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file won't delete

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17 replies

by stargate11211

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am having a problem getting a file to delete.It keeps telling me it cannot read from source file or disk and when I try re-installing the program it says I don't have permission to open that file. was going to use the same folder. I am the owner and administrator of my computer.I tried going into the computer thru the safe mode and that didn't work either. tried using administrator in safe mode and that didn't work.
any idea how to get that file out of there? it's in the program files.
Thanks.

17 replies

by rob miners

removing the offending file run this as well to get rid of any orphaned entries in the Registry.

Download and install CCleaner to tidy up your Registry. Backup the Registry as you go along, rescan again and again saving as you go until there are no errors left.

Cleaner: Windows

When you first open Ccleaner you will have an option to Analyze or Run Cleaner, after checking the left Pane and making your choices. Delete all Temp Files. If you scroll down you will see a greyed out box that has Advanced next to it. Left click on it and keep pressing OK to all of the responses. I normally Untick Windows Log Files and Memory Dumps as they may come in handy.

You don't have to install all of the add ons or shortcuts just the one to the Desktop.

http://www.ccleaner.com/download

by rob miners

For XP. Right click on the folder, select Security. Add yourself with full control if you arn't there already and tick the Full Control under Allow. Click Apply and then OK.

For Vista. Right click on the folder, select Properties, Security, Edit, Add and add yourself with full control if you arn't there already and tick the Full Control under Allow. Click Apply and then OK.

Click Advanced, Change Permissions. Then untick the box with the reference to: Include inheritable permissions from this objects parent and then click remove.

Now try and delete the folder.

by seanferd

and file name. Sometimes programs have the OS lock files. Even with the program otherwise uninstalled (you did use the uninstaller or add/remove programs?), the file may be "in use".

You can try to delete the file after booting into Safe Mode as Administrator, and see if that helps.

by bizintelligence

mode command prompt?

you can boot your computer into safe mode command prompt (windows XP..not sure about vista) and then use del command to delete it.

Otherwise third party software can help.(as suggested by Jacky)

Good Luck !

by deadly ernest

in use, so it won't allow you to do anything while it's in use. It sounds like the original file is corrupt or infected too.

In these situations I pop in a Linux disc and run a live Linux OS from the disc, examine the hard drive and delete the file. Since I'm not running the HD installed OS it doesn't open and I can delete it. If you have a copy of the file stored on a USB drive or copied on to the hard drive elsewhere, you can then copy it in and see what happens with the clean version of the file.

by stargate11211

well, just tried moveoverboot and it didn't work. now it is telling me that it can't delete the file because the directory isn't empty and it is. I opened up the hidden files and there is nothing there. that is wierd. at least it's not telling me that it can't read from source. haven't had this problem before.

by deadly ernest

I'm surprised you couldn't get the files to show and delete using a Linux live cd.

by kingbackwards

All the suggestions so far are good options to try. If its an executable file, it may be starting at boot. Thus why you can't delete it, Its in use, check processes under task manager and see if you can kill it. But if its a non-executable there could be other issues present.

I had a similar issue (was a jpg) and solved it by running chkdisk. The chkdisk log showed that that the file's MFT entry was messed up. After that the file deleted like there was nothing wrong.

by stargate11211

it's not an exe file. in fact it's just the folder but it still won't delete. the file is called Faith Diary. I put a clean copy of the file but it wouldn't let me use the same folder. It said I didn't have permission to open that file. I'm the administrator of my computer. no one else uses it. I also tried booting into safe under my name and also as administrator and it still didn't work.
am going to try moveonboot and see what happens. thanks for all of the suggestions.

by ontheropes

http://download.cnet.com/Unlocker/3000-2248_4-10493998.html
Once it's installed "Unlocker" becomes part of the right-click menu in Explorer. Simply right-click on the folder, choose Unlocker and choose to "Unlock All", then delete the folder.
If you're presented with a dialog box that says no locking handles were found go to the Unlocker drop down menu and choose to delete the folder.

by stargate11211

unlocker worked good and the file is gone.
thanks so much.

Susan

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