blank login screen with dropbox app on windows 7 pc

Hi @dhfernz, @bocceman, @bluerandy

Let's go through some troubleshooting steps together about this issue.

1) Please disable your antivirus software.

Please ensure steps were followed for the configuration of your firewall and double check that the domains listed here have been allowed.

2) Please install the newest version of Dropbox with your antivirus turned off.

3) If you are using a remote connection or a virtual machine:

- Ensure the host attempting to view Dropbox is configured for 32 bit colour
- Try logging in on the actual machine rather than through a remote session

4) If none of the above won't fix this and the issue persists, please reach out to our support team so they can investigate and help.

Thank you!

Jay

That’s correct, this is because the login screen for the Dropbox desktop application emulates a browser to render the page.

If the page is blank, then as has been mentioned, a proxy, VPN, firewall, security software, or even ISP/router settings are blocking or restricting connections to Dropbox servers.

Despite that, in some cases the block isn’t complete, so the ‘invisible fields’ for email and password can be clicked there.

Even after you login and get past the tour page, you’re still going to experience sporadic behavior and syncing, since the underlying problem remains and hasn’t been resolved.

Aside from the above troubleshooting for the VPN etc, I’d personally check out your router, since most modern ones have firewalls built into there and could be logging these requests and blocking them.

Try rebooting your router, updating its firmware, or resetting it to factory defaults, after making a note of your broadband username and password.

Other matters to consider are ISP issues, which you would need to check with them since if the connection is affected before your router receives it, there’s little you can do from your end…

[This thread is now closed. If you have a similar or new question, you can ask here.]

Jay

We still support Windows 7 and above, only Windows Vista recently became unsupported for the desktop app.

In general, a blank login screen, or any issues during that specific setup phase of the Dropbox desktop application is connection-based issues.

This is why I suggested checking out anything that can affect the connection, that being proxies, VPN, firewall, antivirus, or other security software.

We have received similar reports in the past, from entire regions, where the setup phase isn’t being completed. Turns out the ISP was blocking these Dropbox domains from connecting.

If you’re still experiencing these issues, even after contacting your ISP, we’d recommend writing to us directly, so that our team can assist further on this matter.

[This thread is now closed. If you have a similar or new question, you can ask here.]

All comments

njleach

I am also having the same issue with the blank login screen, even after completly disabling the firewall. The 'workaround' of simply trying to guess where the username/pw prompts are works OK for the personal account, but then when i try to add a linked account, that screen also comes up as blank and doesn't appear to follow the same layout. File version 22.4.24.0

Hey bocceman,

I’m sorry to hear about this.

This may be related to antivirus or other security applications that are blocking our app. Try disabling any of these to see if the issue is resolved. If it is, you’ll need to setup these applications to allow our app to get through.

If the issue persists, please submit a support request here https://www.dropbox.com/support so an agent can do some more specific troubleshooting with you.

Thanks

bluerandy

Same issue here.

Uninstalled Symantec Endpoint Protection and disabled firewall - did not resolve.

Old unsupported version 16x does show the login dialog but as mentioned, it reports version too old.

Same problems persists on my PC as well. Wondering if there is a bug in the new installer. I have been following it up on e-mails, sharing all screenshots. Ticket number is #5821620

Hoping to expect a resolution to this at the earliest.

Derick

Hi @dhfernz, @bocceman, @bluerandy

Let's go through some troubleshooting steps together about this issue.

Thank you!

Over the past 3-4 days, I have been doing all that is mentioned above and have also submitted screen shots to your team. The ticket for the same is raised #5821620

Hey @dhfernz,

Thanks for the ticket ID! I located your case and your ticket is now escalated to our experts. They'll review your case and come back to you as soon as possible on this.

We appreciate your patience, thanks!

bluerandy

I was able to workaround the issue.

I noticed the PCs that have the issue were using static IP address. The ones with DHCP did not have the problem.

