Can't delete a folder 2

[rfg]

I have a folder on my desktop at home that I copied from a zip drive or downloaded using FTP from work. After I was through with task I tried to delete the folder and can't. Folder is empty. If I try to delete, copy, rename or move the folder I get eroor: Cannot delete file. Cannot read from the source file or disc.
The folder was originally on a MAC.

 

[pohsibkcir]

I sometimes get a 'stuck' folder when trying to delete it. I can generally get rid of it by (1) opening a 'command' window, then (2) pressing CTRL+ALT+Delete to open Windows Task Manager, I click on (3) the 'Processes' tab, locate (4) 'explorer.exe', highlight it and click (5) on the 'end process' button. I then close (6) the Windows Task Manager, and return to the open command window. The folder you're having problems with is on your desktop. By default, the command window prompt should read that you are in the root of your user folder (I.E.: C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\> ... (where 'user name' is your logged-on identifier. If DOS short names is enabled it will look something like) ; C:\Docume~1\Userna~1\>) . To get to your desktop folder, type in (7) ; CD Desktop ... Once you have the command prompt in your Desktop folder (i.e.: C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\Desktop>, or; C:\Docume~1\Userna~1\Desktop\>) , run a (8) DIR /x command from the prompt ... This will list what's on your desktop in both long and short name formats. Locate and note (9) the folder/file you wish to delete. Use the short name format if one is listed. At the prompt type (10) ; RMDIR Foldername /s /q ... Which should delete the folder/file you wish to be rid of. If this doesn't remove the folder, reboot your machine to 'Safe Mode' and follow the same procedures listed above. To return to Windows after deleting the folder/file you wish to be rid of, type in at the prompt (11) ; explorer ... Then press the 'Enter' key.

 

[rfg]

That Worked!!! I had tried that method before, only with different switches. The /s /q combo seemed to do the trick. Thank You!

 

[hawkster27]

I have a really tenacious problem. Here's the story: I used PCRelocator to migrate from Windows98 on the old machine to Windows XP Home on the new machine. After the transfer, I discovered that I had two unwanted folders under Program Files. When I attempt to delete them, it get: "Cannot delete folder. It is being used by another person or program."

I used the procedure above, and indeed, the folders were deleted. But when I restarted XP normally, the folders were still there! And, to further complicate matters, these folders aren't on my old machine any longer. They were deleted months ago, but have now reappeared, apparently forever, on my new machine!

 

[linney]

hawkster27,

Are you using NTFS? If so try this but you will have to be in Safe Mode in XP Home to do it. (While in Safe Mode you might just be able to delete them from there anyway without taking ownership).

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP (Q308421)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/4/21.asp

 

[hawkster27]

Linney: Good call, but no go. Since I am the only user of my computer, I allowed full permission for all administrators and users. Then, I deleted the folders in Safe Mode. Poof! Gone. Reboot in normal mode. Yes: the Folders from Hell are still there!

 

[linney]

Is something loading at Startup that is creating these folders? What do the properties indicate for date created or modified etc.?

Are these protected System folders, what are their names and where are they located?

 

[hawkster27]

These folders are "c:\program files\microsoft frontpage" and "c:\xerox". They contain subfolders, but no files. And yes, apparently they are being created "on the fly", as they are date-stamped after the Safe Mode deletion.

I removed Frontpage months ago on my old system. I tried reinstalling it on the new system and going through add/remove, but this didn't help. I'm clueless where "xerox" came from. And there is nothing, as far as I can tell, in the registry, either.

I guess I could shut down one program after another in task manager and see if that allows me to delete, eh?

 

[linney]

Those files are installed by XP at Setup and are probably protected windows files, I certainly have them on various systems as do most XP users.

Let's see what other users say about them.

 

[smah]

I have C:\program files\microsoft frontpage, but I'm running FP, so I would expect it. I don't have C:\xerox, but could that be due to the installed printer.

 

[linney]

For more information on these files (Frontpage and Xerox/nwwia) see these links.

http://www.computing.net/windowsxp/wwwboard/forum/4453.html

http://groups.google.com/groups?sou...=UTF-8&q=nwwia+xerox+frontpage+windows+delete

 

[hawkster27]

Linney: Thanks for the info. It addresses my situation perfectly. The bottom line for anyone else who is interested: these are folders created and protected by XP. They may or may not be required for certain XP background operations. It is possible to delete them if you don't mind getting into hexadecimal editing. As for me, I'm leaving them. It's nice to have the mystery solved, though.

 

[Hendricus]

I have a problem deleting a folder as well. The folder was created by the anti-leech java applet through my IE browser. The directory name has two dots in it "donwloads.." And Windows XP sees the folder but I can't open, delete, move or rename it. Even if I go through the steps above... Does anyone know of a solution?

Cheers

 

[linney]

djhdjhdjdh,

That sounds like an invalid folder name, perhaps running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors will help. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

http://plugin.anti-leech.com/index.php?go=help

might offer you some help too.