unable to delete files and folders

[CJA]

I assume it's a folder permission problem, but I've already gone through
changing the file sharing properties, and the security tab to allow full
owner access and I *still* cannot delete the folder because (?) it is read
only. The security tab indicates as owner I have the right to change all
aspects including the read only setting, but if you uncheck the folder (it's
empty) and close the properties file then either re-open properties or try to
delete - you can't... and the properties on the folder are again read only. I
also cannot rename the blessed thing (a strategy that has worked in the
past). XP pro

I'm SO frustrated. I've been at this hours...

 

[Tim Meddick]

Funnily enough, the "read-only" attribute has no effect on being able to
delete a file in Windows Explorer - other than you get a reminder saying
"the file is read-only - are you sure...."

It is more likely that the file is "in use" by some process.

You can download this small utility that, when installed, gives you a
"right-click" option to "remove the file on reboot".

You can download "Remove on reboot" by clicking on the following link
and pressing on the button marked "Download"...

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/removereboot.html

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.

 

[CJA]

Funnily enough, the "read-only" attribute has no effect on being able to
delete a file in Windows Explorer - other than you get a reminder saying
"the file is read-only - are you sure...."

It is more likely that the file is "in use" by some process.

Yeah.. the darned thing says it's "busy" but the only thing I'm using is
windows explorer and the file is completely empty. It's a bloody empty file
folder. If it were a file - sure. NOT.

I'm not sure of anything any more - it doesn't make sense to me. And since
there are dozens of processes running how do I find out what to turn off (I'm
willing but I usually end up crashing something along the way - that doesn't
help).

 

[CJA]

:> You can download this small utility that, when
installed, gives you a

"right-click" option to "remove the file on reboot".

You can download "Remove on reboot" by clicking on the following link
and pressing on the button marked "Download"...

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/removereboot.html

Even stranger I've been attempting to do the same thing with BCwipe at
startup, but whatever is blocking it is doing so before wipe gets to it. Your
extension above doesn't work (doesn't give an option in my dodcuments folder
to remove at all or anywhere else I can find). In addition it just created
*another* file folder in my programs files that also won't delete after
uninstalling the extension...

 

[Bruce Hagen]

Try this freeware tool.

Unlocker:
http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

 

[Jim]

I assume it's a folder permission problem, but I've already gone through
changing the file sharing properties, and the security tab to allow full
owner access and I *still* cannot delete the folder because (?) it is read
only. The security tab indicates as owner I have the right to change all
aspects including the read only setting, but if you uncheck the folder (it's
empty) and close the properties file then either re-open properties or try to
delete - you can't... and the properties on the folder are again read only. I
also cannot rename the blessed thing (a strategy that has worked in the
past). XP pro

I'm SO frustrated. I've been at this hours...

Remove in safe mode ?

 

[Perky]

try this free software.*Delete FXP Files* you can download it from JRTwine
Software. Google it for website

 

[Tim Meddick]

Sorry to hear that, it does work for most "locked" files though.

Try following the advice given by "Jim" in his post, to remove both the
original file you were having a problem with and the folder that you
couldn't delete - in 'Safe Mode'.

Starting your PC in 'Safe Mode' stops ALL but the most essential Windows
processes from starting up, so unless the original problem file was part
of Windows, then you should be able to delete it - no problem!


Also, consider how to use the Windows XP Recovery Console - open Windows
Help and Support Centre (on the Start Menu) and type in "Recovery
Console" into the search box.

Then click on and read the items : "Recovery Console Overview" and
"Installing the Recovery Console as a startup option"

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.