"cannot delete the file, cannot read from the source file or disk"

[cowboy]

I'm having trouble cleaning out my temporary internet files in \documents
and settings\<user name>\local settings\temporary internet files. When
trying to delete, the message "cannot delete the file, cannot read from the
source file or disk". Quite a few files have accumulated that can't be
deleted

HELP!

 

[Guest]

Classic virus or spywear alert.

Check your hard disk for both of these types of software...

 

[Scott]

I have run into this problem many times. Start by deleting
a few files at a time, eventually you will come upon the
culprit. It only takes 1 file to give you that error when
you try to delete all files at once. The file that cannot
be deleted is either in use or write protected and that's
a bad thing in your temp file directory. Run antivirus &
spyware detectors if you haven't. If you have write down
the full destination folder and file name exactly, reboot
the computer, press F8, select boot to command prompt,
goto that exact directory and use the DOS 'delete' command
to remove this file. BE VERY CAREFUL ---- Not to delete
anything in a different directory. If you're unsure of how
to do any of this, call a Certified Technician and don't
risk it. It's better to be out a few bucks than to spend
hours re-installing your OS.

 

[cowboy]

thanks for the advice...I ran spybot and found 5 instances of spyware, which
really suprised me, since this is a recent install, and I've been carefull
not to download any programs off the net...only stuff I've bought. I also
ran norton, and no viruses wre found. I then went into safe mode with
command prompt and got to the directory...I then used the dos command Dir to
view the contents...but no files showed up...the directory appeared to be
empty. I also tried the command line Del *.* from within the directory, but
no files were found.
What's up with that?

 

[Guest]

This still sounds very much like a viral/spywear infection to me.

Make doubly sure that the virus and spyware software you are using is
completely up to date, a virus checker is only as good as the most recent
update it has installed, and the same goes for spyware detectors needing the
latest fingerprints to be able to spot ever more sophisticated spyware/adware
programs.

I don't want to sound like a blatant advert, but I have been using Webroot's
Spy Sweeper, and Bullguard Anti virus (both of which can be downloaded from
their relevant websites free of charge on a trial basis) and they amount to
the best money I have spent on PC software in 15 years of using a PC.

Chech them out:

http://www.bullguard.com/

http://www.webroot.com/products/spysweeper

Do yourself a favour Cowboy, having an up to date virus checker and spywaer
deyector is like visiting the dentist... prevention is always better than
having to find a cure...

Big Liam

 

[cowboy]

Well, I've tried everything recomended, but these files don't seem to be
linked to spyware that is running in the background. Also used task manger
to shut down all processes except bare bones. Then got a cmd prompt and
shut down explorer (shift/ctrl/alt) during shutdown) Then used cmd prompt
to try and delete - no good.

The unusual thing is that when I right click on the folder, it gives the
total space as the entire harddrive. In addition, the files cannot be
renamed, when rght click is used, the option for rename is not present.
So I guessed tat possibly there are bad sectors,,,chkdsk reports no
problems. So these appear to be some type of "bastard file"....born out of
wedlock, and not recognized by the os or dos

 

[Rock]

Well, I've tried everything recomended, but these files don't seem to be
linked to spyware that is running in the background. Also used task manger
to shut down all processes except bare bones. Then got a cmd prompt and
shut down explorer (shift/ctrl/alt) during shutdown) Then used cmd prompt
to try and delete - no good.

The unusual thing is that when I right click on the folder, it gives the
total space as the entire harddrive. In addition, the files cannot be
renamed, when rght click is used, the option for rename is not present.
So I guessed tat possibly there are bad sectors,,,chkdsk reports no
problems. So these appear to be some type of "bastard file"....born out of
wedlock, and not recognized by the os or dos

Download the utility WhoLockMe to see what program/process is locking
the files.