NTFS PROBLEM! files won't delete

[ht990332]

Around 150 megs of files are on my hard disk that
remained from a previous installation. Each file is
around 10 megs. None of the files is a system file.
They cannot be deleted. when i try to delete them windows
says
"cannot delete file : cannot read from the source file or
disk".
They are not encrypted, still they cannot be deleted.
The problem is that they were created by a user who does
not exist anymore (from a previous windows installation).
They properties of each file does not show its real size
(0MB instead of 10MB) but they size of the whole folder
is 150 megs. I forgot to say that changing the security
settings for the folder did not help!
Any ideas how I can delete these files??

 

[Richard Keirle]

If, after using something like Norton Disk Doctor, you still can't get your
hd sorted out - download the utility software for your specific make and
model of hard disk, (possibly using a 2nd or friends PC), from your hard
disk manufacturers web-site and "zero-fill" it. They may refer to this as
a "low level" format, which possibly it really isn't but, it'll clear
residual NTSF problems. After zero filling you'll need to re-partition, if
installing W98se in realation to the following

I'm finding nowadays that it's best to install W98se on FAT32, then upgrade
to XP pro, so that XP sits on a Fat32 drive. If corruption occurs
installing XP onto an unpartitioned hd, (meaning you only get the option of
installing onto a NTSF partition), then you're up the creek without a paddle
unless you zero-fill your hard-disk.

Having said that, I installed XP pro onto a had for me, a few months ago,
and it's been perfect !

regards, Richard

 

[ht990332]

I need to delete the files without repartitioning or
formating. Any other suggestions?

 

[Jason Tsang]

Did you attempt to take ownership of the files first before attempting to
modify the security settings on them?

That should do the trick

 

[ht990332]

I did, still don't work. did chkdsk and everything too.

by the way all the files are named the following

00100. to 00400.

the file names have have a dot at the end but no
extension??????!!!!

 

[Kelly]

Hi,

Suggestions and checkpoints:

Can't Delete a File or Folder in XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_d.htm#del

/xp_tweaks.htm

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm