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tgelhaus's avatar
tgelhaus
Explorer | Level 4
5 years ago
Solved

Documents, Downloads, and Desktop folders are gone on my MB Pro. Dropbox has folders but no files

Hello there!

 

So to preface, I'm relatively new to Dropbox, and only got it for a couple work gigs. But the moment it had access to my computer, it started creating a backup I think? Which, with only 2 GB of Dropbox Basic storage, there was no way it could do that with the 200+GB of stuff on my computer. So naturally it filled up pretty quickly, and I paused the sync.

 

At this point I try to free up some space, so I go to the dropbox folder in my Mac, select the attempted backup of my computer, and delete it. I think it was then that the folders disappeared, but I didn't notice until I was in the Dropbox system preferences trying to make it stop creating automatic backups...tried to deselect the Desktop, Downloads, and Documents folders and save, but then a message popped up saying the folders couldn't be located...

 

So now this morning comes around, and the folders(Desktop, Downloads, Documents) are back on my computer, along with all my personal folders inside them, but all of my actual DOCUMENTS...all my pdfs of taxes, all pictures, work documents.. are just GONE. Can anyone help me out? where did all my actual files go and how do I get them back??

 

Many thanks in advance

Computer Backup
desktop
Download
Dropbox Basic
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  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    5 years ago

    Hey tgelhaus, thanks for all the info and the updates!

    I'd also suggest searching for My Mac folder on your Finder. Keep in mind that it could be hidden.

    To show hidden folders/files: Press Command+Shift+Dot (Command + Shift + .)

    Let me know what you find!

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  • ryanjenks's avatar
    ryanjenks
    Explorer | Level 3
    5 years ago
    Hello,

    Thanks for such a quick reply! In regards to the computer back up I don’t believe I did. Also I did not see the missing files in either of those categories.

    It’s very weird. My files were all there and then Dropbox downloaded and everything is just vanished. I got my desktop and documents back but they are empty all my stuff is gone. As for my downloads folder, that is just completely gone. I reached out to Apple support and they weren’t able to help me and we’re confused by the situation as well.
    I really hope the files are not just gone. I have worked really hard on the contents in those files.
  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    5 years ago
    Thanks for clearing this up for me ryanjenks

    May I reach out via email to have a better look internally?

    I'm not promising anything, I just want to make sure we've covered all bases. 
  • ryanjenks's avatar
    ryanjenks
    Explorer | Level 3
    5 years ago
    Hi. Yes you may.
    My laptop is currently in the shop right now as I am hopping they can retrieve my files.
  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    5 years ago
    I hope they'll be able to help, Ryan. 

    In any case, as promised, I just sent you an email, so please take a look at your inbox and we'll take it from there.
  • John T.64's avatar
    John T.64
    Explorer | Level 3
    5 years ago

    Hi,

    I have a friend going through this exact scenario at the moment. Desktop, Documents and Downloads folders do not physically exist, contents of what has been transferred to Dropbox are incomplete and she has already been in contact with Support who have advised her to reinstall and cancel syncing so that files may be restored.

     

    I don't use the Computer Backup function myself, so I've no experience in this exact scenario. 

    Having looked at this thread, the showing hidden files tip hasn't yielded the files/folders she's looking for, nor the deleted files/events at the site. What I have done is arranged for her to get the Dropbox installer onto a USB stick and launching it that way, as it couldn't be downloaded.

    She's now receiving a prompt on launch asking her to either restore the Dropbox folder's location or relink to her account to restore from the "web version".

    Both of us are unsure what to do at this step as a) this thread does not address this step specifically and b) we just want to restore the contents of those folders.

    Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

  • John T.64's avatar
    John T.64
    Explorer | Level 3
    5 years ago

    Really need some assistance with this, please?

  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    5 years ago
    I'm sorry for the late response, John - I was out of the office for a few days.

    Are you still having issues with this?
  • John T.64's avatar
    John T.64
    Explorer | Level 3
    5 years ago

    Hi Walter,

    Thanks for your reply - I know that my friend was speaking with Lucas from Tech Support, I'll attempt to find out what's happened since and get back to you.

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