Please help I give up! Can't delete file!

[mexanh]

I tried everything: task manager, regedit, delete from DOS, changed properties so that it's not read only, safe mode delete, rename folder then delete. None of them work! These folders were created after I unzipped some files. The files are all deleted but the blank folders are still there! Would someone please advice? Thank you in advance!

[Cafe_333]

hey mexanh!
I have tried all your above methods before finding this one out - the easiest method i have found with stubborn folders/files is to reboot into Safe Mode with Dos prompt. This will take you into a safe mode Dos window and not the gui safe mode Windows desktop. You can delete anything this way. I have never faced anything I couldn't yet delete doing this. Let me know how it works out for ya.

[jory29]

Hats off to Gambit_360 for solving a similar problem that I had... Are you running windows xp? Here's the link to the thread I started, almost a year ago, that helped me with my problem. GOOD LUCK!!!
http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showt...hlight=windows

Make sure you read to the final 2 postings!!

[Dymis]

Download MoveOnBoot

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/moveonboot.html

It will remove selected file/folders once you reboot the machine. I didn't try Gambit's method, but I know that this one worked for me. Plus, it's free =)

[rilhouse]

try setting the recycle bin to delete without moving first. right click recycle bin -> properties

[coastal_neophyte]

I don't know completely, but certain software, like norton utilities and
others, prevent you from deleting folders outright. You gotta change
the property of recycle bin/ norton protected recycle bin before you can completely wipe out all the folder structure.

CN

I tried everything: task manager, regedit, delete from DOS, changed properties so that it's not read only, safe mode delete, rename folder then delete. None of them work! These folders were created after I unzipped some files. The files are all deleted but the blank folders are still there! Would someone please advice? Thank you in advance!

[Cafe_333]

I just checked out Gambit's solution in your thread and for the most part that does work when a file or folder is being reserved by an application. On the other hand I have encountered even more stubborn files that was being reserved by the windows system where that method failed me. The safe mode with dos prompt I have found to work better without fail, but hey to each their own - whatever gets the job done!

Mexanh, if you don't want to read through that entire thread, i can sum it up for you: Run -> CMD first and kill explorer.exe in Task Manager\Processes. Then browse in the dos window to and delete that stubborn folder. Reboot. Considering it's a folder, this would be the easier way for you, knowing how literate you are. If this fails, then try my suggestion. Your problem should be solved from here. Good Luck!

Hats off to Gambit_360 for solving a similar problem that I had... Are you running windows xp? Here's the link to the thread I started, almost a year ago, that helped me with my problem. GOOD LUCK!!!
http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showt...hlight=windows

Make sure you read to the final 2 postings!!

[computer01]

It could be an MFT error. They are pretty rare, but I've seen it once before. Good luck deleting it if that's the case.

Post back and report how the other solutions here have worked.

[talktwo]

You may also try a program called Pocket Killbox, that does the job for me quite nicely.

http://www.scanwith.com/download/Pocket_KillBox.htm

[Coke355mL]

Most of the software based solutions aren't very good. Especially for the really stubborn ones.

In most cases for the stubborn files, it's either

1. kill explorer.exe with command prompt open and then delete via dos
2. do it in safe mode

For myself, I have seen even crazier, more stubborn files in which neither did the trick, because windows believed certain files were still being accessed from a network connection. Mind you, this was a file server and killing connections and rebooting didn't work. Reapplying security settings didn't work because the files were locked/protected.

I had to unapply all the shared security settings for the drive - basically send it back to its natural state. Reboot as a precautionary measure. Then apply my security settings again.

FYI - In order for ppl on this board to access your situation, you'll need to provide more details.

[mexanh]

hey mexanh!
I have tried all your above methods before finding this one out - the easiest method i have found with stubborn folders/files is to reboot into Safe Mode with Dos prompt. This will take you into a safe mode Dos window and not the gui safe mode Windows desktop. You can delete anything this way. I have never faced anything I couldn't yet delete doing this. Let me know how it works out for ya.

Hi Cafe_333,
I can't access other drives except C drive while the folder I want to delete is in C

[mexanh]

try setting the recycle bin to delete without moving first. right click recycle bin -> properties

Hi Rilhouse,
It works perfectly!!! Thank you so much!! Saved me a lot of headache

[mexanh]

Now that I found out I can't access any drive from dos except C! it says 'd:\' is not regconized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

[SleepyGSR]

Now that I found out I can't access any drive from dos except C! it says 'd:\' is not regconized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Use "d:" instead of "d:\" to change drives.

[mexanh]

ahh perfect Thank you!