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LynnMGallagher's avatar
LynnMGallagher
Helpful | Level 5
8 years ago
Solved

How do I delete files from Dropbox without deleting them from my computer and other devices?

I do not use Dropbox for backup storage; I use a different service for that.  But friends and fellow students sometimes want to share files in Dropbox, so I set up a free account.  Somehow, I don't know how, Dropbox uploaded some of my photos to the cloud and filled up my basic Dropbox space.  I would like to take my photos out of Dropbox WITHOUT DELETING THEM FROM MY COMPUTER or other devices.  This would give me the Dropbox space that I need for sharing.  But when I try to do that, Dropbox says that it will delete my photos from all my devices!  How can I empty my Dropbox without deleting my photos from my devices?

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  • Daphne's avatar
    Daphne
    7 years ago
    Hey peeps! 
     
    So I think there may have been some confusion here DG123. If you made a copy of the music folder into your Dropbox folder, then when you deleted the files from your account, you are right that the Dropbox folder copy will have been removed. The original folder will not have been affected at all as it has no connection to Dropbox.
     
    However, if the music folder was moved into the Dropbox folder and then the files deleted then you essentially moved the original copy and then deleted it. 
     
    If you no longer have the music folder on your desktop, then I can suggest you restore the folder from your Deleted files page. Then, allow the folder to sync to your desktop and then move the newly synced music folder out of the Dropbox folder onto your desktop.  
        
    Also, keenum_law, sorry for the tardy reply, I'm hoping that at least answering your question will help others with the same query!
     
    In this case, you can copy the content from the Dropbox folder and paste it in another location. If you remove the files from your account then, as it is shared, it will remove the files from the other connected Dropbox accounts. However, if their files are also saved on their devices, then these will not be affected by the copied being removed from their Dropbox.
     
    Let me know if you have any other questions - Thanks!

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  • RINGDING's avatar
    RINGDING
    Explorer | Level 3
    3 years ago

    I want to delete files from my local dropbox folder and dropbox.com and not delete the original file on my laptop.

  • Nancy's avatar
    Nancy
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    3 years ago

    RINGDING, in this case, you can delete your files either from the Dropbox website or the desktop app, and if you have a separate copy of them in another location on your laptop, these won't be affected at all.

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    2 years ago

    Hey zergaw asefa, thanks for posting here! 

     

    Unfortunately it's not entirely clear what you wish to achieve here. 

     

    Do you wish to learn how to delete files from Dropbox, without deleting them from your desktop, or something different? 

     

    If you could clarify, that'd be amazing in order for me to then be able to guide you correctly. 

     

    Keep me posted! 

  • sms250's avatar
    sms250
    New member | Level 2
    2 years ago

    I dont understand to delete something from drop box but not my laptop what do I need to do?

    thanks

  • Mark's avatar
    Mark
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
    2 years ago
    sms250 wrote:

    I dont understand to delete something from drop box but not my laptop what do I need to do?

    thanks

    Move it out of the Dropbox folder to a different directory on your computer.

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