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Forum Discussion
finsnlinit
8 years agoNew member | Level 2
Deleted Files won't stay deleted
I have a folder that I delete but keeps coming back. I delete it and then try to permanently delete it. When I do that, I get an error that the files can't be permanently deleted because they are sti...
- 8 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 likely 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 should be able to delete it.
Rich
8 years agoSuper 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 likely 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 should be able to delete it.
- pkiula8 years agoNew member | Level 2
Same issue. Instead of creating a new thread, I'll ask here. Why is the deletion process so knuckle-headed in Dropbox? Folders aren't getting deleted, even after I go in and "delete permanently". They keep showing in the listing of files while Drobox shows the nag-message at the top about upgrading. Photos cannot be deleted either, there's no way to mass-delete them. What a stupid, stupid, stupid. I'd just like to delete everything and have a clean account in case someone needs to share a folder/file with me and is still using this archaic solution. Please help -- how should I delete mu files, folders, everything shared, all photos, etc. (This is a 1 second process in Google Drive.)
PS: I don't have dropbox on any device anymore. Only in browser.
Thank you!
- Rich8 years agoSuper User II
- Sanchez8 years agoDropbox StaffHey pkiula, welcome to our forum!I understand that you don’t have our Dropbox app installed on any computer, but this is currently the best way of mass-deleting content. I also understand your frustration with doing this online, and I am sending your comments over to our team for review.Thanks
- Sanchez8 years agoDropbox StaffHi finsnlinit & pkiulaWould you mind taking a minute of your time to fill out a survey sharing your experience using our Dropbox Community? You can access the survey here: http://bit.ly/2lNKIxTThank you!
- finsnlinit8 years agoNew member | Level 2
OMG I didn't think about that. You just made my life SO much easier. THANK YOU...THANK YOU!!
- SaraAmies8 years agoNew member | Level 2I do not have any other devices, but the files do not stay deleted.
- Sanchez8 years agoDropbox StaffHey SaraAmies, welcome to our community!Can you tell me where/how you’re deleting your files? Let me know and we’ll go from there.Thanks!
- Ggggg16 years agoNew member | Level 2This is the most frequent question, and yet, Dropbox can’t find one single person to just answer it once and for all... it’s sad for such a well know server. Get it together Db
- RoseCarol7 years agoNew member | Level 2
That is my same issue. I dont have it installed anywhere else. Only use it from the browser, and it still wont let me permanetly delete them. I should not have to wait 30 days or 1 year for a file to be deleted. I pay for my account and If i am sure I want to delete a file then please delete them.
- Sanchez7 years agoDropbox StaffHey RoseCarol, welcome to our community!Can you post a screenshot of the folder showing its location, and then another when you try to permanently delete it? Please make sure to omit any personal or private info. If you’re more comfortable doing this over email, I’ll be happy to follow up with you.Let me know.Thanks!
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