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Forum Discussion

Sharifdata's avatar
Sharifdata
New member | Level 2
7 months ago

How to recover permanently deleted files?

One of my folders was deleted permanently on mistake two days ago. How can I get it back?

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

    Hi Sharifdata, welcome to our Community! 

     

    I'm afraid there's not much that you can do.

     

    When a folder/file are permanently deleted, there is no way to recover them. 

     

    I hope this clarifies!

  • LeonF's avatar
    LeonF
    Explorer | Level 4

    Has anyone ever recovered files or folders you may have accidentally permanently deleted?
    If so, how do you do it?

    • Mark's avatar
      Mark
      Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

      LeonF wrote:

      Has anyone ever recovered files or folders you may have accidentally permanently deleted?
      If so, how do you do it?


      The only way I can think of is either via a backup OR a device connected to Dropbox which has not yet sync'd the deletion (maybe an infrequently used laptop?). 

      • Rich's avatar
        Rich
        Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

        Mark wrote:

        ... OR a device connected to Dropbox which has not yet sync'd the deletion (maybe an infrequently used laptop?). 


        Just make sure it's off-network when you turn it on, or Dropbox will immediately begin to sync.

    • Hannah's avatar
      Hannah
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

      Hi there, LeonF, thanks for your post today.

       

      I'm afraid that permanently deleted files are not recoverable.

       

      Once they're permanently deleted, they are removed from our servers immediately.

       

      I'm sorry I couldn't help more, but if you have any more questions, let us know.

      • LeonF's avatar
        LeonF
        Explorer | Level 4

        Thanks Hannah. There is an option called "rewind". It helped me get back some items but not all. Is that supposed to help you recover everything as at the date you rewind to if it is working optimally?

  • josecherukara's avatar
    josecherukara
    New member | Level 2

    A folder shared with me by [removed]
    was permanently deleted by (email name).
    Immediately it disappeared from my account too.
    It is also shared with another paid account.
    Is there a way I, [removed] can recover the deleted file.

     

    [personal info removed per the Dropbox Community Guidelines]

    • Rich's avatar
      Rich
      Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

      josecherukara wrote:

      A folder shared with me ... was permanently deleted ... Is there a way I ... can recover the deleted file.


      If your access hasn't been removed then you may be able to rejoin the folder from your Sharing page. Otherwise, no, you'll need to ask the owner to re-invite you to the shared folder.

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