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I see duplicate Dropbox folders on Windows, after reinstalling the desktop app, and they both sync
Hi there
I had a problem where I noticed one day about a month or so ago that my backup of my current computer had disappeared so couldnt access any files from my computer on my phone. The only way I could see to fix it was to reinstall dropbox on my computer which it fix the backup problem. However I now have a problem on my computer where my windows explorer shows two indentical dropbox folders. How do I remove of them without losing any files? Anything I do to one of the folders affects the other, they both have the same files and both sync. Thanks in advance.
Hi Megan
My husband has just managed to sort everything out for me. Thank you both for your help.
edit:
For me it turned out that Id been using a downloaded version of dropbox on my computer and when I uninstalled it to fix my back up problem I then reinstalled dropbox using the microsoft app version of dropbox instead. That caused me to have two identical dropbox folders that were both syncing. To fix it we uninstalled dropbox again and then reinstalled using the downloaded version again and it fixed my duplicate folder problem.
The problem i was having where i was getting the message on the last screenshot about my folders were not in the defaut location, my husband googled some hidden commands in the dropbox application that allowed you to reset the default location which fixed that problem. I dont remember what is was now though im afraid.
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- Nancy
Dropbox Community Moderator
I wouldn’t suggest this for now. One more thing I’d like to ask though is whether you were asked to pick the location of your Dropbox folder once reinstalling the Dropbox app.
If yes, did you choose your previous/existing location?
I’d like to gather as much info as possible and check this with our team.
Hi Nancy
Yes it gave me some error at first (I cant remember what it was now) and then I chose the location it used to be in.
- Nancy
Is there any chance you installed the Dropbox app via the Microsoft Store when this happened?
Hi Nancy
Yes im pretty sure I did
- Hannah
Thanks for all the info, Xariel.
I think in this case, what you'll need to do is the following:
- Uninstall the Dropbox app
- Make sure the device is no longer linked to your Dropbox account (you can confirm this from your security page, the particular computer will need to be removed from your "devices" list).
- Delete the existing Dropbox items
- Reinstall the Dropbox application either from our website or the MS Store and sign in to your account
Try these steps and let us know how it goes.
Hi Hannah
If I remove my current computer from the device list will my backup of that computer be removed aswell? If it doesnt, when I reinstall dropbox will dropbox think my computer is a new device and try to backup again or will it recognize my computer backup when i reinstall and continue as if nothing happened? Sorry if this is confusing. Many thanks
- Hannah
No worries, Xariel!
If you have the backup feature enabled, to make sure everything goes smoothly, I would suggest disabling it first and then moving forward with the uninstalling of the app.
Hi Hannah
Ive tried to do what you said about uninstalling etc, Its a bit of a mess right now. Ive uninstalled the app, unlinked my computer on the security page, then deleted the dropbox folder. It deleted all my files etc on my computer AND I still have a dropbox folder that still seems to be there that I cannot delete. Heres a screenshot.
The error message comes up everytime I try to open any folders or save anything. I havent reinstalled yet but I cant access any of my files currently so im going to have to reinstall it again even though theres still a problem.
edit: I restarted my computer and it fixed the error message problem.
Its like dropbox is still installed even though i uninstalled it and ive searched to see if on my computer at all and i cant find it.
- Megan
Keep in mind that your Dropbox content will remain there, even if the app is uninstalled Xariel.
If you wish to remove them, you'd need to delete your Dropbox folder. You mentioned that it's like Dropbox is still installed, but if you've managed to remove both the program and the folders, you should be good to go.
