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Deleted Dropbox but didn't restore space on local hard
I downloaded the Dropbox application, synced a folder and realized it actually stores the files locally. I understand now what I didn't before. However, after unlinking my account, deleting the application and the Dropbox folder, I still have not reclaimed the 70GB. Any idea why that is?
macOS Mojave
Thanks
hamiltonhart wrote:
I then reduced the number of shared folders down to what amounted to less than 1GB. The space did not return to my drive after removing the material.That's because when folders are removed from the local drive, they're temporarily stored in the hidden .dropbox.cache folder in the root of your Dropbox. This is done to aid in recovery of the folders in case the deletion was a mistake. Files in cache are purged after three days.
I then unsynced and removed Dropbox still not reclaiming the space.If you only uninstalled the Dropbox app, then the Dropbox folder still remains as it is not deleted during an uninstall. If you deleted the Dropbox folder manually, then the space is no longer being taken up by Dropbox (it can't be as you've deleted the folder).
As an update. It was just me being impatient. Eventually, the space showed it was once again available. It took longer than expected and restarting did not help, but be patient. Thanks for the help all.
5 Replies
- Rich
Super User II
If you've fully deleted the Dropbox folder from your computer, then it won't be Dropbox taking up that space.
After you deleted the folder, did you empty your trash/recycle bin?
- I emptied the trash and restarted multiple times.
Upon syncing the folders, I immediately noticed the space discrepancy and that the Dropbox folder is where the 70GB went. I then reduced the number of shared folders down to what amounted to less than 1GB. The space did not return to my drive after removing the material. I then unsynced and removed Dropbox still not reclaiming the space. - Rich
hamiltonhart wrote:
I then reduced the number of shared folders down to what amounted to less than 1GB. The space did not return to my drive after removing the material.That's because when folders are removed from the local drive, they're temporarily stored in the hidden .dropbox.cache folder in the root of your Dropbox. This is done to aid in recovery of the folders in case the deletion was a mistake. Files in cache are purged after three days.
I then unsynced and removed Dropbox still not reclaiming the space.If you only uninstalled the Dropbox app, then the Dropbox folder still remains as it is not deleted during an uninstall. If you deleted the Dropbox folder manually, then the space is no longer being taken up by Dropbox (it can't be as you've deleted the folder).
As an update. It was just me being impatient. Eventually, the space showed it was once again available. It took longer than expected and restarting did not help, but be patient. Thanks for the help all.
Thanks SO much for this. I had no idea about that hidden folder - my harddrive thanks you.
