How do I delete Dropbox files without deleting them on my hard drive?

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Cadams wrote:

(files and folders that I did not intend to sync when I installed)

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Sounds like you have the computer backup feature enabled.

• https://help.dropbox.com/installs-integrations/sync-uploads/automatic-computer-backup-faqs

Hi Rich,  Thank you for your response.  I found the following in the link you provided:

To turn off computer backup:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in your system try (Windows) or menu bar (Mac). 
2. Click your profile picture or initials.
3. Click Preferences.
4. Click the Backups tab.
5. Click Manage backup. 
6. Uncheck the folders you’d like to stop backing up to Dropbox or uncheck My Mac_My PC to turn off backup for all folders at once. 
7. Click Save.
8. Choose Keep content in folders on this PC/Mac or Leave content in Dropbox

• If you choose Keep content in folders on this PC/Mac, the files and folders you stopped backing up can be found in their original folders on your computer. 

However, I was not able to follow the suggested step past Step 3.  I have the app downloaded on my desktop and I was not able to go that route either.   I never find any Backup tab etc... ?

 I know under "personal Account" and "General"  in the Desktop My Dropbox app it is very clearly pointed out that if you DELETE my Dropbox than your data wil lbe gone forever.

But what IF I took another route and instead under Security tab What if I were to simply TRASH the Devices that Dropbox are linked to?   In theory then they wouldnt RESYNC to those devices until I asked it to - then at that point I can hopefully pay a little more attention and be selective about what I allow Dropbox to Sync up with.

I am only hesitant as I dont want to create some mess where my files no longer become accessible/readily avail on my hard drive -Im paranoid about this for obv reasons but alos because I have searched all over and have not found a solution nor have  I seen that other have been able to find a solution as to how to resolve the issue of hard drive files getting simultaneously deleted whe nthe yare removed/deleted from dropbox account.  OF course, Dropboz conveniently has "Upgrade account links placed ALL thruout the various pages in different locations - all for a monthly bill of course"

In short, I want to use the free version for a while to see how it goes with work projects - but  i DONT want everything from my C drive on there - I just want the essentials - in the future if I gain enough confidence in the program then maybe  I can upgrade and bring a lot more over - but this is not likely unless I can resolve this issue...

Do you think a reverse engineer approach of TRASHING/removing the Devices that Dropbox are linked to on Dropbox.com might do the job - without deleting everything off my hadr drive? 

Thank you for any help ... really appreciate any guidance on how to remove everything that I accidentally transferred over - any solutions short of having to create a whole new account would be greatly appreciated

Rich, any updates here - I really need t oresolve this but am currently at a standstill.  Did you get a chance to look into my response to your reply.  I'm hoping you can help give me some addiitional feedback or point me in the right direction

Thank you, 

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Cadams wrote:

However, I was not able to follow the suggested step past Step 3.  I have the app downloaded on my desktop and I was not able to go that route either.   I never find any Backup tab etc... ?

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Are you sure you're in Preferences of the Dropbox app, and your not trying this on the website? You need to be within the Dropbox app. Click the Dropbox icon (in your system try or menu bar) just once, and you'll get the Dropbox menu. From there follow the steps you posted.

You can see the Backup tab in the above screenshot, though I have the feature disabled on this system.

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Do you think a reverse engineer approach of TRASHING/removing the Devices that Dropbox are linked to on Dropbox.com might do the job - without deleting everything off my hadr drive?

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No, I wouldn't do that. You'll likely cuase a bigger issue. You need to turn off the backup option before you unlink the device from your account.

I have the same problem. After clicking Backup there is no "Manage backup." I can go to "Setup." That allows me to uncheck the boxes for backup, but there is no SAVE button.  I can click on NOT NOW.  That doesn't do any good.

I am Having the same problem. Very frustrating.

I don't know what device I originally set sync on? I have been with DropBox for 15 Years ??? A long time

I want to delete DropBox for ever. Retiring soon, and it will not be needed. But I don't want to lose any of my information. how do I do this? Why is it so difficult? Please help

Hey norman un, sorry to hear you're having issues with this.

Could you clarify what exactly is troubling you so that we can advise further? 

Also, are you running the Dropbox app on any of your devices?

I have a new iPhone that I cannot log in. It says The provided user information isn't valid 

I have an Android that I have access to Dropbox. It asked me, do I want to connect to a computer? Nothing about sync

I used Dropbox a lot on my old Nexus7. That is now gone.

I can log in on my Windows Computer but do not see anything about syncing. 

I have one more Apple computer, I have not used in a while. I will try that. 

It's still not clear what exactly is not working for you norman un

Let me know more when you get the chance and we'll take it from there.