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Forum Discussion

BLB2's avatar
BLB2
Explorer | Level 4
3 years ago

Deleting files

Hi.  I have very basic IT knowledge. Using my laptop  DB offered to upload all my files. I have 2GB free plan.  I hit OK but it quickly filled my small plan.  I don't want to upgrade. During process I was informed that deleting from DB automatically deletes from everywhere.  But now I want to go back to only saving photos but don't want to loose what files I have on my laptop.  I think I only have the choice of cancelling out of DB.  Is there any other way? Am I correct that deleting from DB will delete from my laptop?

Computer Backup
Delete
desktop
Dropbox Basic
sync
  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    3 years ago
    The steps I listed are on the official article for computer backup, which was provided in the original reply from my colleague.

    Once you disable computer backup, you'll get the option to 'Keep content in folders on this PC/Mac', which will move the folders and files back to their previous locations. This will also delete them from the Dropbox account online to free up space there.
  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    3 years ago
    Hey BLB2, thanks for joining our Community and happy March!

    It sounds like you enabled the computer backup feature upon installing the desktop app on your laptop.

    If you'd like to disable it, you should follow the steps outlined here.

    Let me know how it goes.
    • BLB2's avatar
      BLB2
      Explorer | Level 4
      3 years ago

      Hi Walter.  I tried to follow your suggestions and couldn't find the relevant tabs or "manage" areas described.  I then enlisted assistance from a friend who has dealt with Dropbox for many years and he couldn't do anything that we believed was safe.  There just weren't the options available.  We uninstalled the desktop app and reinstalled with no benefit.  He spent in excess of 2 hours on it to no avail and couldn't believe how "not user friendly" drop box is if you have an issue.  He has a very experienced Tech guy he will query this issue with but is beginning to believe it is un-fixable. 

      If you have other suggestions I would love to hear them.  I am quite concerned I could loose everything, which has happened to others  according to other community posts.  Bev

      • Walter's avatar
        Walter
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
        3 years ago
        I'm sorry for the late reply, Bev. Are you still having issues with this?

        If so, please let me know where you stand at the moment and we'll pick it up from there.

About Delete, edit, and organize

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