How to restore dropbox deleted files​？

I. Restore Deleted Files

Dropbox is a popular cloud storage service that allows users to store and share files easily. However, it’s not uncommon for users to accidentally delete files from their Dropbox accounts. Fortunately, Dropbox provides several methods to restore deleted files, depending on factors such as the type of account you have, the retention period, and the specific circumstances of the deletion.

II. Basic Steps to Restore Deleted Files in Dropbox

Check the Dropbox Deleted Files Folder:

Log in to your Dropbox account through the web interface.

Look for the “Deleted files” folder in the left – hand sidebar. This folder contains all the files and folders that have been deleted from your Dropbox within a certain period.

Open the “Deleted files” folder and search for the file you want to restore. Once you find it, click on the three – dot menu next to the file and select “Restore”. The file will be restored to its original location in your Dropbox.

Use the Version History Feature:

Dropbox keeps multiple versions of files that have been edited or modified over time. If you deleted a file and later realized that you need an earlier version of it, you can use the version history feature.

Locate the file in your Dropbox (even if it’s in the “Deleted files” folder). Click on the three – dot menu and select “Version history”.

A list of previous versions of the file will be displayed, along with the date and time each version was created. You can preview each version by clicking on the “Preview” button. Select the version you want to restore and click “Restore this version”.

III. Restore Deleted Files for Different Account Types

Free Accounts:

Free Dropbox accounts usually have a limited retention period for deleted files. By default, deleted files are kept in the “Deleted files” folder for 30 days. After 30 days, the files are permanently deleted and cannot be restored through the normal interface.

If you need to restore a file that was deleted more than 30 days ago, you may need to contact Dropbox support, but there’s no guarantee that they will be able to recover it.

Paid Accounts (e.g., Dropbox Plus, Professional, and Business):

Paid accounts typically offer longer retention periods. For example, Dropbox Plus accounts may have a 1 – year retention period for deleted files. This means that you have more time to realize that a file has been deleted and restore it.

Business accounts often have even more advanced features and longer retention options, depending on the specific plan. Some Business plans allow for custom retention policies, giving administrators more control over how long deleted files are kept.

IV. Special Scenarios and Considerations

Files Deleted by Other Users:

If you are part of a shared Dropbox folder and another user in the shared folder deletes a file, the file will still appear in the “Deleted files” folder of the account that owns the shared folder. The process of restoring the file is the same as described above. However, if the file was deleted by a user with administrative privileges in a Business account, the restoration process may be more complex, and it’s advisable to contact Dropbox support for assistance.

Files Deleted from Sync Folders on Local Devices:

When you sync your Dropbox account with a local device, deleting a file from the local sync folder will also delete it from the cloud – based Dropbox account. In this case, the file will still end up in the “Deleted files” folder on the web interface. You can restore it using the methods mentioned earlier.

It’s important to note that if you have enabled selective sync and the deleted file was not synced to your local device, you may not be able to restore it directly from the local device. You will need to log in to the web interface to restore the file.

Recovering Deleted Folders:

The process of recovering deleted folders is similar to that of recovering deleted files. Folders that are deleted will also be moved to the “Deleted files” folder. You can find the deleted folder in the “Deleted files” folder, and then click on the three – dot menu and select “Restore”. All the files and sub – folders within the deleted folder will be restored to their original location.

V. Using Dropbox API for File Restoration (Advanced Users)

For developers and advanced users, Dropbox provides an API that can be used to interact with the Dropbox service programmatically. This includes the ability to restore deleted files.

To use the API for file restoration, you first need to register your application with Dropbox and obtain an access token. Then, you can use the appropriate API endpoints to access the “Deleted files” folder and restore files.

Here is a high – level overview of the steps involved:

Authenticate your application using the access token.

Use the API to list the contents of the “Deleted files” folder.

Identify the file you want to restore based on its unique identifier or other metadata.

Use the API’s restore endpoint to restore the file to its original location.

VI. Tips for Preventing Future File Deletions

Enable Two – Factor Authentication:

Two – factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Dropbox account. It requires you to enter a verification code in addition to your password when logging in. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your account, reducing the risk of someone accidentally or maliciously deleting your files.

Regularly Back Up Your Dropbox Files:

Although Dropbox itself is a form of cloud storage, it’s still a good practice to regularly back up your important files to another location, such as an external hard drive or another cloud storage service. This way, if something goes wrong with your Dropbox account or if files are deleted accidentally, you have an additional copy of your data.

Be Cautious When Deleting Files:

Before deleting any files or folders, double – check to make sure you really want to delete them. Consider creating a backup copy of the file in a different location within your Dropbox or on your local device if you’re not sure if you’ll need it in the future.

Educate Yourself and Your Team (for Business Accounts):

If you have a Business account, educate your team members about the proper use of Dropbox and the potential consequences of deleting files. Provide guidelines on how to handle file deletions and encourage them to be careful when making changes to shared files and folders.

VII. Contacting Dropbox Support for File Restoration

If you are unable to restore a deleted file using the methods described above, or if you have specific questions about the file restoration process, you can contact Dropbox support.

To contact support, log in to your Dropbox account and go to the “Help” section. Look for the option to contact support or submit a request. Provide as much detail as possible about the deleted file, including its name, location, and the approximate time it was deleted. This will help the support team assist you more effectively.

Dropbox support may ask you for additional information or perform some troubleshooting steps with you to help recover the deleted file. They may also be able to provide more information about the retention policies and any available options for restoring files that are outside the normal restoration period.