Deleting dropbox files from just my computer

[jessicabrown001]

I use dropbox for work, but only use a select few files and can easily just go onto dropbox online to download the files I need. I had the dropbox app installed on my laptop, but hundreds of other colleages files were downloading onto my laptop and using up all of my hard drive space. I have completely unlinked and deleted the dropbox app from my laptop, but all of the files are still there in my files. Is it safe for me to now delete these files from my laptop since I have removed & unlinked the app, or will it delete the files from others' dropbox? 

[Cb9]

in the settings you should find selective sync and you can chose the folders that will sync directally

[Rich · Accepted solution]

Just remember to make sure that a folder is fully synced BEFORE you uncheck it in Selective Sync. When you uncheck a folder and apply your changes, the folder is removed from your local hard drive immediately, and if it hasn't fully synced to your account, you'll lose files.

[drop44663]

Yes, if what you say is true, that you've unlinked and deleted the app from your laptop, you should be safe. 

Others are proposing you stick with the app on your laptop and just adjust the sync settings. Sometimes, however, the app is not worth the trouble, as you suggested. Sometimes its easier to just access Dropbox thru your browser. I love the app/program and have been using it on my main computer for years.  Its seemless, it syncs smoothly, it allows you to access Dropbox like a regular folder, etc. But sometimes it make sense to access Dropbox without it and I access Dropbox thru browsers on secondary computers. Good luck!

[libertine999]

Same problem: My Dropbox is full because I am linked with lots of other peoples' files that I don't need. "Selective sync" does not exist. Can I delete files from my dropbox archive (via Macbook-Finder) without deleting them from other peoples' archive?

[barby]

cant find the settings I need - where are they? I want to unsync my laptop so I can delete the files without deleting them on Dropbox

[Jay]

Hi @libertine999, can you see if you can find the selective sync options from here?

@barby, do you want to use selective sync, or to completely unlink your computer from the Dropbox site? If the former check my previous link, otherwise, check here on how to unlink your machine.