Users of Carbonite sometimes experience issues where the software fails to function correctly due to VPN or proxy conflicts. These network configurations can prevent Carbonite from connecting to servers, syncing accounts, or performing backups.
This guide explains the common causes and provides step-by-step solutions to resolve VPN or proxy conflicts.
Common Causes of VPN or Proxy Conflicts
Blocked Server Communication
VPNs or proxies may restrict Carbonite from reaching cloud servers.
Network Routing Issues
VPN routing can redirect traffic incorrectly, causing connection timeouts.
IP Restrictions
Some corporate proxies or VPNs enforce IP restrictions, preventing Carbonite authentication.
Slow or Unstable VPN Connections
High latency can interrupt backup or restore processes.
Split Tunneling Disabled
Without split tunneling, all traffic goes through the VPN, potentially causing conflicts with Carbonite.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix VPN/Proxy Conflicts
1️⃣ Test Without VPN or Proxy
Temporarily disconnect from the VPN or disable the proxy.
Launch Carbonite and check if it connects to servers and performs backups.
If it works, the VPN or proxy is causing the conflict.
2️⃣ Configure VPN Split Tunneling
Allow Carbonite to bypass the VPN using split tunneling settings.
Add Carbonite processes or server addresses to the split-tunnel list.
3️⃣ Verify Proxy Settings
Ensure proxy settings allow connections to Carbonite servers.
Check HTTP/HTTPS proxy configurations and ensure ports 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS) are open.
4️⃣ Update VPN or Proxy Software
Outdated VPN or proxy clients may conflict with Carbonite.
Update to the latest version to ensure compatibility with the software.
5️⃣ Whitelist Carbonite in Network Security
Add Carbonite to firewall, proxy, or VPN exception lists.
Allow traffic to and from Carbonite server IP addresses (contact support for the list if necessary).
6️⃣ Check Network Stability
Slow or unstable VPN connections can interrupt backups.
Test connection speed and switch to a more stable network if needed.
7️⃣ Restart Carbonite and Your Device
After making changes, restart Carbonite to apply network settings.
Reboot your computer for network changes to take effect.
8️⃣ Contact Carbonite Support
If conflicts persist, provide support with:
VPN/proxy details
Device and OS information
Error messages or log files
Support can guide advanced configuration or alternative solutions for network conflicts.
Business Users: VPN and Proxy Considerations
Ensure corporate VPN and proxy policies allow Carbonite traffic.
Use network management tools to whitelist backup software on all endpoints.
Monitor backup logs to detect interrupted or failed backups caused by network conflicts.
Tips to Prevent VPN or Proxy Conflicts
Use split tunneling to allow Carbonite traffic to bypass VPN.
Whitelist Carbonite in VPN, proxy, and firewall settings.
Keep all network software updated.
Monitor connection stability, especially during large initial backups.
Test Carbonite connectivity after network configuration changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why doesn’t Carbonite work with my VPN?
VPNs can block server communication, enforce IP restrictions, or redirect traffic, causing connectivity issues.
Q2: Can I use Carbonite while connected to a VPN?
Yes, but you may need to configure split tunneling or whitelist Carbonite to avoid conflicts.
Q3: Which ports does Carbonite require?
Carbonite primarily uses ports 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS) for cloud communication.
Q4: How do I know if a proxy is causing the problem?
Disconnect from the proxy and test Carbonite connectivity. If it works, the proxy is the source of the conflict.
Final Thoughts
VPN or proxy conflicts are a common cause of Carbonite connection and backup issues. By testing without VPN/proxy, configuring split tunneling, whitelisting Carbonite, ensuring stable network connections, and updating network software, users can resolve conflicts and maintain uninterrupted backups.
Business environments benefit from network configuration policies that explicitly allow Carbonite traffic for all endpoints.