Does Deleting Files in a Shared Dropbox Folder Affect Other Users?

  • Thread starter Thread starter TSN79
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Space
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of deleting files in a shared Dropbox folder, particularly concerning whether such actions affect other users. Participants explore the mechanics of file ownership within shared folders and the consequences of deletion on shared access.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether deleting files online will remove them for all users or just for themselves, given their lack of local syncing.
  • Another participant clarifies that deleting a file invalidates any links to it, but users who downloaded the file prior to deletion retain their copies.
  • Several participants discuss the significance of file ownership in shared folders, with some suggesting that ownership determines whether deletion affects all users or just the individual.
  • A contrasting viewpoint argues that the shared folder operates uniformly, implying that removing files affects the overall state of the folder for all users.
  • One participant cites Dropbox's guidelines, indicating that if the folder is owned by the user, deleting it removes access for all members, while non-owners only delete their access.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the impact of file ownership on deletion consequences. There is no consensus on the mechanics of how deletion affects shared access, with some supporting the idea that ownership matters and others contesting this notion.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference Dropbox's policies, but there are varying interpretations of these guidelines. The discussion lacks clarity on specific scenarios and the nuances of file management within shared folders.

TSN79
Messages
422
Reaction score
0
I'm often involved in projects where Dropbox is used to share documents, and members are invited in order to gain access to a folder established by one of the members (not me). I recently got a message that my Dropbox quota (2 GB) is us up. I don't sync anything locally, I only use the documents online. If I delete the documents online in order to free more space, won't I be deleting them for everyone else as well? Or doesn't it work that way...?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
If you delete a file on Dropbox, then any links to the file will no longer be valid. If someone has downloaded a copy of the file before you deleted it, then they will still have that file.
 
I read somewhere that it matters if I "own" the shared folder or not. If I don't, then all I do is delete my copy of the file. But if I do then I'll delete it for everybody. Does that sound right?
 
TSN79 said:
I read somewhere that it matters if I "own" the shared folder or not. If I don't, then all I do is delete my copy of the file. But if I do then I'll delete it for everybody. Does that sound right?
No, it doesn't sound right. The box is just a box. It's either full or it isn't. It isn't different states for different people at the same time. If you remove things from it, it will no longer be full.

Try thinking of it more like a physical box. It really isn't more complicated than that.
 
TSN79 said:
I read somewhere that it matters if I "own" the shared folder or not. If I don't, then all I do is delete my copy of the file. But if I do then I'll delete it for everybody. Does that sound right?
Yes, you are right. According to Dropbox,
What happens when I delete a shared folder?
If you delete a file from a shared folder, any member of the folder can restore the file.

If you own the shared folder:
  • After you permanently delete it, the folder is deleted from the Dropbox accounts of all members and their access is permanently removed
  • If you want to leave members with a copy of the folder, you can just unshare it instead
If you don’t own the shared folder:
  • Permanently deleting it removes the folder from your Dropbox account
  • All other members of the folder still have access
 
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: anorlunda

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
10K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
9K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K