Forum Discussion

Rever3's avatar
Rever3
New member | Level 2
7 years ago
Solved

What happens when I delete shared folders and files?

I was provided access to files and folders.  When I delete the files, does it delete them for everyone that has shared access to the folder?  What about permanently deleted files?  Can the other memb...
Delete
Share
Shared Folders
  • Elixir's avatar
    Elixir
    7 years ago

    Hey Rever3, If you have Edit permission, once you delete something, it will also be deleted for every member of the shared folder. However, you won't be able to permanently delete a file unless you are a owner of the shared folder. All members can see the deleted files in Deleted Files tab, and restore them within the time frame (which is 30 days for Basic and Plus users, and 120 days for Business and Pro users). 

     

    [Moderator Note: This has changed since 2018: Dropbox Basic, Plus, and Family customers have 30 days while Dropbox Professional, Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise customers have 180 days of version history.]

Elixir's avatar
Elixir
Star | Level 19
7 years ago

Hey Rever3, If you have Edit permission, once you delete something, it will also be deleted for every member of the shared folder. However, you won't be able to permanently delete a file unless you are a owner of the shared folder. All members can see the deleted files in Deleted Files tab, and restore them within the time frame (which is 30 days for Basic and Plus users, and 120 days for Business and Pro users). 

 

[Moderator Note: This has changed since 2018: Dropbox Basic, Plus, and Family customers have 30 days while Dropbox Professional, Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise customers have 180 days of version history.]

Rever3's avatar
Rever3
New member | Level 2
7 years ago

Good to know.  Thank you for your quick response!

  • trophy's avatar
    trophy
    New member | Level 2
    7 years ago

    How can I tell if I have editing priviledges? And if I do,  how can I delelte files and folders that were shared with me from my dropbox without deleting them for everyone else? Thanks.

    • Lusil's avatar
      Lusil
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
      7 years ago
      Hi there trophy!
       
      You can check if you have edit or view-only privileges by:
      1. Sign in to dropbox.com. 
      2. Click on the Files tab. 
      3. Locate the shared folder/file in question. 
      4. By hovering over it you will see the Share option appear - click on it. 
      5. A pop up window will appear. Find your account listed, and you should be able to see can edit or can view. 
      To find more info on how to remove shared content, check this Help Center article out. 
       
      Hope this helped!
      • trophy's avatar
        trophy
        New member | Level 2
        7 years ago

        ...thanks Lusil, that helps.

        Best,

        T.

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