We are aware of the issue with the badge emails resending to everyone, we apologise for the inconvenience - learn more here. 

Forum Discussion

Iris L.1's avatar
Iris L.1
New member | Level 1
10 years ago

Can't delete a folder in dropbox

After I delete a folder(not an empty folder). It will appear again after few minutes and all the files in the folder are gone, like an empty folder. No matter how many times I delete it, it will app...
Delete
  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    9 years ago

    If a file or folder returns when you delete it, it's because it was unable to be deleted on one of your connected devices.

    You delete a file on computer A. Dropbox is informed that it has been deleted and syncs that change to your account. Dropbox on your other devices is notified that the file has been deleted, so they also remove the file. On computer B, Dropbox is unable to remove that file for whatever reason (permission, locked, read-only, etc.). The result is that the file remains in place. Dropbox sees the file is still there, thinks it's been added and uploads it back to your account. All your other devices are notified of the "new" file and they sync it back down.

    So the problem is that the file or folder in question on one of your devices is unable to be deleted. Figure out which (use Previous Versions to see which computer is adding it back) and fix what is holding it there, and you'll be able to delete it.

Susan D.'s avatar
Susan D.
New member | Level 1

I am having the same problem. I have some old folders that I want to delete. If I delete them, they pop right back up. I even tried re-naming them so at least they would be at the bottom of the list. The re-named folder goes to the bottom and the original one stays at the top. These folders were shared with me and I filed the information into my docs, so the folder is actually empty, I just can't delete it. Please help :-)

mwillis1724's avatar
mwillis1724
New member | Level 2
8 years ago

I have folders that I wish to delete but when I delete them they pop right back up. I can delete some folders but not others...WFT???

  • Jane's avatar
    Jane
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    8 years ago

    Hey mwillis1724, 

     

    Welcome to the Community! 

     

    Have you checked if Rich 's reply above helps you determine the cause of the re-appearing folders? Are these added back by one of your devices? 

     

    Please look the previous version of your files online & keep me updated here in case you need more help. 

     

    Thanks! 

About Delete, edit, and organize

Solve issues with deleting, editing, and organizing files and folders in your Dropbox account with support from the Dropbox Community.

Need more support

If you need more help you can view your support options (expected response time for an email or ticket is 24 hours), or contact us on X or Facebook.

For more info on available support options for your Dropbox plan, see this article.

If you found the answer to your question in this Community thread, please 'like' the post to say thanks and to let us know it was useful!