Can't delete stange folder

[BillVa]

I have Windows XP Media Center Edition on my computer and I'm the only user.
Over the yrs I have done 4 complete system restores on the computer. Each
time I've done one a strange folder appears on a secondary drive. It's always
just a jumble of letters and numbers, like this:

1f51b16e8f7767f039c58f34385d83f3

I can't either access the folders or delete them. I've tried to change the
attributes from read only but that doesn't work and when I've tried to delete
the folders I get 'access is denied' error messages.

Can anyone please help?

 

[R. McCarty]

The folders are used to unpack (expand) updates. Normally they are
removed once the update is applied. You need to modify the ACLs
(Access Control List) and either grant your account or Everyone the
full rights. Once changed the folder and it's contents can be removed.
Right Click the folder and take Properties to get access to the Security
(TAB).
This Microsoft KB article gives more insight:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

 

[JS]

It's most likely a temporary folder that a software installation
or update failed to clean up. .NET Framework is noted for
this problem.

Access is Denied Error Message - Windows XP Pro:
(should work with Media Center)
(Note: Simple File Sharing is always on for XP Home)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881

Also read these articles about how to take ownership of files.
http://www.winxptutor.com/ownership.htm
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

XP Pro Security Settings For XP Home
http://tweakhound.com/xp/xpperm/xpPerm1.htm

Understanding and Applying NTFS Permission in Windows XP Professional
http://www.winxpsolution.com/ApplyingNTFSXPPro.aspx

There is also a utility named: Unlocker
http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

 

[ju.c]

These are the best apps for file deletion, all free.

Unlocker 237 KB
Info: http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/
Download: http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/unlocker1.8.7.exe

KillBox 90 KB
Info: http://www.killbox.net/
Download: http://www.killbox.net/downloads/KillBox.exe

FileASSASSIN 163 KB
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Download: http://www.malwarebytes.org/fa-setup.exe

DelinvFile 603 KB
Info: http://www.purgeie.com/delinv/index.htm
Download: http://www.purgeie.com/dl/divfinst.exe


This is a trick to delete an undeletable file by restoring a
file over it with a file created with the same name using a
drive imaging program.

Instructions:

1. Create a text file and write in it some letters, anything.

2. Save that file in your root drive (C: for example) with the
same exact name and extension as the file you want to delete.

3. Now make a backup your new file (I used Acronis True Image).

4. Open your backup program and restore the file you created to
the folder where the undeletable file is, overwriting it.

4. Now you can delete it!

5. Run chkdsk.


ju.c

 

[Tim Meddick]

Bill,
As the suggestions you have received go, the best was from "R.
McCarty" concerning the use of ACLs (Access Control Lists) of files and
folders.

This is not as frightening as at first appears.

Just open a 'Command Prompt' windows (or DOS-box, as it is sometimes
called) by going to your 'Start Menu' and select 'Programs' >
'Accessories' > 'Command Prompt' .

At the prompt, type (or 'copy and paste') the following command into the
window :


CACLS D:\1f51b16e8f7767f039c58f34385d83f3 /E /G Users:F


The above command should be all on one line but may not appear so due to
line-wrap.

(*Please Note: There is a colon between the word 'Users' and the letter
'F')

The above command assumes the directory in question is in the root of
your [D:] drive - If not, then append it's path accordingly.

This command will edit the ACL of your folder to give all users 'Full'
access rights - so you should then be able to delete it with no
problems...

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.

 

[Tim Meddick]

Sorry, I should have mentioned - you need to be logged on with
Administrator privileges, if not already.

If you press the F8 key repeatedly as soon as the PC is finishing it's
self-test (just before the 'Windows loading..' screen appears) and
choose the 'Safe Mode' option.

When you come to the Welcome screen, you will see 'Administrator'
listed.

If you don't know the password, it has probably never been set, so just
by clicking on it should get you in.

If you don't use the Welcome screen, but use the 'classic' login
instead, you won't even need 'Safe Mode'. Just type in 'Administrator'
as the user name and click on [ok] to enter.

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.

Bill,
As the suggestions you have received go, the best was from "R.
McCarty" concerning the use of ACLs (Access Control Lists) of files
and folders.

This is not as frightening as at first appears.

Just open a 'Command Prompt' windows (or DOS-box, as it is sometimes
called) by going to your 'Start Menu' and select 'Programs' >
'Accessories' > 'Command Prompt' .

At the prompt, type (or 'copy and paste') the following command into
the window :


CACLS D:\1f51b16e8f7767f039c58f34385d83f3 /E /G Users:F


The above command should be all on one line but may not appear so due
to line-wrap.

(*Please Note: There is a colon between the word 'Users' and the
letter 'F')

The above command assumes the directory in question is in the root of
your [D:] drive - If not, then append it's path accordingly.

This command will edit the ACL of your folder to give all users 'Full'
access rights - so you should then be able to delete it with no
problems...

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.

I have Windows XP Media Center Edition on my computer and I'm the only
user.
Over the yrs I have done 4 complete system restores on the computer.
Each
time I've done one a strange folder appears on a secondary drive.
It's always
just a jumble of letters and numbers, like this:

1f51b16e8f7767f039c58f34385d83f3

I can't either access the folders or delete them. I've tried to
change the
attributes from read only but that doesn't work and when I've tried
to delete
the folders I get 'access is denied' error messages.

Can anyone please help?

 

[BillVa]

The Unlocker utility did the trick. Thank you all for your assistance.

 

[JS]

You're welcome.