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Deleted Files won't stay deleted
I have a folder that I delete but keeps coming back. I delete it and then try to permanently delete it. When I do that, I get an error that the files can't be permanently deleted because they are still active.
This is a huge issue because that folder keeps putting me over my limit. This folder was not meant to stay on my account for long. I just need it to go away.
If a file or folder returns when you delete it, it's because it was unable to be deleted on one of your connected devices.
You delete a file on computer A. Dropbox is informed that it has been deleted and syncs that change to your account. Dropbox on your other devices is notified that the file has been deleted, so they also remove the file. On computer B, Dropbox is unable to remove that file for whatever reason (permission, locked, read-only, etc.). The result is that the file remains in place. Dropbox sees the file is still there, thinks it's been added and uploads it back to your account. All your other devices are notified of the "new" file and they sync it back down.
So the problem is likely that the file or folder in question on one of your devices is unable to be deleted. Figure out which (use Previous Versions to see which computer is adding it back) and fix what is holding it there, and you should be able to delete it.
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I have the same issue but didn't want to start a new thread: I show deleted files, click on the ellipsis and then hit "delete permanently". A popup informs me that the folder will be permanently deleted. A progress bar then appears that says "deleting". The progress bar goes away and the file is still in my list. This is a big problem since we have two similar folders, one of which is outdated and needs to be deleted to avoid confusion. Any assistance would be much appreciated.
- Walter
Dropbox Community Moderator
Sorry to hear that atdpath - have you tried doing this via another browser other than the one you currently use? If you do and this persists, try deleting this folder from your computer first.
Let me know how this goes. Thanks!
I have tried deleting it in 3 different browsers. What do you mean, "Deleting from my computer first"? I don't think it is on my computer!
- Deleted Files won't stay recovery
- Walter
Thanks for the response atdpath!
If you have the desktop app running on your computer, then you must have it there too. Can you look inside your Dropbox Folder and delete it from there if you do?
If not, send a screenshot of the problem to get a better understanding or even log a ticket with our team so we can help with all of our tools available.
Afsaan : Would you mind elaborating on this? Are you having trouble deleting files from your account as well?
This is so confusing. I have no idea what Dropbox is doing. I am on the dropbox web site but it won't let me delete photos. I want to be able to add photos from any device to my account, and also use those same photos from my dropbox account with any other device i am on. I will only delete photos by going to the website.
Maybe I just don't understand what drop box is all about. I cannot afford to be frustrated and thus unproductive all the time. It took me 15 minutes just to find a place to ask a question and I have no idea if I am in the right place now doing it.
I will probably press enter now, and everythinhg i have written will be deleted.
- Walter
If you're trying to delete photos from your Photos tab that's normal FLUncleBill - you'll need to find those in their original locations and delete them from there.
To do this via the website, browse to the file you'd like to delete, click on the box to the left of the file's name and select the "Show in folder" option from the right pane menu.
From there, you should be able to delete the file(s) you'd like normally.
Let me know if I got anything wrong and we'll take it from there if needed.
Happy New Year too!
- This is the most frequent question, and yet, Dropbox can’t find one single person to just answer it once and for all... it’s sad for such a well know server. Get it together Db
- Walter
What exactly seems to be troubling you Ggggg1 ?
Are you having the same issue as the OP or a similar one?
Have you tried contacting our Support team for direct and account specific assistance?
You can do so from the following page if needed:
https://www.dropbox.com/support
If there's anything I can help with from my end, do let me know please.
Oh, and happy Monday!
I think I have the same issue, so not starting a new thread, here it is.
Only, in my case this is what it says:
By accident when installing Dropbox I put "sync with desktop". Which I do NOT want to do. I couldn't find any way to delete this. Tried to delete the Dropbox app and reinstall it, but it didn't change this. I don't want this to be a feature, how to solve this?
