Windows XP Pro SP2. NTFS volume.
I saved a jpg attachment from Outlook Express into a sub-folder of My
Documents. I ended up with 2 files saved, file.jpg and file. (no
extension) The file with dot, but no extension is 0 length. I cannot
rename, nor delete nor move this file.
I have tried a chkdsk from Recovery console, and there are no errors.
Recovery console refuses to let me into the directory containing the
file so I can delete it.
How can I delete this 0 length file?
Any Ideas?
Thanks,
BarryG

cornedbeef007-(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> Windows XP Pro SP2. NTFS volume.
> I saved a jpg attachment from Outlook Express into a sub-folder of My
> Documents. I ended up with 2 files saved, file.jpg and file. (no
> extension) The file with dot, but no extension is 0 length. I cannot
> rename, nor delete nor move this file.
> I have tried a chkdsk from Recovery console, and there are no errors.
> Recovery console refuses to let me into the directory containing the
> file so I can delete it.
> How can I delete this 0 length file?
> Any Ideas?
> Thanks,
> BarryG

Try it from Safe Mode.

cornedbeef007-(E-Mail Removed) wrote:

> Windows XP Pro SP2. NTFS volume.
> I saved a jpg attachment from Outlook Express into a sub-folder of My
> Documents. I ended up with 2 files saved, file.jpg and file. (no
> extension) The file with dot, but no extension is 0 length. I cannot
> rename, nor delete nor move this file.
> I have tried a chkdsk from Recovery console, and there are no errors.
> Recovery console refuses to let me into the directory containing the
> file so I can delete it.
> How can I delete this 0 length file?
> Any Ideas?
> Thanks,
> BarryG

You don't want to use Recovery Console; instead try Safe Mode Command
Prompt.

If that doesn't work, see:

Undeletable Files:
http://aumha.org/a/stubborn.php
http://www.petri.co.il/delete_undeletable_files.htm
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_undeletable_file.htm - Pocket KillBox
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/files/killbox.php

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

Malke wrote:
> cornedbeef007-(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
>
> > Windows XP Pro SP2. NTFS volume.
> > I saved a jpg attachment from Outlook Express into a sub-folder of My
> > Documents. I ended up with 2 files saved, file.jpg and file. (no
> > extension) The file with dot, but no extension is 0 length. I cannot
> > rename, nor delete nor move this file.
> > I have tried a chkdsk from Recovery console, and there are no errors.
> > Recovery console refuses to let me into the directory containing the
> > file so I can delete it.
> > How can I delete this 0 length file?
> > Any Ideas?
> > Thanks,
> > BarryG
>
> You don't want to use Recovery Console; instead try Safe Mode Command
> Prompt.
>
> If that doesn't work, see:
>
> Undeletable Files:
> http://aumha.org/a/stubborn.php
> http://www.petri.co.il/delete_undeletable_files.htm
> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_undeletable_file.htm - Pocket KillBox
> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/files/killbox.php
>
> Malke
> --
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic!"
> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

Hi Malke,

Thanks for the suggestions, but unfortunately, I've still got the 0
length file!
When I try to delete it, the error I get is:
"Cannot delete file. Cannot read from the source file or disk"

When I try to delete from a command line prompt, It tells me that the
file doesn't exist! I can only see it if I use DIR /AH to show hidden
files.
It's like the only thing about this file that exists is the name.

BarryG

cornedbeef007-(E-Mail Removed) wrote:

> Hi Malke,
>
> Thanks for the suggestions, but unfortunately, I've still got the 0
> length file!
> When I try to delete it, the error I get is:
> "Cannot delete file. Cannot read from the source file or disk"
>
> When I try to delete from a command line prompt, It tells me that the
> file doesn't exist! I can only see it if I use DIR /AH to show hidden
> files.
> It's like the only thing about this file that exists is the name.

The only other thing I can suggest then is to delete it from outside the
operating system altogether. This would be with something like a Bart's
PE or ERD Commander (which I don't know if is even available publicly
any more). Possibly there might be a utility on Hiren's Boot Disk. Or
there are some ways to write to NTFS from a Linux rescue system,
although that is risky. You should make sure all your data is backed
up.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

Malke wrote:
> cornedbeef007-(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
>
> > Hi Malke,
> >
> > Thanks for the suggestions, but unfortunately, I've still got the 0
> > length file!
> > When I try to delete it, the error I get is:
> > "Cannot delete file. Cannot read from the source file or disk"
> >
> > When I try to delete from a command line prompt, It tells me that the
> > file doesn't exist! I can only see it if I use DIR /AH to show hidden
> > files.
> > It's like the only thing about this file that exists is the name.
>
> The only other thing I can suggest then is to delete it from outside the
> operating system altogether. This would be with something like a Bart's
> PE or ERD Commander (which I don't know if is even available publicly
> any more). Possibly there might be a utility on Hiren's Boot Disk. Or
> there are some ways to write to NTFS from a Linux rescue system,
> although that is risky. You should make sure all your data is backed
> up.
>
> Malke
> --
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic!"
> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

Hi Malke,

I just tried DelInvFile application, and blow me down, it deleted it
via the 8.3 file name, while WinXP was still running!!!
I'm stunned, and thanks so much for your help. I'll put an extra
donation in my favourite charity's collection box on Friday for you!

Cheers,
Barry.

cornedbeef007-(E-Mail Removed) wrote:

> Hi Malke,
>
> I just tried DelInvFile application, and blow me down, it deleted it
> via the 8.3 file name, while WinXP was still running!!!
> I'm stunned, and thanks so much for your help. I'll put an extra
> donation in my favourite charity's collection box on Friday for you!

Awesome! I'm so glad you got it sorted. Thanks for taking the time to
let me know. While I certainly expect no reward for my volunteer work
here (although the thanks are most welcome), charity is a mitzvah and
it would be great if you did that.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

Malke wrote:
While I certainly expect no reward for my volunteer work
> here (although the thanks are most welcome), charity is a mitzvah and
> it would be great if you did that.
>
> Malke
> --
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic!"
> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

Malke,

There was a Salvation Army collection box at the railway station this
morning. I dropped in my usual donation, and another donation for you.
Thanks for your help.

Cheers,
BarryG

cornedbeef007-(E-Mail Removed) wrote:

> There was a Salvation Army collection box at the railway station this
> morning. I dropped in my usual donation, and another donation for you.
> Thanks for your help.
>
> Cheers,
> BarryG

You're a mensch. Take care. :-)

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User