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Forum Discussion

jessicabrown001's avatar
jessicabrown001
New member | Level 2
7 years ago

Deleting dropbox files from just my computer

I use dropbox for work, but only use a select few files and can easily just go onto dropbox online to download the files I need. I had the dropbox app installed on my laptop, but hundreds of other colleages files were downloading onto my laptop and using up all of my hard drive space. I have completely unlinked and deleted the dropbox app from my laptop, but all of the files are still there in my files. Is it safe for me to now delete these files from my laptop since I have removed & unlinked the app, or will it delete the files from others' dropbox? 

  • Just remember to make sure that a folder is fully synced BEFORE you uncheck it in Selective Sync. When you uncheck a folder and apply your changes, the folder is removed from your local hard drive immediately, and if it hasn't fully synced to your account, you'll lose files.
  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
    Just remember to make sure that a folder is fully synced BEFORE you uncheck it in Selective Sync. When you uncheck a folder and apply your changes, the folder is removed from your local hard drive immediately, and if it hasn't fully synced to your account, you'll lose files.
  • Cb9's avatar
    Cb9
    New member | Level 2

    in the settings you should find selective sync and you can chose the folders that will sync directally

  • drop44663's avatar
    drop44663
    Helpful | Level 5

    Yes, if what you say is true, that you've unlinked and deleted the app from your laptop, you should be safe. 

     

    Others are proposing you stick with the app on your laptop and just adjust the sync settings. Sometimes, however, the app is not worth the trouble, as you suggested. Sometimes its easier to just access Dropbox thru your browser. I love the app/program and have been using it on my main computer for years.  Its seemless, it syncs smoothly, it allows you to access Dropbox like a regular folder, etc. But sometimes it make sense to access Dropbox without it and I access Dropbox thru browsers on secondary computers. Good luck!

  • libertine999's avatar
    libertine999
    Explorer | Level 3

    Same problem: My Dropbox is full because I am linked with lots of other peoples' files that I don't need. "Selective sync" does not exist. Can I delete files from my dropbox archive (via Macbook-Finder) without deleting them from other peoples' archive?

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