TABLE OF CONTENTS


Summary

Antivirus or security software may prevent the PB Online Remote Desktop installation from downloading or running. We understand this can be concerning, but this behavior does not indicate that the PB Online installer is unsafe.


Modern antivirus and security programs often use very strict protective measures designed to block any program that appears unfamiliar or that performs actions similar to software installers. Because the PB Online connection installer is a small application that configures a secure remote connection, it may be mistakenly flagged by these security systems even though it is safe.


There are a few common reasons this can occur:

  • Heuristic (behavior-based) detection: Antivirus software sometimes blocks programs based on what they do rather than what they are. Installation files often make system changes during setup, which can occasionally be misidentified as suspicious behavior.
  • Low reputation or new file detection: Security tools may block files that have not yet been widely downloaded or recognized by their reputation systems.
  • Strict security settings: Some antivirus or Windows security features prevent new applications from saving or installing without manual approval.
  • Browser security protections: Browsers and Windows SmartScreen may block downloads as a precaution until the user confirms they trust the source.


In most cases, the installer can be used safely by allowing or approving the download within your antivirus or browser security prompt. Some organizations may also need to add the installer or download location to their antivirus exception list.


Please be assured that the PB Online installer is safe and provided through trusted sources. If your security software continues to block the download, your IT team may need to review the security settings or temporarily allow the installation so the connection can be completed.



Specific Error: -2146697208 / 0x800C0008 


This error means Windows was unable to download the application file from the website. Common reasons include:

  • Antivirus or endpoint security blocking the download

  • Web filtering or firewall restrictions

  • Corporate network policies preventing ClickOnce downloads

  • Browser security restrictions

  • Temporary network interruption


The installation failed only because Windows could not download the launcher file from the PropertyBoss website, which is usually caused by security software or network restrictions blocking the download. 


What triggers this error

Windows throws 0x800C0008 when it attempts to download a file but something interrupts or blocks the transfer. The most common causes are:


1. Antivirus or endpoint protection

Security software may block the download because:

  • The file is new or not widely recognized

  • It is a ClickOnce application

  • It attempts to launch another executable

This is one of the most common reasons.


2. Web filtering or firewall rules

Corporate security systems may block the download if:

  • The domain is filtered

  • The file type (.application / ClickOnce) is restricted

  • TLS inspection interferes with the download


3. Browser or Windows security restrictions

Examples include:

  • Microsoft SmartScreen blocking the file

  • Internet Explorer / Edge security zone policies

  • Group policy restrictions


4. Temporary network interruption

Less common, but possible if:

  • DNS resolution fails

  • SSL handshake fails

  • The connection is interrupted mid-download



Options to resolve the error

This error occurs when Windows cannot download the ClickOnce application file. The best course of action is to ensure the download from the PropertyBoss site is not being blocked by security controls or browser policies. Below are the most effective steps to prevent the error from occurring.


1. Allowlist the PropertyBoss download location

Security software or network filters should allow the PropertyBoss domain. Recommended allowlist:

  1. https://online.propertyboss.net
  2. https://online.propertyboss.net/downloads/*


This ensures the ClickOnce launcher (.application file) can be downloaded.


2. Allow ClickOnce / .application files

Some environments block ClickOnce deployment files by default. Ensure the system allows:

  1. .application
  2. .manifest
  3. .deploy


These file types are required for the launcher to download and update.


3. Review antivirus or endpoint protection policies

Endpoint security platforms may block unknown installers or runtime downloads. Recommended actions:

  • Add online.propertyboss.net to trusted sites
  • Allow the ClickOnce installer to run
  • Temporarily disable download scanning to test if it is the cause


Common products that trigger this issue include aggressive web filtering features in corporate antivirus platforms.


4. Confirm firewall/web filtering rules

Network appliances or DNS filtering tools may block downloads from new domains. Verify that:

  • HTTPS traffic to online.propertyboss.net (port 443) is allowed
  • SSL inspection is not interfering with the download
  • The file is not being blocked due to file type filtering


5. Clear the ClickOnce cache (if install previously failed)

If the download was partially cached, clearing the ClickOnce cache can help.


Run this from Command Prompt:  rundll32 dfshim CleanOnlineAppCache

Then launch the application again from the website.


6. Launch from a supported browser

Use a modern browser such as:

  • Microsoft Edge
  • Google Chrome


Older browsers or strict browser security policies can sometimes prevent the launcher from downloading.

To prevent error 0x800C0008, ensure that security software, firewalls, and network filters allow downloads from online.propertyboss.net and permit ClickOnce (.application) files to run. Most occurrences are caused by antivirus or endpoint protection blocking the download rather than a problem with the installer itself.