I unlinked my computer from Dropbox and now a lot of my desktop files are gone

[deltastar]

Thanks in advance! I recently took an online art class, that the teacher uses Dropbox to send us her files. I clicked the link and created an account. Dropbox installed on my computer and cell (which was linked) It immediately started copying my thousands of files. I did not want it to do that.! I really did not realize that it would automatically start copying everything and I had no idea how to stop it…it wouldn’t let me cancel.   I wanted to get rid of Dropbox.  I was unsure of exactly what to do. I Googled articles about DropBox and how to leave it installed but unlink the devices. I carefully followed the advice;I unlinked them. Not only did all the saved files from class disappear BUT the folders of personal artwork,etc just disappeared off my desktop. It had thrown the trash bin away, I thought I could undelete them. I have tried all morning to get the trash bin……no luck.  Before I do too much more… are there are steps I can do to restore  my files? I want to do it correctly. Should I go back and try to link my PC back to the account and it may restore the files? I am afraid it will start automatically copying things again.  I am 71 years old. I do not have anyone to help me with this. Any help you can provide will be more than appreciated.

[Jay]

Hi @Maddogg, are you referring to the external drive backup feature, or something else?

Could you clarify what you mean when file are downloading to your machine?