Data and security
Delete a request's files early
Delete a completed request's files now, before the retention period ends.
Last updated · Facts checked
Choose Delete files now from a completed or cancelled request's ⋯ menu to delete its files. On a completed request, this deletes them before the retention period ends. On a cancelled request, it's the only way they're deleted. It can't be undone.
Before you start
Owners and admins only, and only on completed or cancelled requests. It works when the client is archived too. Save the files you need first: Download all files on the request gives you a ZIP. Download all files as a ZIP
Steps
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Open the request
Find it on the Requests page and open it. It must be Completed or Cancelled.
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Choose Delete files now
Open the ⋯ menu (More actions for this request) and select Delete files now.
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Confirm you've saved what you need
Tick I've saved the files I need to keep in our own records. The button stays disabled until you do.
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Delete
Select Delete files now. You'll see "Files deleted". To back out, select Keep files.
What happens next
- Every file the client uploaded for the request is deleted, including earlier versions that were replaced, and any ZIP of them that's waiting to be downloaded.
- Files you shared with the client on the request are deleted too.
- The text goes from your client's notes, their short answers and the notes you wrote when you sent something back. Each shows "Deleted by" and your name instead.
- The request leaves your client's page, and its own link stops working. Your client sees "This link isn't valid anymore" if they open it.
- Each document on the request shows "Deleted by" and your name instead of its files.
- The request's activity records who deleted the files and how many: "Sarah Mitchell deleted 12 files from Annual Accounts 2025".
- The request page shows "Files deleted on" and the date.
- No deletion warnings or emails are sent for this request, because there's nothing left to delete.
Good to know
- Requests that are still collecting documents can't have their files deleted. Complete or cancel the request first. A draft you don't need can be deleted whole instead. Complete or cancel a request
- Cancelled requests aren't covered by your retention period. Their files stay until someone deletes them here.
- Deleted files can't be recovered from GarnerDocs. Copies may stay in restricted backups for up to 30 days. They aren't used for anything else and are erased when the backups expire. What stays after files are deleted
- The request itself stays: its checklist, file names, review decisions and history. What stays after files are deleted
- To delete files automatically instead, set your retention period. How long files are kept