deleting unwanted folder from hard drive (this one refuses to go..

[Guest]

We installed MSN GAMING ZONE on our computer for the purposes of playing
online chess/backgammon. We did not like the program and deleted it using
add/remove programs. But the program's folder, and all its contents,
remained in C:\program files.

Intestingly, inside the MSN GAMING ZONE folder is another folder called
WINDOWS. It is in this latter folder that all the individual game files are
contained. It would not let me rename the WINDOWS folder (I thought I could
rename it, then maybe delete it).

Anyway, we could not delete either folder (access denied). So, we deleted
everything in "SAFE MODE," but the files returned in normal mode. We tried a
system restore to a date well before downloading the program, and afterwards
it was still there.

We were told that the only way to get rid of this folder now is to
completely re-install the Windows XP operating system, which would be some
trouble at this point. I don't like losing to a "malicious" program, but
perhaps I must simply take this drastic step.

Hence, my question: is there any way OTHER than a complete re-install of the
OS to get rid of an unwanted folder containing unwanted files?
Alternatively, would there be any harm in just leaving it on the hard drive?
My virus protection program does not recognize it as containing any malware.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[caserc]

Have you tried taking ownership of the folder and then seeing if you
can delete it?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

 

[Bob I]

Don't worry about it, it's part of the install. Just leave it be.

 

[Guest]

i agree with bob.
i'm no expert but msn gaming zone is unlikely to destroy your computer.

 

[Elmo]

We installed MSN GAMING ZONE on our computer for the purposes of playing
online chess/backgammon. We did not like the program and deleted it using
add/remove programs. But the program's folder, and all its contents,
remained in C:\program files.

Intestingly, inside the MSN GAMING ZONE folder is another folder called
WINDOWS. It is in this latter folder that all the individual game files are
contained. It would not let me rename the WINDOWS folder (I thought I could
rename it, then maybe delete it).

Anyway, we could not delete either folder (access denied). So, we deleted
everything in "SAFE MODE," but the files returned in normal mode. We tried a
system restore to a date well before downloading the program, and afterwards
it was still there.

We were told that the only way to get rid of this folder now is to
completely re-install the Windows XP operating system, which would be some
trouble at this point. I don't like losing to a "malicious" program, but
perhaps I must simply take this drastic step.

Hence, my question: is there any way OTHER than a complete re-install of the
OS to get rid of an unwanted folder containing unwanted files?
Alternatively, would there be any harm in just leaving it on the hard drive?
My virus protection program does not recognize it as containing any malware.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

You _can_ open Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, click the Add/Remove
Windows components button in the left pane. Locate Accessories,
double-click, do the same with Games, deselect "Internet Games", and
close the applet.

 

[Guest]

Thanks, yes -- and the folder "Windows" within the game folder -- but didn't
work.

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Bob. I agree that it probably won't hurt anything. I was just
reacting to the "violation" of my computer-autonomy. Deleting that folder
has become a bit of an obsession! : )

 

[Guest]

Thanks Elmo. This may have deleted the individual files, but the folders are
still there.

 

[Guest]

Actually, the message wasn't "access denied." The message was that it was
being used by another program and couldn't be deleted. Still, it was deleted
after rebooting in Safe Mode, and returned in the normal mode. Oh, well. A
very stubborn folder...

Thanks.

 

[Bob I]

It's part of the Windows installation, quit worrying yourself about it.