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Jay's avatar
Jay
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
7 years ago

Dropbox deleted all my files!

No, we didn’t.   Now that the clickbait worked, let’s get into the meat of the article.   I know there’s a lot of frustration about how ‘Dropbox deleted all my files’. I accept it’s hard to l...
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  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    7 years ago

    But, how can my file be deleted?

     

    A few ways actually…
     
    Firstly, if you install your Dropbox folder to an external drive, then there are always deletion risks, and I have listed them in a separate thread, which can be found here. However, I’ll repeat them in this thread later for the sake of convenience.
     
    Secondly, when I talk about deletions, I literally mean this definition: “Dropbox cannot see the file any more, so the file is deleted”.
     
    The question you should be asking is, “Why cannot Dropbox see the file? Where did it go?”
     
    Deletions to Dropbox mean any deletions done on the site, the mobile app, third party apps, and of course the desktop app.
     
    All of these versions connect to Dropbox in more-or-less same way, meaning that they detect changes, and then change the files on the site, which then syncs to all devices.
     
    I know you’ve heard this all before, but this is an incredibly important thing to understand.
     
    Syncing only acts if there is something to sync. 
     
    The app doesn’t do things on its own because it feels like it. If you’re staring at an empty spreadsheet, it’s not going to suddenly populate with your numbers and bar charts. A blank Word document doesn’t begin typing out your final year dissertation without your input.
     
    The opposite is also true, a document doesn’t slowly delete characters until you’ve lost all your writing, or formulas, without you touching the keyboard.
     
    This is just how Dropbox works, except for entire files and folders. If you’re staring at your Finder or Windows Explorer window blankly for an hour, even outside the Dropbox folder, (almost) nothing will change in front of your eyes, since you’re not using the computer.
     
    I mention the ‘almost’ part, since this is the crux of the matter. Narrowing down what made this ‘almost nothing’ to ‘definitely something’ is the goal of this post.
PUZZLED_NEWBY's avatar
PUZZLED_NEWBY
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago

No, Dropbox did not delete all my files.  Yes, I cancelled Dropbox.  No, my files are still there, both on my Online-Cloud-Dropbox account, and on my local

computer. 

My question is:  If I delete the files on my online Dropbox account, is there a way to cancel any and all unwanted syncing behavior.  Beforehand!

 

If you understand the question and can answer it, you don't even have to read further.  Just answer the question.

 

I simply want to AVOID that the various unpredictable, illogical, unintuitive computer brains and moods of Dropbox get the insane idea of sneaking uninvited onto my computer (the one at home, the local computer, the one I own, the one where the data on it belongs to me and not to you.) 

  

( I just want to provide emphasis on what's important. I do have the impression that when it comes to data, computer geniuses no longer understand the difference between mine and yours.  To explain: What's on or in my place is mine, what's on or in your place is yours. This is how it works among civilized people. )  

 

So, is it possible for you to explain in simple, understandable words how I can make sure that you are not deleting data on my computer, and then

laugh, and mock us, saying, hey that's what syncing is.  Sorry no, my data on my computer belongs into the "You can't touch this" category. 

 

If you do not like the drift and tone of my questions, that is understandable. I know that I am annoying like Joe Pesci, and that's for a good reason.

If you cannot handle this question forward it to the unknown, unnamed, irresponsible owners of Dropbox.  

 

In case you still do not understand me:  Do not delete any data on my local computer!  

It's what you call: client-side.  To you, the client is a computer.  To me, the client is a human being. That human being is me. That's where we differ.  Because, just because your program runs rough-shod over the rights of your customers, meaning it disregards and tramples on the rights of customers to the undisturbed use and enjoyment of their data, and just because your EULA absolving your company of all responsibility, does not mean that this is something the customer agrees with.  Just like I do not owe you my firstborn, in the same manner I do not give you free reign over my data.  

Now do you get it?  

 

Kindly treat my inquiry as a canary in the coal-mine situation. You know, if the canary keels over, there is not enough oxygen in the mine, and possible

even coal gas in there, so.. that makes for an explosive situation.  I am not sure if I am right, but I have the feeling I speak for millions of unhappy customers, and/or victims of the software industry.  Any politician who runs with the plank: "I am going to make the software industry act responsibly",

will get my vote.  The others, they are all paid off.  So, if you could treat my question as reasonable and fair, I'd appreciate that.

 

Sorry that I ruffled your feathers, but you are the only bird available.  Plus I told you you don't have to read further, but curiosity got the better of you.

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