I switched the trouble PC to DHCP and the problem went away. I was able to login. I was then able to switch back to a static IP address and dropbox works as normal.

So you'd think there is a difference somehow between the network setting between the DHCP and static PCs, but I have a staticly assigned Windows 10 PC that also does NOT have the problem. I used the same IP address as the problem PC (only one connected to the network at a time, obviously).

So, it seems it only occurs on a Windows 7 Pro PC and using static IP address. It could be some Windows Update patch.

I have not been able to use a different network to test. However, I had my network team check outgoing connections from my PC during the dropbox blank login screen and there were none. So that tells me that whatever is blocking the connection blocks it before it reaches the network firewall. (I have tried 3 different workgroup switches of different makes and models, btw)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vi9zzj1sfx1ujce/set%20up%20dropbox.jpg?dl=0

Hi bluerandy, glad the switch worked for you, but my PC is anyway set to DHCP. Hopefully i'll set a resolution for this from the technical team at Dropbox. It's been 5 days already with no solution in sight.

a7med3wedan

hello, after i finsh install and i want to sign in the dropbox stop working .

this img :

please help to fix this problem .

thanks

Jane

Hey @a7med3wedan,

Thanks for getting in touch with us on Community with this screenshot, much appreciated!

As my colleague @Zed mentioned above, usually this is because of an Antivirus, firewall, proxy setting or network domain blocking Dropbox.

If you have followed the steps above and this persists, I'd be more than glad to investigate this case with you. Could you please log a ticket and let me know a ticket ID in your reply, so that I follow-up?

Thanks in advance for your cooperation, looking forward to hearing back from you!

Kind regards,

JaneA

bluerandy

I have another PC with this issue.

I have done nothing to the PC over the past week (except maybe install Windows updates) and yet today Dropbox login screen is now working.

Hey @bluerandy,

If following the troubleshooting steps provided in this thread won't help on this, I'd strongly recommend raising a ticket with our support team about this so they can help.

Thank you!

Ivydene

I'm having similar problems. Windows 7 64-bit machine. Dropbox was working fine until a few days ago. I unlinked my two accounts (personal and plus), reformatted the drive they were on, re-installed dropbox successfully, but now get a blank 'Set Up Dropbox' window when trying to re-link the accounts. I've tried installing a previous version (15.4.22) as suggested in several posts, which gets me to a sign-in, but then throws up an error message telling me that I need to update to the current version of Dropbox. I rely upon Dropbox to do my work. Although I can still see my files online, it's critical that I'm able to use desktop functionality to work effectively. I'd be grateful for a fix to this problem ASAP. I've raised a support ticket.

Hi,

Just wanted to update on this forum that my dropbox is finally up and running. All i did was update my laptop drivers from this site https://drp.su/en. Something clicked and my dropbox started working fine. Hence, just try updating your desktop/laptop drivers once and maybe it will work.

Warm Regards

Derick

A_Z

What I did to fix this is to download the Stable build first:

https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Desktop-client-builds/Stable-Build-15-4-22/m-p/195732#M3502

Then try to login with Stable Build.

It will give you an error saying your version is too old after you hit Login. Now install the newer version directly. And it will try to login again.

kn0b

Hi, don't panic

i had the same problem and i solved by the more stupid way but it works

the problem is the field are blank, but there.... so click in your dropbox icon close to the clock do "click here to sign and start"

when appears teh window of dropbox make 2 Tab click, write your email account, 1 more Tab write password and press Enter

and done

Keep C00l

Rick__k16

I had the same issue Windows 7 Pro (32bit) clean install. Downloaded the current version of windows desktop app v26.4.24 and got the blank sign-in pop up screen. The issue I have found to be to do with Internet Explorer default settings (regardles of the browser you use) as IE is still part of the OS in Win 7 and nothing to do with firewalls or AV software.This has worked at home and at work on Desktop and Laptops running windows 7 (32bit and 64 bit)

This is what worked for me:

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet and click Internet Options

2. The Internet Properties window will pop up. Then click the Security tab

3. Then click Trusted Sites (green tick) icon and click the Sites button

4. Where is says "Add this website to the zone:" type: https://www.dropbox.com and then click the Add button

5. Click Close button, Apply button, OK button

6. Exit the dropbox app in the system tray.

7. Reboot your PC

You should now see the pop up with the dropbox logo, google sign in and normal sign in window clearly. Hope this helps.

