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Wondering if my inaccessible account still active?
Hi, I’m wondering whether my inaccessible account is still active. I looked around but because I’m feeling anxious I couldn’t find a definite answer, and I’d really like some reassurance.
Years ago, my old email was compromised during a time when I was unwell. It was part of a data breach, and in a panic I permanently deleted it (which I know was my own mistake).
Today, years later, I suddenly thought about that old email again. Because everything back then was such a blur, I wondered whether I might have had a Dropbox account associated with it.
When I tried signing in with the old email and password, it said it sent a code to that old email address, which I can no longer access because it was deleted. Many scenarios playing in my head, like one: I don’t know whether someone might have accessed my Dropbox account and downloaded the app on their phone or computer and it’s active? But since the email address itself is no longer active, I’m not sure what happens.
I thought inactive accounts were eventually deactivated, or that files might be deleted after a long period of no access, or so I’ve read on here. I really hope that’s the case, especially because I may or may not have stored old sentimental family photos there (it’s been years). Again, I fully blame myself.
Ive tried the recovery form, and now I’ve contacted support, although from what I’ve read on other forums, it’s unlikely they can help if you no longer have access to the associated email (I’m not angry at them). Still, I’m praying and hoping at least that if there were files and photos in them that they would have been deleted by now due to inactivity?
Any advice appreciated.
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Dropbox Plan - Standard
Are you a Team Member or Admin? Not part of a team. Owner of account.
Do you have access to the email linked to the account? No.
Are there any devices connected to your Dropbox account? Once, but that old computer had seen its days.. it’s no longer working.
3 Replies
Update: so turns out the app isn’t in the old pc. I’ll wait for the support team, and not let panic think for me. All will work out. Thank you again.
HiMegan thank you for your reply. It’s quite worrying the possibility of it still being ‘active’, because I don’t recall using Dropbox in years, the old devices (PC) is long gone and I can’t remember if I used any other devices because it was all a blur. (Edit to add question:) if they don’t have access to my old email account because it’s been deleted, is it still possible they can sign into the Dropbox using that email address? (Another update: I found out there is an old family pc that is now used for gaming for the teens. I will find out tonight if by any means it has the app on the device and somehow still logged in. 🙏)
What I really want my is sentimental family photos removed. If someone does have access to the account, I hope that they don’t do anything horrid with the photos. Even if it was a foggy time, I’m hoping I did delete them or didn’t upload photos at around that time. Again, I know this is my fault and a hard lesson learned. 🙏
Thanks again
- Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi dontworrybehappy3, sorry to hear about that!
As you wisely mentioned even if the email address was deleted, if you've logged in any old device or had any file activity on Dropbox within the previous 12 months, then your account is considered active. However, if it's been more than approximately 12 months since you sign into the account, then this might not be the case.
Since you can't be certain about this, trying to sign into the account was the best way to go about it. You can also have a closer look into this relevant Help Center article for more insight about the security code.
I did some digging in our system, and I was able to locate your ticket number with our support team. I think it's best to wait for their reply since they have more visibility on their end, in order to help with your request.
If you need something else, please let me know and I will be more than happy to help every step of the way.
