File loss

[mena1968]

I unchecked the the sync of my personal files with the windows desktop client and suddenly ALL my files are gone. This is a complete disaster. I will try to restore the files from harddrive, but if it fails: Is there any chance to restore the files already uploaded to Dropbox? The deleted files folder is empty.... 

[Megan]

Hi @mena1968, let me see how I can help here! 

It sounds as if you used our selective sync feature, am I right? 

Let me know if you're able to see your files on the web.

Have you tried following these steps in order to sync the content back to your device? 

Keep me posted, and we'll take it from there.

[mena1968]

Unfortunately I am not sure how I configured the dropbox client in the first place. I tried to delete my personal documents from the cloud folder. That didnt work, because I couldnt get rid of the PC folder and it was too annoying to delete every single file from deleted files list. Then I reinstalled the client locally and stopped the sync (guess it was the selective sync feature). But suddenly all my files where gone locally and the deleted files folder (online) was empty. 
I gave the notebook to a specialist to restore the file system, but if that fails, is there any possibility a dropbox technician is able to restore the files? Do you have backups? I am willing to pay, if thats the problem...

[Mark]

Hi @mena1968 

You can only restore via Dropbox if they were actually uploaded to Dropbox in the first place - which will depend upon if you gave things enough time to upload AND you have enough quota to do so.

You can see what HAS been uploaded at www.dropbox.com/home and restore anything via https://help.dropbox.com/files-folders/restore-delete/recover-deleted-files-folders

[mena1968]

The deleted files folder went empty when I disabled the sync from the client.

[Jay]

Hi @mena1968, if you permanently deleted the files from the deleted files page, then it wouldn't be possible for our support team to recover the files.

It might be possible to recover the files from the local machine from the recycle bin, or using a third party app or service to do so.