Deleting backed up files to gain Dropbox storage space doesn't work

[Rikds]

I have followed most of the advice on the forum but the files stored in Dropbox simply refuse to delete. The so called Help boxes take me around in circles. As I am getting messages saying that my Dropbox is full I want to delete everything and start again.

Any help much appreciated. Beginning to think that Dropbox support is a total misnomer!

[Mark]

You've not said why they arent deleting. They should delete without issue and then give you space back. 

[Rikds]

I don't know why they are not deleting, I'm not a computer whizz and am unfamiliar with the details of Dropbox!

I have followed instructions about selecting a file and clicking delete I then get a message:

Delete 5 items from My PC (DESKTOP-U0UU9VV) backup?

Go to Backup settings to delete these items.
If you no longer have access to the computer you used to create My PC (DESKTOP-U0UU9VV) backup, click I don’t have access.

Going to backup settings returns me to the first page!

[Nancy]

Hey @Rikds. Can you please send me a screenshot of what you see on this page? 

Feel free to add a few screenshots of the options you mention as well, so that we may have a visual.

Let me know when you’re ready.

[Rikds]

Hi Nancy, Thanks for your message. Below are screenshots from 1 to 4 following the process up to delete command.

[Jay]

Hi @Rikds, you can't delete part of your Dropbox Backup from the site, only the entire backup itself.

To remove only one folder, you'll need to open the Backup settings in the Dropbox desktop application on the machine in question. Are you able to do so?

[Rikds]

Yes I can do that. If I delete the folders on the machine app will that delete them in the cloud Dropbox? I'd really like to delete everything in dropbox and start again!

[Jay]

Yes, since those folders are using the Dropbox Backup feature, you'll need to access them via these steps in the desktop app, and deselect the folders you don't want on your account.