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Forum Discussion
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 appear again. All the folders in my dropbox has this problem.
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.
I also cannot delete a folder no matter how many times I try. The folder is in a folder that is shared by numerous people. We have all deleted it but it keeps coming back. Nothing is in the folder except two subfolder and they all keep showing up again. I tried to rename it DO NOT USE but it reverted back to the old name. Argh...help!
Just login from dropbox website and delete it from there. Apparently it doesn't deletes from app folder directly.
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 :-)
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
Dropbox Staff
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!
Leesa
Before you proceed, make sure you remember your sign in ID and password to your dropbox account.
You need to inform the people with whom you have shared your files with.
Tell them Is it okay of you to delete all the files in your dropbox.
Because you have continuing issues with your dropbox.
Just make sure, before you delete any files, you have to backup all the files in your computer first.
Sign in to http://www.dropbox.com and delete all the folders there.
If it keep reappearing.
Click on show deleted hidden files and remove all those files.
Then if it keep reappears again.
Remove the remaining files within that folder one by one. And then delete the folder.
Now download a new version of dropbox.
Next uninstall the old version of dropbox.
Then install the newer version dropbox which you have downloaded previously.
Sign in your dropbox again.
I can't delete the empty folder from my dropbox,
if i try, it appears again after few seconds
May be somebody from Dropbox team will finally join the discussion and give if not a solution but at least a hint for this? It is rather annoying problem preventing from convenient usage of the app.
- Rich
Super User II
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. Hi
The only way is to wipe out deleting all the folders. And the the folder that have been reappears need to delete the files and then delete the folder. I have to do this way. I have no choice. That is the only solution that I got. I even updated to the latest version of dropbox by uninstalling and reinstalling the newer versions.
Please take note: -
Make sure before you delete all the folders. Back it up first!Susan D, backup all the folders to your computer if you do not have any copy folders in your dropbox. If you do have a copies of the same folders.
Simply delete all the folders completely. Check your folders again that have been reappearing. And delete the files one by one within the folders.
Hi M. R, I've tested your solution.
It doesn't work for me unfortunately.
If I'm on the website, there are 3 folders (among many) that I can't delete because in them, a few files won't accept to be deleted. They always appear back a few seconds after being deleted. Those folders are not shared with other parties.
Has anyone some further ideas?
Thanks a lot!
