Can´t Delete Folder. You Need Permission.....

Gamesoul Master said:

Sorry for the slight necro-post on my first post here, but I came across this same situation *twice*, and found a solution both times. I only post it here because when I google this particular problem, this is one of the first results that comes up, so I figured having a solid solution on this thread would be a good idea.

Setting proper ownership and permissions is on the right track, but there's an additional step that seems to need taking when dealing with some of these folders (*especially* folders on the root directory of the drive, as that's where the issue seems most prominent in my case).

When setting new permissions to allow yourself to delete the folder (via Properties (right-click) -> Security (tab) -> Advanced (button) -> Change Permissions (button)), you should definitely make sure you uncheck the first checkbox ("Include inheritable permissions from this object's parent") and check the second checkbox ("Replace all child object permissions with inheritable permissions from this object"), although that second checkbox is only needed if there are folders you want deleted in the folder you're trying to delete. It'll ask something about deleting permissions when you click OK, go ahead and agree to do what it asks. After that, you should be set to delete the folder.

Up until I did that last step, I was running across the same permission issues with deleting folders (Windows telling me I needed permission from "GamesoulMaster" to delete a folder when I *am* GamesoulMaster is very frustrating). Of course, I can understand the issue in my case, where it's inheriting permissions from the drive itself (being a folder in the root and such). Still, it's frustrating, but this should help a lot of people who are having this problem and haven't found the solution with the suggestions in this thread.

it worked,thanks

I am having the same problem and I am the only user of this computer. What is "unlocker"?

unlocker is a program you can download and install and when you right click on a file will see unlocker as an option.i have to use it when trying to remove a 720p movie that i downloaded.the way i use it is-i right click on the movie file,click the option unlocker.then a window pops up,thats shows the files that are running.select them all and then click unlock all at the bottom.the window will close.then i right click on the file and do the same thing again,but this time i get a window asking me what action i want to perform.i select delete(by clicking on the little arrow at the end of the box,and the options will drop down).then click okay etc.and the file is deleted.hope that helps.have a good one.

Just thought I would comment on how I deleted some troublesome directories that were written during multiple failed attempts to install .NET.

I did everything above (i.e. ownership, permissions, etc.), but was not able to delete the directories until I unchecked the 'Read Only' box on the General Tab of the folder's propeties dialog.

Anyway, thought that might help someone who has not tried that.

Dave

I had this problem and worked out what was wrong. Sharing in case it helps (seeing as this page comes up high on google)...

I tried changing the read-only property first... failed
I tried changing the permissions... failed

Then i loaded up a program called Unlocker... which revealed that the folder was being locked due to WINDOWS MEDIA CENTER! I then used Unlocker to unlock it, and delete it

Long story short, looks like Windows Media Centre is the culprit.

Gamesoul Master said:

Sorry for the slight necro-post on my first post here, but I came across this same situation *twice*, and found a solution both times. I only post it here because when I google this particular problem, this is one of the first results that comes up, so I figured having a solid solution on this thread would be a good idea.

Setting proper ownership and permissions is on the right track, but there's an additional step that seems to need taking when dealing with some of these folders (*especially* folders on the root directory of the drive, as that's where the issue seems most prominent in my case).

When setting new permissions to allow yourself to delete the folder (via Properties (right-click) -> Security (tab) -> Advanced (button) -> Change Permissions (button)), you should definitely make sure you uncheck the first checkbox ("Include inheritable permissions from this object's parent") and check the second checkbox ("Replace all child object permissions with inheritable permissions from this object"), although that second checkbox is only needed if there are folders you want deleted in the folder you're trying to delete. It'll ask something about deleting permissions when you click OK, go ahead and agree to do what it asks. After that, you should be set to delete the folder.

Up until I did that last step, I was running across the same permission issues with deleting folders (Windows telling me I needed permission from "GamesoulMaster" to delete a folder when I *am* GamesoulMaster is very frustrating). Of course, I can understand the issue in my case, where it's inheriting permissions from the drive itself (being a folder in the root and such). Still, it's frustrating, but this should help a lot of people who are having this problem and haven't found the solution with the suggestions in this thread.

I also just registered to say thanks! this indeed works.

Even though you can go in and delete any folder that does not have a subfolder, and the permissions seem to be set right, I think it only takes one subfolder with the wrong permissions to sink the whole attempt to delete a folder. Even if you appear to have all the right permissions.

I know it's been a while since this thread was active but I just used the advice to ensure the "replace all child objects" box was checked and it got me past a very frustrating effort of trying to delete old windows folders from a backup drive.

THANKS

Go to the folder and right click, go to properties. Next go to the Security tab, Advanced button, Permissions. Make sure that everything says Full control. Go back to Security and click edit, make sure everything in there is allowed. If it asks you to run as admin say yes.