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Cannot permanently delete a file I accidentally uploaded to work dropbox

I accidentally uploaded a sensitive folder to my work dropbox and while I was able to delete it, I am not able to permanently delete it. I enter my password and nothing happens when I hit OK. The folder is still there.

I need to remove it before work starts for the security of my accounts and information; I have passwords and stuff in it. The file is still available for restoring. I am afraid of a data leak and need to prevent anyone from being able to see it.

How do I permanently delete the folder quickly, before anyone gets to it?

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Jay

Hi @kurioshopp, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

It's possible that the team admin has disabled the option to permanently delete files on the Dropbox Business team.

Do you see the option to permanently delete the file on the deleted files page?

This will help me to assist further!

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Jay

Hi @kurioshopp, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

It's possible that the team admin has disabled the option to permanently delete files on the Dropbox Business team.

Do you see the option to permanently delete the file on the deleted files page?

This will help me to assist further!

kurioshopp

I see the option to permanently delete on that page, yes. It is visible when any folders or files are checked.

Jay

Could you try switching browsers to see if this helps?

Otherwise, you can try using incognito/private browsing mode without any extensions running, clearing your cache and even resetting your browser entirely.

kurioshopp

Switching from Firefox to Edge did not help.
I will try resetting browser entirely next, as I am in private mode by default.

kurioshopp

That also did not help.
Running without extensions, clearing the cache, and resetting entirely all did not change the result and the file is still unable to be permanently deleted.

Jay

Is the folder very large? Can you recover the folder and then delete some of the files manually in batches, and then permanently delete them?

kurioshopp

I recovered the folder. It appears to be empty. If so, then maybe I was able to cancel it before the files uploaded or something? Not sure though.

How can I be sure the files are actually gone and not just invisible or something?

Hannah

Hey @kurioshopp, sorry to jump in here.

Can you check your events page to see what's visible about those files there?

Permanently deleted files will not be visible, by the way.

kaidokas

I have exactly the same issue, cannot delete files permanently.

I see the option to delete files permanently, but when I click on "Permanently delete", and fill in my password in order to continue then nothing happens.

I don't see any errors in console or network requests either.

I have tried Chrome, Firefox, Edge - also after clearing cache.

It is definitely an issue on your side, please fix ASAP.

kaidokas

Also, currently after going through the process of "Permanently delete", and page refresh, I still see the file in the list and am able to restore it. So files are not permanently deleted at this moment. 😞

Jay

HI @kaidokas, are you part of a Dropbox Business team? Is it possible that this has been disabled by the team admin?

kaidokas

@Jay Yes, I am under Business team. I will look into it.

But even if this is related to being under Business team, then this "Permanently delete" should not be a visible option, right? Or there should be some message that mentions that it is disabled for the team? Currently it is either a bug in the system or bad/unclear UI/UX.

kurioshopp

Jay, your hunch was correct here. Team admin had disabled the ability to permanently delete files. I was able to find this out by asking an admin later and got them to help me delete the files. The folder of concern was empty so I didn't successfully upload any of its contents; which alleviated my concern.

Jay

Thanks for getting back to us! I'm glad to hear you were able to resolve this on your end.

Enjoy your week ahead!