I'm having problems deleting a file and a folder - any advice?

Question

In Windows XP, I have a file and a sub-folder that simply won't delete. How can I get rid of them? The standard delete procedures don't do anything, and I also can't rename them or move them.

No error message is given - it just sits there.

I've tried rebooting as well - no effect.

I've tried copying teh rest of teh folder, and then deleting the parent, and got the following error message relating to the files.

"Cannot find the specified file. Make sure you specify the correct path and file name."

Answer 1

The file may be part of a larger program which is still in use or password protected by an administrator.

you could try "searching" for the file and thus discover it's full name and path. This could enable you to find it's source or parent folder.

Also try turning off all running programs in the taskbar. Right click close/exit

Answer 2

This file or folder is most likely be used by windows and needs to be shut down before it can be deleted. You will have to open task manager by hitting alt+control +delete all at the same time (just once though other wise it will restart your computer). Click on the processes tab and look under the images column for the name of the file that you can't delete if it is there than highlight it and hit the end process button on the bottom right close out task manager and then try and delete the folder . If this dosent work then I cant help you.

Answer 3

Hi,
Your answers are all goodly, but, say using explorer to "delete" a file or folder, does not delete it. Over in DOS mode, typing "del *.*"
only removes the FAT record (File Access Table), to allow the space on the disc to be re-used . The file is still there, and retreivable by anyone, unless that bit of disc space has been written to.
Oh, all techy stuff. If I really want to delete a file or two, I use Norton Utilities. Easy to use, and worth having on the system.
IUsed to use it at work to totally over-write the file with zeros.
Twice. Govt. style deletion.
Mind there are techniques that can pick up residual data.
But it is like putting cross-shredded paper back together.
Not worth the effort & time.
Surely if you highlight the offending item in explorer, and hit the big delete button, it should dissapear from the listing.
Oh well - Happy New year with it.
Cheers,
Bob

Answer 4

If you are programming, what happens when you do a system call to see if the file exists?

What error do you get if you try to delete the file from Windows Explorer? If it says the file is in use, try downloading Unlocker at http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/ which will unlock any handles that are on the file.

Answer 5

What is the error message that you get when you try to delete the file?

Answer 6

Download the program:

http://www.greatis.com/reanimator.zip

This will scan your system and detect any running operations on the system. scan your system and locate the problem. Any files inside the folder will be in a running process. Disable the processes and delete.

Answer 7

Try to delete the parent directory of the one that won't delete. Make sure you move anything may need out of that directory before attempting.

Answer 8

It maybe because a program is still using the file, just restart your PC and then delete it.

Answer 9

reboot ur system , make sure the folder is closed and then deleted it when it restarts, it happens to me sometimes, thats what i do

Answer 10

Or, reboot in safe mode and then delete.