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Locked folder that can't be removed?

Locked folder that can't be removed?

enjayare
Explorer | Level 3
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Hello Forum members,

I have a folder that was sent to me by a client a couple of years ago that I can't remove from my Dropbox. The folder has a grey padlock on the bottom left corner and also an X in a red circle on the bottom right corner - see screen shot. I am using a Mac with OS Mojave 10.14.6

Can anyone advise how to remove this folder as I dont have authority to unlock it.

Screen Shot 2019-08-21 at 8.38.19 pm.png

 

39 Replies 39

enjayare
Explorer | Level 3
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That is great glad I could be of assistance for you.

ARGPVA
Explorer | Level 3
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Hi - I have 3 locked folders on my Mac desktop that are no longer on Dropbox.com. I can't delete them - even with Terminal - and they have been synching for months. I've already uninstalled and re-installed Dropbox. Any ideas for deleting the folders from my desktop?

Jay
Dropbox Staff
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Hi @ARGPVA, thanks for messaging today!

 

Are these files locked by the OS, and are you able to unlock in the Finder settings?

 

Could you forward a screenshot of the folders in Finder, and also what you see when you use ‘Get info’ on one of the folders.

 

Keep me posted!


Jay
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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ARGPVA
Explorer | Level 3
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Hi, thanks for the reponse. No they don't seem to be locked by the OS. When I open up info for the folder on Finder, I don't have the option of unlocking it.Screenshot 2020-05-13 at 14.31.43.png

Jay
Dropbox Staff
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It looks like it is locked by the OS, given that there is a checkmark there under 'Locked'

 

Could you try the steps here to see if they help.


Jay
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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ARGPVA
Explorer | Level 3
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Unfortunately it's only on my desktop in the Dropbox folder, so I can't leave the folder online (no longer exists). I also can't move the folder to Trash on the Desktop because it's locked and won't allow me to.

Jay
Dropbox Staff
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Thanks for the details, it sounds like you're experiencing the issue I've merged your thread into.

 

As this seems to be a Mac issue, could you try the steps provided by the other community members to see if this helps?


Jay
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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rothm
New member | Level 2
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There is a locked folder in the dropbox files on my computer that I can not move to the trash (I'm on a Mac) and that will not sync with dropbox. The folder was originally shared with me on dropbox; however, the folder no longer shows up on when I go to dropbox using the web browser (even though the folder is on my machine). 

 

I've tried rebooting, removing and reloading dropbox, and all the other suggestions I could find from the FAQs and other on-line help.  I've also had a hour-long session with the IT folks where I work and they were unable to find a way to get rid of the folder.  Advice or suggestions would be appreciated!

 

My computer is endlessly trying to sync the one folder (though I can pause it when the endless syncing becomes a problem)

 

MR

Lusil
Dropbox Staff
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Hi @rothm, thanks for reaching out to us. 

I moved your post here, where other users have had a similar issue. 

Could you have a look at the troubleshooting mentioned here, and let us know if it helps?

Lusil
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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rothm
New member | Level 2
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Actually, I found this website,

https://itstillworks.com/unlock-folders-mac-desktop-9789.html

and was able to use the instructions there to get the file unlocked and move it to my trash.

 

Thanks for reaching out though with this thread!  

 

Mary

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    rothm New member | Level 2
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    Lusil Dropbox Staff
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    Jay Dropbox Staff
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    ARGPVA Explorer | Level 3
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