Why do I have to keep re-installing Zotero on Windows?

sarahapp

I have used Zotero for several years now, mostly on a Mac computer. A weird thing is happening on my work computer (a PC) where every so often, Zotero disappears. The icon I have pinned to my task bar changes and won't open. And then I have to go back to the website and reinstall it. What is going on?

Could it be that I am logged into Zotero on two machines simultaneously (one Mac, one PC)? Or is that not related?

dstillman

The icon I have pinned to my task bar changes and won't open

Changes how? Can you provide a screenshot?

Could it be that I am logged into Zotero on two machines simultaneously (one Mac, one PC)? Or is that not related?

Not related.

sarahapp

Sorry for the delay, I had to wait until it happened again. Today when I tried to click my "pinned" Zotero icon (which still looks normal), I got this error message (see attached screenshot). When I search for Zotero on my machine, nothing comes up except the executable file. I think this means I will have to re-download Zotero. I'm not sure if this is exactly what was happening previously, but it seems to be the same result - having to download and reinstall Zotero over and over. Not sure what the problem is, I've never had to do this on my Mac...
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u2793424/zbubkxdrtiqcgbw5ovrt.png

sarahapp

Bumping this up again, I'm still waiting on a response. Thanks!

dstillman

You'd have to ask your IT department. That just looks like something is deleting the Zotero folder in C:\Program Files (or at least zotero.exe), so all you have left is the shortcut.

sarahapp

Okay thanks, I'll check with them.