How do you get rid of a corrupted file?

Question

Every time I click on it, an error message shows up and I can't do anything. Plus, a program that I used to download won't work either. I used 'search' already on the comp, even on add/remove programs, the error message still shows up. I can't delete the file, help?!

Answer 1

What's the error message and what file is corrupted. If it is a system file then you can use the windows xp system file checker to scan and replace corrupted files. Go to Start>Run and type in

sfc /scannow and then hit enter. It will scan your system files and replace any that have become corrupted. It takes a while so be patient.

Answer 2

First of all, you need to make 100 percent sure that the file you want to delete IS a file you want to delete.
If it is, and you're trying to delete it but can't, it's no doubt because the file is currently "in use" by your system.
I had a virus file on my system like that and was just as perplexed as you as far as deleting it. I couldn't even do it in "safe" mode.
OK, so if you're SURE you want to delete the file, do a search online for a freeware program called:
MOVEONBOOT
This powerful little utility will allow you to indicate WHICH file is causing you grief then it reboots your system and deletes the file PRIOR to it starting up and becoming active again.
You can see that this could be dangerous if you delete the wrong file(s)...so again, USE CAUTION.
And Good Luck.

Answer 3

then u need to get a new motherboard or harddrive it happened to me twice!