shields."... knowing that fact means you should see if their support team has any suggestions for you.

[SLJ1]

Hmmm I am now having dropbox problems.... And I use avast.... perhaps it's time to change anti virus programme...
Thanks