Forum Discussion

Cadams's avatar
Cadams
Explorer | Level 3
6 years ago

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

I wanted to know *how* to delete/remove files/folders from Dropbox (files and folders that I did not intend to sync when I installed) without those files/folders being deleted on my hard drive - can ...
Computer Backup
Delete
desktop
Rich's avatar
Rich
Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
6 years ago
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... ?

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.

 

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?

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.

Jimi638's avatar
Jimi638
New member | Level 2
5 years ago

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.

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    5 years ago
    Happy Monday Jimi638! 

    Did you make sure to follow the steps to disable the Computer Backup feature on the same device you enabled it on? 

    Keep me posted.
    • norman un's avatar
      norman un
      Explorer | Level 3
      4 years ago

      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

       

      • Walter's avatar
        Walter
        Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
        4 years ago

        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?

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