This problem has got the pro's stumped.... please help!!

[bellowe]

In my Documents and settings folder, in addition to "All
Users, Default User, and My name" A new hidden folder has
been somehow created named DEFAU\~1 When I click on it to
try to delete I get the message Cocuments and
settins\defau~1\refers to a location that is
unavailable..........
This file is unreadable, therefore, Causing all sorts of
minor nags when running any software that reads the
entire system. ( ie Virus scanners, repair utilities,
restore and install functions ).
I have tried to repair via chkdsk.. nada. Used a win98
boot disc but the file does not appear anywhere in dos,
therefore nothing to delete. Tried to remake
directory .... no dice. Tried sys restore,,, sys restore
failed and all restore points have now become un-
executable. Tried to delete in safe mode, through user
accounts..... nope. Lastly, I downloaded the user delete
utility from MS, It also does not see it.
This file seems to be a ghost that does not appear
anywhere except within xp. After much frustration, I
decided to reinstall xp .... I cannot even re-install, I
get a critical error message, shut down, and then end up
having to clean up my boot.ini to get up and running
again. Any Ideas?? Your input would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[roger]

Hi bellowe,

Go to a command prompt (Start > Run > cmd)
navigate to the parent browser using the command cd, cd..

Open task manager (Ctrl + Alt + Del) kill explorer.exe from it

In the command prompt, type
rd DEFAU\~1 /s

Open a task in task manager --> explorer.exe

If you have Nero, try to delete it with the Nero browser.

If no joy, go to the Recovery console and delete it, using the same
command rd DEFAU\~1 /s

You'll need to modify some policies to allow the deletion of folders
outside of the Windows folder:

310497 - HOW TO: Add More Power to Recovery Console By Using Group
Policy in Windows XP Professional
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310497

Good luck

 

[roger]

Sorry, made a mistake, it's not 'browser' but 'folder'

 

[Lance Joiner]

You can go here and move on boot and see if it will get rid of it..
http://www.gibinsoft.net/gipoutils/bin/moveonb.exe