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Missing desktop files after deleting dropbox
Hi
a while ago (6 months ago) I downloaded DropBox app and checked syncing with my personal Desktop files (although I think I disabled that immediately). It synced, but because I was using free version, only 2GB from my 60GB desktop were stored, the rest was not. Some time ago i uninstalled Dropbox (but now I am confused if i really did) and everything was fine. I kept on living like that since then, no issues, but today when I found I still have some remaining of files with 'Dropbox' in their names, I deleted them and all my Desktop files are now gone + I cannot save anything on my Desktop as it is just gone
also, when I check what is my Desktop is pointing to it says "Desktop -> /Users/chopchop/Dropbox/My Mac (iMac (Chop))/Desktop"
So I assume I just deleted my Dropbox directory today, and by deleting it, I deleted my desktop files which were not stored in Dropbox unfortunatelly.
Should I just reinstall dropbox? When I try, it says that original dropbox directory is missing or relocated. Should i just create new directory and move app there?
do u have any idea how to resolve lack of Desktop + this referencing, or do u recommend any files-recovery software which could help?
Hi chopchop, sorry to hear about this.
It sounds like you enabled the computer backup feature at some point.
If that's the case, you can find the steps to disable it here.
As per your missing files, do you see any signs of them in your deleted files page or the events page?
If not, they never made it to our servers, so you may need to be looking for them locally on your device, be it in their original locations or your trash can. You could also try enabling hidden files to show in Finder to see if you can find any of them that way.
Keep me posted anyhow!Mod note: updated links in post [last update 2023]
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Thank you, Hannah, for your reply. The Dropbox folder is neither in my deleted files page, nor in in the events page. I saw that folder in the Mac storage list, for I have to delete documents to have some extra space for my computer system upgrade . Actually that is the first time I saw a folder with the Dropbox name. That is why I deleted it without the second thought, for I have not used Dropbox for years, I thought the 50G contents it holds are the outdated documents.
I suppose Dropbox software has an invisible super-folder that absorbs all the documents of my Mac into it without my knowing it. How can find the super-folder back?
Looking forward to your further help, Hannah.
- Hannah
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hey Weifang5, thanks for joining us!
It sounds like before you deleted Dropbox, you had enabled our backup feature on your Dropbox application.
Do you see your desktop files in your deleted files page or your events page?
Hi, friends. I mistakenly deleted a folder entitled Dropbox as large as more than 53G. I only know that almost all my documents in the MacBook Air are in this Dropbox folder after the deletion. My Mac needs upgrading the system without sufficient storage, and that Dropbox occupied the second largest storage in my Mac. Since I have not used the Dropbox for a long time, I thought I would not need it any more. SO I moved it into the trashbox without a second thought. The moment I deleted it , my computer desktop with my documents and books immediately disappear. Then I found the rest of the computer space for documents strorage also blank. Could they be stored in the iCloud of the Dropbox? How could I recover all the documents which I have written and collected fro years? Thank you.
- Jay
Hi Juancho227, is the Dropbox Backup feature enabled on your current device? Is the Dropbox desktop application still installed and running as normal?
- I am in the same situation. When I open up Dropbox I see a fold that says MAC and can see everything that was on my desktop before removing/deleting Dropbox. My desktop is hidden in finder and I believe that is causing all of my music projects to be corrupted at the moment. What do I need to do to fix the desktop being hidden ?
- Megan
Hi CarrieZhou, welcome to our Community!
It sounds like you enabled the computer backup feature. Have you tried re-installing the app ever since?
Also, are you able to see your Desktop files when visiting your Dropbox account online?
Let me know, and we'll take it from there!
I accidentally deleted the whole dropbox app. Now, I cannot access my desktop and I cannot restore my desktop's files. How to solve this problem?
Please may someone help me, I tried to delete my dropbox so I could redo the settings as it had connected to all my desktop folders,
now that I have deleted it all my desktop folders have disappeared from my computer,
I need urgent assistance please
- Hannah
Hey Confused7, thanks for the nudge here and sorry to see you're having trouble.
I will need some clarifications, so that I can help you with this.
Is Dropbox currently installed on your computer? And why are you not able to put anything in your Dropbox?
Also, what do you mean when you say that Dropbox is breaking the desktop?
Any additional details on the issues you're facing, will definitely be very helpful.
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