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Forum Discussion
can't delete dropbox filepath from Windows Explorer
I'm having an issue with trying to uninstall Dropbox from Windows. While I was able to correctly remove the application from Windows using its uninstaller, it did leave behind this weird "dropbox" file path in Windows Explorer. However, whenever I try to click on the file path, it just gives a "location is not available" error message. Trying to delete the file path by placing it in Recycling Bin does not help either, as it does nothing. I don't want this phantom file path on my computer, since I find it to be redundant. Does anyone know how to fully delete the Dropbox file path from Windows Explorer?
- Jay
Dropbox Staff
Hi DeadlyEspresso, thanks for bringing this to our attention.
Have you already tried rebooting your computer entirely after uninstalling the Dropbox desktop application?
This will help me to assist further!
(For Jay )
I tried restarting my computer, but the broken "Dropbox" file path still persists. I also did check my list of programs, and I can confirm that Dropbox had been successfully uninstalled in the past. If restarting the computer doesn't remove the broken "Dropbox" file path, what should I do next?
- Walter
Hey DeadlyEspresso, sorry to jump in, but I just wanted to mention that this seems like a reparse point, probably leftover from the uninstalling process.
Have you tried right clicking on it and deleting from there?
Do you get any errors if you do?
(I'm posting this again because I haven't gotten a helpful response in about 2 days, and also I want to provide some updates with this issue)
I'm having an issue with trying to uninstall Dropbox from Windows. While I was able to correctly remove the application from Windows using its uninstaller, it did leave behind this weird "dropbox" file path in Windows Explorer. However, whenever I try to click on the file path, it just gives a "location is not available" error message. Trying to delete the file path by placing it in Recycling Bin does not help either, as it does nothing. I don't want this glitched file path on my computer, since I find it to be redundant. Does anyone know how to fully delete the Dropbox file path from Windows Explorer?
Even after restarting my PC multiple times and completely shutting down the PC once, the glitched filepath is still present. Right clicking the filepath shows no option to delete it, and checking "properties" shows that the file has "0 bytes". Trying to move the filepath into a more manageable location such as Documents just results in nothing happening or an error message. At this point, I'm wondering if I'll have to turn to more drastic measures to delete this glitched Dropbox filepath.
Another update: (recommended for Walter and/or Jay , why aren't they replying to my updates)
I got an idea for trying to delete the file; installing Dropbox again. It did successfully remove the broken "Dropbox" filepath, but it just replaced it with another Dropbox folder. It still shows no options for deleting it or moving it the Recycling Bin, though. Deleting this folder would require moving it to the Recycling Bin, but it's not working. I did check Dropbox's official article for removing Dropbox from your Windows PC, and it said that you needed to delete the folder for Dropbox by placing it the Recycling Bin after uninstalling Dropbox (which I intend to do). I think the problem for why I can't delete the folder is that "Dropbox" is listed as a distinct library (similar to Documents or Photos), so maybe this is some sort of failsafe for preventing people from deleting the entirety of their Documents or Photos libraries. However, this is NOT working in my favor because I just want to get Dropbox uninstalled along with its filepath.
I'm hoping that I might be able to use the Command Prompt in order to delete the Dropbox folder, but I just can't get Command Prompt working and can't figure out how to write an instruction to delete the Dropbox filepath.
- Walter
Thanks for keeping us in the loop on this DeadlyEspresso
Can you try signing out of your account through the app's preferences and try to delete the folder again?
