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Sharifdata's avatar
Sharifdata
New member | Level 2
7 months ago

How to recover permanently deleted files?

One of my folders was deleted permanently on mistake two days ago. How can I get it back?
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LeonF's avatar
LeonF
Explorer | Level 4
2 months ago

Has anyone ever recovered files or folders you may have accidentally permanently deleted?
If so, how do you do it?

  • Mark's avatar
    Mark
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
    2 months ago
    LeonF wrote:

    Has anyone ever recovered files or folders you may have accidentally permanently deleted?
    If so, how do you do it?

    The only way I can think of is either via a backup OR a device connected to Dropbox which has not yet sync'd the deletion (maybe an infrequently used laptop?). 

    • Rich's avatar
      Rich
      Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
      2 months ago
      Mark wrote:

      ... OR a device connected to Dropbox which has not yet sync'd the deletion (maybe an infrequently used laptop?). 

      Just make sure it's off-network when you turn it on, or Dropbox will immediately begin to sync.

  • Hannah's avatar
    Hannah
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    2 months ago

    Hi there, LeonF, thanks for your post today.

     

    I'm afraid that permanently deleted files are not recoverable.

     

    Once they're permanently deleted, they are removed from our servers immediately.

     

    I'm sorry I couldn't help more, but if you have any more questions, let us know.

    • LeonF's avatar
      LeonF
      Explorer | Level 4
      2 months ago

      Thanks Hannah. There is an option called "rewind". It helped me get back some items but not all. Is that supposed to help you recover everything as at the date you rewind to if it is working optimally?

      • Hannah's avatar
        Hannah
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
        2 months ago

        Hey LeonF, "rewind" can help you restore your account to the way it was at a specific date of your choice (within your recovery window), but it won't bring back permanently deleted files, I'm afraid.

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