How to delete program--permanently

[Guest]

I hope this is a WindowsXP basic problem. I downloaded a program that I
decided I didn't want before installing it. One of the folders cannot be
deleted. Not only that, but Unlocker couldn't delete this folder--and this
is an empty folder! I cannot delete it; I cannot open it. It appears to be
here for keeps.

How do I get rid of something on my computer that I don't want? I even
cleaned my registry, and it's still there. I can move it, I just can't get
rid of it.

Help!

Norm Strong

 

[Malke]

I hope this is a WindowsXP basic problem. I downloaded a program that I
decided I didn't want before installing it. One of the folders cannot be
deleted. Not only that, but Unlocker couldn't delete this folder--and this
is an empty folder! I cannot delete it; I cannot open it. It appears to be
here for keeps.

How do I get rid of something on my computer that I don't want? I even
cleaned my registry, and it's still there. I can move it, I just can't get
rid of it.

Was the program a legitimate one? Not malware? And you didn't install
anything, just downloaded an executable? Very odd behavior. Do you get
any errors when you try to delete or open it?

In the meantime, things to try:

1. Go into Safe Mode and try the deletion from there.
2. If that doesn't work, while still in Safe Mode take ownership of the
folder.

Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP [Q308421] -
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

How Do I Get the Security tab in Folder Properties? -
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_security_tab.htm

If you still can't delete it in Safe Mode after taking ownership, then
reboot into Safe Mode Command Prompt. Navigate to the folder location
and at the prompt do:

rmdir [drive:]Path /s [enter]

If that doesn't work, boot into the Recovery Console and see
instructions from this MS page:

http://tinyurl.com/2jbwrl


Malke

 

[Don Schmidt]

I wonder if there might be a Read only hidden file in the folder? Give this
a try; Start, Settings, Control Panel, Folder Options, Show all files. Then
look in the folder and attempt to delete any files within and then delete
the folder.

 

[Daave]

I hope this is a WindowsXP basic problem. I downloaded a program
that I decided I didn't want before installing it. One of the
folders cannot be deleted. Not only that, but Unlocker couldn't
delete this folder--and this is an empty folder! I cannot delete it;
I cannot open it. It appears to be here for keeps.

How do I get rid of something on my computer that I don't want? I
even cleaned my registry, and it's still there. I can move it, I
just can't get rid of it.

Which program did you download? And did you download an installation
program with the .exe extension? You said, "One of the folders cannot be
deleted." That implies that you have installed it. If so, how did you
try to uninstall it? Did you go into Control Panel, Add/Remove Program?
If you have done all the above and all you have left is just an empty
folder, I believe you should be able to delete it using the command
prompt.