Unable to permanently delete files in Delete Files folder

[lesleyd]

Wow. I have now waited 6 days for Dropbox to answer this question. Seriously. What does it take????????? And first I checked everywhere I can but no one seems to have had this problem.

There is no option to permanently delete files in my Delete Files folder any more. It's gone. The options are now "Cancel" and "Restore Files". I have unshared the files so they should be able to be permanently deleted. But that option is no longer there - gone, gone, gone, gone. I have tried Chrome and Safari with the same result. 

Is there anyone out there in this universe who has the answer to why I can't free up space in my Dropbox? Do I have to move to another system all together? Has Dropbox decided to stop functioning? 

[Mark]

Can you post a screenshot as Dropbox doesnt have a deleted files folder so I'm a tad confused as to where you are.

[Lusil · Accepted solution]

Hi there @lesleyd.

Initially, please bear in mind that deleted and permanently deleted files don't count against your storage quota. Permanently deleting files after they have already been deleted doesn't free any more space in your Dropbox. You can find out more info about this here. 

Furthermore, you can check your Plan tab for more details on your storage since it includes info about unused space and space taken up by regular files and shared files. If you’d like to unshare any content in your Dropbox account, please see relevant steps in this article. 

Finally,  I was able to locate your ongoing communication from my side and I can see that it’s under review by a specialized member of my team. Due to account-specific info required, I’d kindly recommend continuing this discussion via email with them. I’ve made sure to pass your comments along and they’ll get back to you as soon as they have more info so as to further troubleshoot with you. Rest assured, they’ll do their best to assist you. 

Let me know if you have any other questions! 

[lesleyd · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your response.

I did receive the response I needed from your team, and it took 8 days from the first communication I sent to get my answer. That is why I put this question into the Community Help Center.

For anyone else who wants to know, the option to permanently delete files in the Deleted Folder has changed. It is no longer in the line of the file or folder. You now have to tick the box on the left-hand side next to the folder or file you want to deleted. Then, on the right-hand side 2 options show up: "Restore" or "Permanently Delete". This is how you can permanently delete files now.

[Lusil]

Thanks for the detailed response and glad to hear you were able to resolve your concern, @lesleyd!

If you have any questions in the future, don’t hesitate to get back to us. In the mean time, have a wonderful week ahead! 

[dangteena]

I cannot find the option to delete a file?  I've literally tried everything. 

HOW CAN I DELETE A FILE????

WHY does DELETE not show up as an option for my files?

[Lusil]

Hi there, @dangteena. 

If you're trying to delete files or folders on the website:

1. Sign in.
2. Navigate to Files. 
3. Locate the file or folder you want to delete.
4. Click on the ellipsis (...) that's on the right of it.
5. Select Delete from the drop-down menu.

If you're trying to remove a file or folder from your desktop app, please remember that the Dropbox folder is just like any other folder on your computer. In that sense, you can delete a file or folder that's in your Dropbox folder as you would delete any other file or folder on your computer. 

Finally, if you're trying to delete a file or folder from the mobile app, I'd recommend checking out this article which provides more relevant info depending on the OS of your mobile device. 

I hope this helps!