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Forum Discussion
How do I delete files from Dropbox without deleting them from my computer and other devices?
I do not use Dropbox for backup storage; I use a different service for that. But friends and fellow students sometimes want to share files in Dropbox, so I set up a free account. Somehow, I don't know how, Dropbox uploaded some of my photos to the cloud and filled up my basic Dropbox space. I would like to take my photos out of Dropbox WITHOUT DELETING THEM FROM MY COMPUTER or other devices. This would give me the Dropbox space that I need for sharing. But when I try to do that, Dropbox says that it will delete my photos from all my devices! How can I empty my Dropbox without deleting my photos from my devices?
- Rich
Super User II
It's only going to remove the photos from the Dropbox folder on your computers. If those photos are stored elsewhere on your drive, they will not be deleted.
If you want to be certain, move the photos out of the Dropbox folder to a new location on your drive. They'll be removed from your account online (freeing up space) as well as the Dropbox folders on any other computer linked to your account.
- This was not my experience. I deleted files on dropboxAnd the corresponding files on my computer were indeed deleted. And I’m not talking about the ones in the dropbox folder. I had originally copied my music folder on windows eight to the dropbox folder. According to the explanation above as I understand it, the files in the dropbox folder should’ve been deleted but the ones in the music folder Should’ve remained. Any thoughts?
- Daphne
Dropbox Staff
Thank you so much. I'll give that a try.
Like the other person, I only use this Dropbox account to backup photos/videos and then remove them to another safe place. This message that it will delete the files from ALL DEVICES is new and scares me! I have linked my boss and his wife's cell phones and both their iPads. I do NOT want to delete the files on their devices!! I simply want to take their cloud files out of Dropbox and move them to somewhere else...safely backed up. What can I do to INSURE that I'm not deleting their files from their phones/iPads??
Thanks buddy, everything is gone from my documents on dropbox and my PC. Terrible advice. It has gone from recycling bin too.
Re: How do I delete files from Dropbox without deleting them from my computer and other devices?
I just faced the same issue my all data is deleted can get that data back?
I lost some important videos of my grandchildren from deleting them from Dropbox - even the ones on my hard drive backup were deleted. I have never used Dropbox since and would not consider using it again/
I want to delete files on my Dropbox but DONT want to delete on my laptop. How do I do that?
- Nancy
Thanks for posting here, @RINGDING!
To make sure I get this right; do you wish to delete files from www.dropbox.com without deleting them from your local Dropbox folder? If yes, then you can ignore those files instead.
Do you want to delete files from your Dropbox account, in general, without affecting any local copies on your laptop (outside of the Dropbox folder)?
Have you enabled computer backup perhaps, and you’d like to turn it off while returning your files to their original place on your laptop instead?
Let me know.
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[Moderator Note: The post was edited for clarity/more information/details.]
I want to delete files from my local dropbox folder and dropbox.com and not delete the original file on my laptop.
not delete from desk top
- Megan
Hey zergaw asefa, thanks for posting here!
Unfortunately it's not entirely clear what you wish to achieve here.
Do you wish to learn how to delete files from Dropbox, without deleting them from your desktop, or something different?
If you could clarify, that'd be amazing in order for me to then be able to guide you correctly.
Keep me posted!
