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Forum Discussion
nh123
5 years agoNew member | Level 2
How to stop Dropbox deleting everywhere?
I often copy and save documents on my desktop for easy access.
When I go to delete a file off my desktop it also permanently deletes the file in my saved folder.
How can I stop this as it is an a...
- 3 years ago
Stamp My Art wrote:
This NEW change is FRUSTRATING and unacceptable. Why would you create this problem?
Nothing has changed. Dropbox still works the same way that it always has. If you delete a file from your Dropbox folder, it will be deleted from the Dropbox folder on all devices you sync with. Dropbox doesn't, and can't, delete files from other locations on your computer.
Sufyaan
4 years agoNew member | Level 2
I was deleting useless files on my Dropbox because they were taking up unnecessary space.
However, Dropbox deleted them from the PC as well, which was not intended. Is there a way to stop this from happening?
Some files I have on my PC I don't need on my Dropbox. How do I take away this ability of dropbox deleting files without my permission?
Megan
4 years agoDropbox Staff
Hi @Sufyaan, I hope you're having a wonderful day so far.
Keep in mind that this is the way Dropbox works.
The app is created to sync and mirror any changes you make online. Therefore, when you delete a file on the website, the same thing will happen to your files on your device.
You can ignore files, which would allow you to remove them from the device and keep them on the website. If you wish to do the opposite, you'd need to uninstall the app.
I hope this clarifies things.
Keep in mind that this is the way Dropbox works.
The app is created to sync and mirror any changes you make online. Therefore, when you delete a file on the website, the same thing will happen to your files on your device.
You can ignore files, which would allow you to remove them from the device and keep them on the website. If you wish to do the opposite, you'd need to uninstall the app.
I hope this clarifies things.
- jwalrus5554 years agoNew member | Level 2
Hi, I wanted to chime in here since the same question has bothered me for a long time.
Dropbox could simply clarify the delete option -- "delete from everyone's account and all devices" is ambiguous and overly inclusive. Every time I see the message, I get a chill. All devices, really? Even in my "holiday folder" on my PC hard drive (a device) where I still have the video stored? Or my 5 other hard drive locations? On the CD in my car stereo (a device) (just kidding)
Dropbox should state precisely what will be deleted. They might say "delete from everyone's DROPBOX account and DROPBOX FOLDERS on all devices" That is what I usually am trying to do. I don't intend to delete a file from anywhere else on my PC.
Just thought this might be a good place to make this suggestion. Thanks!
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