I've just set my Alibre to start offline, as I was growing extremely tired of losing my local reps.
The first couple times were panic moments, then after the problem seemed to be occurring almost daily a couple weeks ago (coupled with the embarassment of not being able to retrieve a customer drawing while he was sitting in my office) I read the tip on starting in offline mode. It solved the problem, and saves me from looking stupid in the future if it happens again.
Pat