Deleted folders keep reappearing. What can I do?

[bstahl]

I had this problem and putting a file in the folder did not resolve it, it immediately re-created the folder after I deleted it from the Finder (Mac 10.13.3). What did work was to choose Pause Syncing from the Dropbox menu bar widget, delete the file in Finder, then create a new folder with the same name (this is what I was trying to do in the first place). After resuming syncing, it left it alone.

[HK J.]

I'm sorry, but we just SHOULD NOT have to go thru all this to DELETE pix.

[Jane]

Hey @HK J., I understand that being unable to understand the source of this discrepancy at a glance may not be ideal, however kindly note that Dropbox would merely reflect your changes to your account online. Nonetheless, rest assured that I'm here to help you determine what's happening as much as I can on my end!  

To re-iterate Guy's post on the previous page, kindly note that there could be a device running an application which is using the content that’s re-appearing on your Dropbox account. Alternatively, if you’re seeing a shared file or folder reappear after deletion, it may be that a person you shared it with is accessing it.

To check back on whether any of my pointers applies, you can look at the Version History of some example file names (tip: it’s on the on the 💬 of the file in question) in the folder that will point you towards the device or application that last accessed the files in the share/ plain folder. 

If you check the previous versions of the file and see that it was accessed from an application on another computer, you can delete it off of that computer to stop it from reappearing in your Dropbox.

Please do let me know how you get on with my hints on this discussion & I’ll do my best to check back with you. Thanks again & I'll be awaiting your next post! 

[LisaMVIP]

When we delete or rename a folder it comes back. It doesn't matter what computer or if we are on the website,  If the folder is renamed, or moved within hours or the next day both the old folder and the new folder reappear.  Or if we simply delete a folder it also comes back. There are hunderes of folders that have been moved, renamed or deleted and keep reappearing. So frustrating and time consuming, how can we stop this from happening?

[Здравко]

Hi @LisaMVIP,

Let me guess: You try rename/move folders in online only mode...? This is known problem  and you already have done the possible: One more voice!

[billiesoniq]

I'm experiencing this problem as well. 

[Jane]

Hey @LisaMVIP & @billiesoniq, I have now made sure to move your posts under this ongoing conversation, as the hints we’ve posted here with Walter have resolved the OP’s inquiry. Would you mind checking those out whenever you have a bit of spare time & let us know here if you have any follow-up questions?

Thanks & I’m looking forward to hearing back from you! 

[LisaMVIP]

Hi Jane, I am reading through the responses where you have moved this post and I'm not seeing an answer to our problem? Please direct me to where they might be or if you can provide some assistance it would be greatly appreciated.

[Jane]

Thanks for the speedy message back @LisaMVIP; I moved your post here in hopes that my previous reply above helps you shed some light, however I’d happily re-iterate for convenience’ sake! 

Essentially Lisa this probably happens because there’s an application/service that’s accessing the previous version of the file elsewhere thus “locking” the file name that you’re trying to change & the Version History should help you gain some insight on the possible cause. 

Would you mind checking out how my advice works for you whenever you have a bit of spare time & let me know of your findings in your next reply? Thanks!

[LisaMVIP]

Jane, 

Thank you for your quick response. The link included that you would like me to review says Error (4xx) and directs me back to a general help page. Very frustrated we have been hung up on...or "accidently disconected" more than 8 times in the past month and the escalation team has stopped responding twice. Like I mentioned we have hundreds of files that have been deleted and keep being added that need to be cleaned up and thousands more files that need to be added. We are stuck here waiting for anyone to help so we can get this cleaned up before our busy time begins in 2 weeks. 

Thank you

Lisa

[Jane]

I appreciate all the extra details on this matter @LisaMVIP! 

For starters, I've made sure to amend the wrong link on the post above now, so it should be working as expected. 

Sorry to hear about the technical issues that may have arised as you were discussing that with live Support Lisa, I could see that you’ve now been actively working to resolve the issue you’ve described me with our higher-level technicians through our Official Support channel, where you’ve made some progress. Kindly note that your best bet at the moment would be gathering all relevant details under this same email chain, as our team specialists have already gained some insight on the issue you’re facing.

While I’ve now made sure to include a copy of your comments & I’ve increased your support priority internally, I remain at your entire disposal should you need more help from me in any way. Thanks for bearing with us as we're working to address this issue!