Rick__k16

Try this:

I had the same issue Windows 7 Pro (32bit) clean install. Downloaded the current version of windows desktop app v26.4.24 and got the blank sign-in pop up screen. The issue I have found to be to do with Internet Explorer default settings (regardles of the browser you use) as IE is still part of the OS in Win 7 and nothing to do with firewalls or AV software. This has worked at home and at work on Desktop and Laptops running windows 7 (32bit and 64 bit)

This is what worked for me:

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet and click Internet Options

2. The Internet Properties window will pop up. Then click the Security tab

3. Then click Trusted Sites (green tick) icon and click the Sites button

4. Where is says "Add this website to the zone:" type: https://www.dropbox.com and then click the Add button

5. Click Close button, Apply button, OK button

6. Exit the dropbox app in the system tray.

7. Reboot your PC

You should now see the pop up with the dropbox logo, google sign in and normal sign in window clearly.

Hope this helps others who've had this issue.

HuangMo

SOLVED!!!!!

My fix us update video driver to latest version.

Mine is Intel G45/G43 Express Chipset Integrated Video with Window 7 build-in Microsoft driver, after updated driver from Intel sopport site the Dropbox sign in screen finally appear.

Good luck to you.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hqiykxdriu403is/prb.png?dl=0

Hey guys,

dhfernz, bluerandy, and @Ivydene @kn0b @Rick__k16 @HuangMo... welcome to our forum!

Thank you all for providing your solutions! I’m not sure if these will work for everybody experiencing this issue, but it’s great that you have offered them here :slight_smile:

There seems to be a commonality with drivers, so you all may be on to something, and I’m letting our team know about this. @Rick__k16 your solution is very interesting, and I’m sending it up the ladder as well.

Keep up the good work!

Cheers

Nykros

I have the same problem. Solved temporally using TAB-TAB-login-password-ENTER trick, but can you post link of the drivers you downloaded? Are those of vista?

HuangMo

Intel G45/G43 Express Chipset Integrated Video driver download link -

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/81515/Graphics-Drivers-for-Intel-G45-Express-Chipset

feng

There is no screen when logging in

So simply can not enter the account

After the re-installation can not be resolved

This is my computer login status :

sulli86

Hey Feng,

Have you tried running Dropbox in compatibility mode or right clicking and running as administrator?

Jane

Hey @feng,

Welcome to the Dropbox Community, I’ve moved your question here in order for you to be able to review some previous replies.

Specifically, would you mind having a look at @Zed’s reply on the first page, that has some troubleshooting steps, eg. how to configure your firewall or modify your proxy settings etc?

If this persists, please let me know and I’ll be glad to continue troubleshooting with you!

Warm regards,

JaneA

JenM

I have disabled my anti virus but Dropbox setup is still not responding and I can't finish setting it up on my laptop. How can I link my Dropbox account to this installation?

Hey @JenM, welcome to our forum!

Have you tried the suggestions mentioned above by @Zed, @Jane, and by me? If so, and you’re still unable to get past this, please write in to our support crew here https://www.dropbox.com/support so an agent can investigate, get all the necessary information from you, and send this issue up to our team for review.

Thanks!

markwiese

Hi all,

If updating your graphics drivers to the latest version doesn't fix this issue, try setting this environment variable. It worked for me straight away.

set QT_OPENGL_BUGLIST=C:\Program Files (x86)\Dropbox\Client\qt-blacklist.json