Cannot delete temp folder created by Windows Update

[joba]

Hi everybody ... I hope someone can help.

While installing KB922582, Windows Update created a directory -
C:\3ec9f6c4f00be0a6790fa5ba6b4b68

For some reason, the update stalled and the computer froze, so I had
to reboot. I tried to install KB922582 again and it worked. However,
the folder it originally created - C:\3ec9f6c4f00be0a6790fa5ba6b4b68 -
still exists and I can't delete it. I've tried everything: I booted in
to Safe Mode and tried to delete it ... I shut down Explorer and tried
to delete the folder from the command prompt ... I used third-party
utilities like Unlocker and SysInternals Process Explorer to delete it
.... I used System Restore ... NOTHING worked!

I even tried reinstalling the update from within the
C:\3ec9f6c4f00be0a6790fa5ba6b4b68 folder (the files are still there)
so that the folder would automatically be deleted when the
installation was completed, but that didn't work either.

There are three sub-folders and 16 files within the
C:\3ec9f6c4f00be0a6790fa5ba6b4b68 folder and I get the same error
message for every file ... even the eula.txt file!

The error message is:
Access is denied. Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected
and that the file is not currently in use.



Is there ANY way to get rid of this folder?

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[WTC]

While installing KB922582, Windows Update created a directory -
C:\3ec9f6c4f00be0a6790fa5ba6b4b68

For some reason, the update stalled and the computer froze, so I had
to reboot. I tried to install KB922582 again and it worked. However,
the folder it originally created - C:\3ec9f6c4f00be0a6790fa5ba6b4b68 -
still exists and I can't delete it.

The error message is:
Access is denied. Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected
and that the file is not currently in use.

See if taking ownership of the files and folder will help.

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

A related KB article,
How to set, view, change, or remove special permissions for files and
folders in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308419

Also how to delete an undeletable file
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_undeletable_file.htm

For a folder you would use instead of DEL which is for files:

RMD /s C:\3ec9f6c4f00be0a6790fa5ba6b4b68

 

[joba]

Thanks for the advice and the links. I'll give it a try.

 

[WTC]

You're are welcome, please let me know how it worked out for you.

 

[joba]

Thank you!!! I was finally able to delete the folder.

I had already tried booting into Safe Mode as the Administrator a few
days ago, but I couldn't delete the folder. You were right about
taking ownership, but there was a little glitch - the Administrator
already owned the folder! Then I noticed that the owner had "special
permissions," which actually meant no permission to do anything at
all. That's why I couldn't delete it the other day. Once I set the
permission to "full control" I was able to get rid of it.

Thanks again. I never would have thought to check the ownership
settings if you hadn't suggested it.

joba

 

[WTC]

You're welcome, joba.