Problem deleting a "Dos" file

[Oldster]

Running XP Pro SP3 I have a couple of files that I'd like to delete, but all
I get is "Access Denied". When I look at properties there is no "Security"
tab for the file. I get the same if I attempt to delete the file in a "Dos"
prompt window. There appears to be no event logged anywhere to say what the
problem is. I've tried reloading the machine with no change. Any help
appreciated.

 

[Roy Smith]

Running XP Pro SP3 I have a couple of files that I'd like to delete, but all
I get is "Access Denied". When I look at properties there is no "Security"
tab for the file. I get the same if I attempt to delete the file in a "Dos"
prompt window. There appears to be no event logged anywhere to say what the
problem is. I've tried reloading the machine with no change. Any help
appreciated.

In order to be able to see the Security tab you need to turn off Simple
File Sharing. To do this follow the instructions here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307874/

As for the other, you probably need to take ownership of the files. To
do this follow the instructions here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Running XP Pro SP3 I have a couple of files that I'd like to
delete, but all I get is "Access Denied". When I look at properties
there is no "Security" tab for the file. I get the same if I
attempt to delete the file in a "Dos" prompt window. There appears
to be no event logged anywhere to say what the problem is. I've
tried reloading the machine with no change. Any help appreciated.

What are these files? (Names...)

Where are they located? (Directory path...)

What do you mean 'reloading the machine'? Sounds like format/install clean
to me. Do you mean 'rebooting' or 'restarting'?

Tried in 'Safe Mode'?

http://www.pchell.com/support/safemode.shtml


Tried taking ownership of the files?

How to Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

Read *carefully* - do not just skim the page and start following steps.
There is important information there dependent on the version of Windows XP.


Tried programs that are made to delete the 'undeletable'?

Unlocker
http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

 

[Oldster]

In order to be able to see the Security tab you need to turn off Simple
File Sharing. To do this follow the instructions here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307874/

Simple file sharing is already disabled. I can see the security tab on
other folders/files.

As for the other, you probably need to take ownership of the files. To
do this follow the instructions here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

As far as I know, I am the owner of all files on the system. There are no
other users, and I am an administrator.

 

[Oldster]

In order to be able to see the Security tab you need to turn off Simple
File Sharing. To do this follow the instructions here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307874/

Simple file sharing is already disabled. I can see the security tab on
other folders/files.

As for the other, you probably need to take ownership of the files. To
do this follow the instructions here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

As far as I know, I am the owner of all files on the system. There are no
other users, and I am an administrator.

Problem resolved by using Safe Mode. However I still would like to know what
had hold of the files. "Unlocker" implied that there were NO connections to
the file, yet something seems to "know" about it.