random unknown folder on my external drive refuses to delete.


  1. Posts : 138
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
       #1

    random unknown folder on my external drive refuses to delete.


    There is a file that I have no clue on what it is, it has only one file inside of it named $shtdwn$.req. I don't need it for anything and I have no clue on what it is. I never put it on the drive in the first place. If I try to delete the folder, it says I need permission from a user that is a random string of numbers. I am the only user of the computer and I am the only administrator. I cannot see why I cannot delete this folder and I have no clue what this phantom user is that is preventing me from deleting this folder. Please help me.

    See attached screenshot
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails random unknown folder on my external drive refuses to delete.-random.jpg  
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6,741
    W7 Pro x64 SP1 | W10 Pro IP x64 | W8.1 Pro x64 VM | Linux Mint VM
       #2

    Can you delete the file inside the folder first, then delete the folder?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6,285
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #3

    Take Ownership of the folder. See here: Take Ownership Shortcut
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 138
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #4

    I've installed the Take Ownership registry hack a number of times but it have never worked on this machine. It works on all my other machines. I am still stuck
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 721
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 7 Professional, OS X El Capitan
       #5

    There's a high chance the Take Ownership registry 'hack' will not work if there is a deny rule on the item.

    Sylveon Fetish, it would help if we could see this folder's access control list. Could you open up a Command Prompt and run a command similar to
    Code:
    icacls "C:\path\to\random\unknown\folder"
    and post back the output here.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 10,485
    W7 Pro SP1 64bit
       #6

    I know that this thread is a bit old - but it is not marked as solved.

    Here is some info and a video that I made on randomly named folders:
    Unnecessary files creating in External HDD

    These temp folders sometimes hang around due to poorly written installers.

    They appear on the drive with the most free space.

    I use Unlocker (see warnings here) to get rid of these folders.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:08.
Find Us