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Forum Discussion
Deleted Files won't stay deleted
I have a folder that I delete but keeps coming back. I delete it and then try to permanently delete it. When I do that, I get an error that the files can't be permanently deleted because they are still active.
This is a huge issue because that folder keeps putting me over my limit. This folder was not meant to stay on my account for long. I just need it to go away.
If a file or folder returns when you delete it, it's because it was unable to be deleted on one of your connected devices.
You delete a file on computer A. Dropbox is informed that it has been deleted and syncs that change to your account. Dropbox on your other devices is notified that the file has been deleted, so they also remove the file. On computer B, Dropbox is unable to remove that file for whatever reason (permission, locked, read-only, etc.). The result is that the file remains in place. Dropbox sees the file is still there, thinks it's been added and uploads it back to your account. All your other devices are notified of the "new" file and they sync it back down.
So the problem is likely that the file or folder in question on one of your devices is unable to be deleted. Figure out which (use Previous Versions to see which computer is adding it back) and fix what is holding it there, and you should be able to delete it.
- Rich
Super User II
If a file or folder returns when you delete it, it's because it was unable to be deleted on one of your connected devices.
You delete a file on computer A. Dropbox is informed that it has been deleted and syncs that change to your account. Dropbox on your other devices is notified that the file has been deleted, so they also remove the file. On computer B, Dropbox is unable to remove that file for whatever reason (permission, locked, read-only, etc.). The result is that the file remains in place. Dropbox sees the file is still there, thinks it's been added and uploads it back to your account. All your other devices are notified of the "new" file and they sync it back down.
So the problem is likely that the file or folder in question on one of your devices is unable to be deleted. Figure out which (use Previous Versions to see which computer is adding it back) and fix what is holding it there, and you should be able to delete it.Same issue. Instead of creating a new thread, I'll ask here. Why is the deletion process so knuckle-headed in Dropbox? Folders aren't getting deleted, even after I go in and "delete permanently". They keep showing in the listing of files while Drobox shows the nag-message at the top about upgrading. Photos cannot be deleted either, there's no way to mass-delete them. What a stupid, stupid, stupid. I'd just like to delete everything and have a clean account in case someone needs to share a folder/file with me and is still using this archaic solution. Please help -- how should I delete mu files, folders, everything shared, all photos, etc. (This is a 1 second process in Google Drive.)
PS: I don't have dropbox on any device anymore. Only in browser.
Thank you!
OMG I didn't think about that. You just made my life SO much easier. THANK YOU...THANK YOU!!
- I do not have any other devices, but the files do not stay deleted.
- Sanchez
Dropbox Staff
- Deleted Files won't stay recovery
- Walter
Thanks for the response atdpath!
If you have the desktop app running on your computer, then you must have it there too. Can you look inside your Dropbox Folder and delete it from there if you do?
If not, send a screenshot of the problem to get a better understanding or even log a ticket with our team so we can help with all of our tools available.
Afsaan : Would you mind elaborating on this? Are you having trouble deleting files from your account as well?
This is so confusing. I have no idea what Dropbox is doing. I am on the dropbox web site but it won't let me delete photos. I want to be able to add photos from any device to my account, and also use those same photos from my dropbox account with any other device i am on. I will only delete photos by going to the website.
Maybe I just don't understand what drop box is all about. I cannot afford to be frustrated and thus unproductive all the time. It took me 15 minutes just to find a place to ask a question and I have no idea if I am in the right place now doing it.
I will probably press enter now, and everythinhg i have written will be deleted.
