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Question

How to import files from previous instutuion in which I lost access?

  • May 27, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 77 views

My previous intutition used box. I have moved on to another institution. I forgot to export a specific set of files which are now extremely important to my current work, and I no longer can access my previous Box account. 

    1 reply

    Rona Box
    • Rona Box
    • Community Manager
    • June 5, 2026

    Hi ​@RecTech, 

    Welcome to Box Community, and we’re glad to assist! 

     

    Because Box accounts are tied to specific email addresses and enterprise domains, we cannot directly access, retrieve, or transfer files from your previous Box account due to security, privacy, and access control policies.

    Recommended Alternative Approaches:

    1. Contact Your Previous Institution's Box Administrator: The most effective way to recover your files is to reach out to the IT Help Desk or Box Administrator at your previous institution. 

    2. Request a Temporary Account Reactivation: Ask your previous institution's IT department if they can temporarily reactivate your account or email address so you can log in and download the necessary files yourself.

    3. Check for Shared Links or Collaborations: If you previously shared those files or folders with a personal email address or with colleagues who still have active accounts at that institution, they may still be able to access the content and share it back with you.

     

    Hope it helps! Let us know if the Community for your additional questions. 

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