Uninstall of Dropbox app - will it lose PC files in Dropbox folder

[FeeW]

Hi,

Someone sent a link to Dropbox files to look at and I set up on-line account. Then I was sent a link to download the app. Ran this but big mistake as it automatically uploaded Desktop, documents and downloads folders from PC. There was nothing to stop it or de-select folders that I saw (bit rubbish!). Obviously I have more than 2GB in these so ran out of space in Dropbox. Tried deleting the main PC file on Dropbox - not allowed. Found selective sync in app and deselected all three folders. On PC all my folders  have now moved to Dropbox folder. I do not want Dropbox app on PC at the moment but I'm scared if I uninstall it I will lose the Dropbox folder and therefore all my documents. Please tell me how I can back out of this mess without losing anything. 

[Lusil]

Hi there @FeeW, thanks for reaching out to us on the Dropbox Community. 

At first, I wanted to clarify that selective sync is a space-saving feature for your hard drive, which removes the chosen folders from your computer but keeps them in your Dropbox account. 

As such, you'll have to:

• Sync the folders back again.
• Turn off the computer backup feature which added your computer folders to your Dropbox account in the first place. 
• Move the files to their original locations on your computer. 

Let me know how it goes, thanks!

[Kevinskih]

The exact same thing happened to me. I disliked Dropbox 10 years ago and have stayed away from the "service" ever since. But someone sent me I link and I figured that if they are still in business they must have improved. As far as I am concerned, Dropbox is an intrusive virus. It messed up the whole file structure in Finder on my MacBook Pro while dumping "safety backups" on my drive. I quickly uninstalled but the damage is done. It will take me MONTHS to sort out this mess. I used to dislike DropBox – now I HATE Dropbox.