Files undeletables, uneditables, unrenamables and readables

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bouzzi
  • Start date Start date
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Bouzzi

I have 3 files on my desktop, they were attached file from an email
someone sent me...


Those 3 files are represented with a translucent icon...
They have no size....
I can't open them
I can't read them...
I can't rename them...
I can't delete them...
I can't edit them..
I can't send them in an ohter directory
I can't change their attribs...

When I try to erase them windows tells me taht the files don't exist
In fail safe mode, I can list the files but when try to make changes
the computer tells me they don't exist...

The only thing I didn't do yet, is to format my hard disk but I don,t
want to do this yet...!
 
Bouzzi said:
I have 3 files on my desktop, they were attached file from an email
someone sent me...


Those 3 files are represented with a translucent icon...
They have no size....
I can't open them
I can't read them...
I can't rename them...
I can't delete them...
I can't edit them..
I can't send them in an ohter directory
I can't change their attribs...

When I try to erase them windows tells me taht the files don't exist
In fail safe mode, I can list the files but when try to make changes
the computer tells me they don't exist...

The only thing I didn't do yet, is to format my hard disk but I don,t
want to do this yet...!
Click to expand...

It would be helpful if you gave us the respective file names.
And a general though: Most PC infections occur because
some people are happy to open any attachment, no matter
what it might contain.
 
Yup. Sonds like a virus or spyware to me...

Those "file does not exist" error messages are generated by the virus.
Perform a virus scan from safe mode, and in the future, be wary of email
attachments that you weren't expecting. If anything, download (not open/run)
the attachment to a junk folder (but dont open the file), and then scan the
file using an antivirus program. Most email providers, such as Yahoo or
Google's Gmail, provide virus scanning within their email programs. If you
are using a local internet provider's email program rather than a third-party
email, they might not be providing the virus protection.

Good luck.
Mack
 
Even in safe mode, there is something running that is intercepting the
disk access calls. You need to boot from a floppy or CD and then
delete them. If the file system is NTFS it's a little more difficult
but still possible.

Ralph
 
All he needs to do is bring up task manager, Processes tab, select
explorer.exe, End process, File menu, new task, browse to the location of
the file he wants to delete/rename, delete or rename it, close the window,
reboot OR File menu new task, explorer and enter.

Some programs lock the file, so Windows thinks they are in use, and refuses
to allow editing.

There is a utility around called unlocker, try that.

I'm assuming he is logged in as Admin.
 
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