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Reception L.
11 years agoNew member | Level 2
A folder that won't delete
I have a "ghost" folder which keeps re-appearing no matter how many times it is deleted. Any clues?
Hey, is the folder you are trying to delete empty or does it contain any files? Usually this happens because a piece of software on a computer that the folder is shared on is trying to access it, and is recreating it when someone else deletes it.
If there is a file in there, looking at the 'previous versions' will tell you which machine the culprit is. If you don't have a file in there, add a test one, delete the folder again and when it reappears, you'll be able to solve the mystery! Deleting the folder on the rogue machine will fix it permanently.
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- Anvisha P.11 years agoNew member | Level 1
hey, where is the folder - is it in your top-level directory? and where are you deleting it, on web or on the desktop client?
- Reception L.11 years agoNew member | Level 2
Thanks for your reply. I have tried both. Desktop and web. It will delete but then almost immediately re-appears.
- Anvisha P.11 years agoNew member | Level 1
Hmm, so is it right at the top? Right when you open your Dropbox? Or is it a folder within a folder?
Also, if you are a Dropbox for Business customer, you might want to check to make sure that the folder isn't a "team folder" i.e. something that is shared with everyone in your team. I don't think you can delete that. - Reception L.11 years agoNew member | Level 2
Sorry, yes it's a folder within a folder. And we are a business customer. We don't use team folders but the main folder that this folder is filed under, is "shared" ... should I try unsharing the main folder, then try and delete?
- Reception L.11 years agoNew member | Level 2
Can I also add that I have previously been able to delete other folders, within this same main folder, without unsharing ... so not sure what is so special about this one! Our dropbox went haywire the other day and created doubles of folders, that didn't match. Very frustrating.
- Orla11 years ago
Dropbox Staff
Hey, is the folder you are trying to delete empty or does it contain any files? Usually this happens because a piece of software on a computer that the folder is shared on is trying to access it, and is recreating it when someone else deletes it.
If there is a file in there, looking at the 'previous versions' will tell you which machine the culprit is. If you don't have a file in there, add a test one, delete the folder again and when it reappears, you'll be able to solve the mystery! Deleting the folder on the rogue machine will fix it permanently. - Reception L.11 years agoNew member | Level 2
Thanks Holly. Will try when I get to the office tomorrow. There are also sub-folders within the folder, but they do not contain any documents. I think I know which machine is doing it though so will give it a go.
- Chanin M.11 years agoNew member | Level 1
I am having the same issue, can you tell me if this was solved?
- Melissa S.111 years agoNew member | Level 1
I am having this problem also. Has anyone found a way forward?
- Reception L.11 years agoNew member | Level 2
Nope ... I posted the original query and none of their suggestions deleted the folder. It is still there. I still can't see why someone from "Dropbox" can't access it and delete it, when they can see everything else that is going on.
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