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Forum Discussion
How can I safely uninstall and reinstall the desktop app without losing files?
I'm running Desktop Basic under Windows 7 but it may not have been initially installed as ADMIN. There are several files in folders that are not easily replaced. If the current version is uninstalled will these files remain intact and be accessible under reinstalled Desktop ? Are there any "gotchas" with uninstall & reinstall ? Thanx.
Bewildered Bob
Happy to hear that, Bob!
If you need any help or have questions, we're here for you.
Have a great day!
- Hannah
Dropbox Staff
Hey Bewildered_Bobby, thanks for reaching out to us.
You're actually very safe to uninstall the Dropbox app from your computer and then reinstalling.
Uninstalling the app, doesn't remove the Dropbox folder or your files.
If you want to install the Dropbox app with admin privileges, you can follow the steps here.
Let me know how it goes!
I'm still running old but venerable Win 7 on the desktop. Dropbox "basic" desktop has been installed and reinstalled but possibly not as ADMIN (no specific request for admin password). The instructions provided for uninstall & reinstall do not appear to pertain specifically to either Win 7 users or the version of Dropbox for Desktop that is currently installed. After apparently successful reinstall clicking on the Dropbox entry in start menu fails to run it as expected. Otherwise Dropbox runs OK but I am curious if more options will be avail if it had been installed specifically as admin. How can I confirm that what is installed is appropriate for Win 7 and associated Dropbox version ? Thanx.
Bewildered Bob
- Nancy
Bewildered_Bobby, if you weren’t asked for an admin password while reinstalling the Dropbox app, you don’t need to worry; this means you’re already an admin on your computer and the Dropbox app was automatically installed with admin rights, so this is expected behavior.
To make sure everything’s running properly though, I’d like you to open your local Dropbox folder and right click on your files/folders; do you see any Dropbox options if you do this?
Can you see syncing icons next to your files, too?
Hi Nancy: You wrote - "To make sure everything’s running properly though, I’d like you to open your local Dropbox folder and right click on your files/folders; do you see any Dropbox options if you do this? Can you see syncing icons next to your files, too?
On the local HD under PROGRAM FILES (X86) there is a fldr DROPBOX with 2 fldrs underneath - CLIENT and UPDATE. Underneath each of these 2 fldrs are other NUMBERED fldrs but nothing recognizable. Plz advise what is wrong. Thanx.
Still Bewildered Bob
The online explanation of "Dropbox sync icons" is very helpful to view. Is a corresponding PDF avail for printing ?
- Mark
Super User II
There isnt an official one, no.
But, could you print and save as PDF?
