Introduction
There are instances when Dropbox users encounter problems that lead them to believe they need to uninstall and reinstall the app. However, even after uninstalling Dropbox using the standard Windows uninstall process, users still find remnant Dropbox folders and icons. This article discusses the key concepts and detailed steps for completely removing Dropbox from a Windows 10 PC.
Why is it Necessary to Completely Remove Dropbox?
There can be various reasons why a user may want to completely remove Dropbox from their PC. Some common reasons include fixing sync issues, resolving conflicts, or uninstalling the app before reinstalling it. Regardless of the reason, it is essential to understand the proper steps to remove Dropbox entirely.
Standard Dropbox Uninstallation
Using the standard Windows uninstallation process, navigate to the 'Control Panel' > 'Programs and Features' > 'Dropbox' > 'Uninstall'. This process removes the main Dropbox application, but it leaves behind associated files and folders.
Remnant Files and Folders
After uninstalling Dropbox using the standard process, users might notice a Dropbox folder in their local file system, often in the 'C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Dropbox' path. This folder contains a '.dropbox.cache' hidden folder and an '.dropbox.signatures' file. These files can consume up to 1 GB of space and may cause confusion for users wanting to remove all traces of Dropbox from their PC.
Completely Removing Dropbox
To completely remove Dropbox, users must manually delete the remnant files and folders. The following steps detail the manual removal process.
Step 1: Stop Dropbox Processes
Before manually removing files and folders, ensure Dropbox processes are stopped. Press 'Ctrl + Shift + Esc' to open the Task Manager and end the following Dropbox-related processes: 'dropbox.exe' and 'dropboxupdate.exe'.
Step 2: Remove Dropbox Folders
In the 'C:\Users\%USERNAME%' path, manually delete the 'Dropbox' and '.dropbox.cache' folders, if they still exist.
Step 3: Delete the Dropbox Registry Entries
Press 'Win + R' and type 'regedit' to open the Registry Editor. Delete the following Dropbox-related registry keys:
Step 4: Restart
Restart your PC to ensure all Dropbox remnants have been removed.
Completely removing Dropbox from a Windows 10 PC involves more than just the standard uninstallation process. By manually deleting the remnant files and folders, and erasing Dropbox registry entries, you can ensure a complete removal of the app.
References
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Title: Dropbox Not Syncing on Windows? Here's How to Fix It
Type: Article
Source: How-To Geek -
Title: How to Manually Uninstall Dropbox
Type: Article
Source: Dropbox Forum