Delete Stubborn File

whs · 19 Jan 2016

chuckhig · 20 Jan 2016

Pyprohly said:

Where "unlocker" applications couldn't detect a handle, deleting stubborn files using either the 8.3 short path naming convention or the long path naming convention have proven quite successful strategies in the past...

Chuckhig, create the below batch file and drag your problem file onto this script.

Code:

if "%~1"=="" exit /b
del /a /f \\?\%1
tskill explorer
goto 2>NUL & del %0

Or if your problem item is actually a folder (as per what your attached image suggests), then create the below instead.

Code:

if "%~1"=="" exit /b
rd /s /q \\?\%1
tskill explorer
goto 2>NUL & del %0

Sorry..way over my head.

whs · 20 Jan 2016

Maybe this method is more to your liking:

Undeletable File - Delete

chuckhig · 20 Jan 2016

Have been trying your suggestion. Get message cannot find file .

whs · 20 Jan 2016

Hmm, so it is a ghost file.

chuckhig · 20 Jan 2016

I even attempted the CMD suggestion. I must be trying it bad or something. No luck. I had this problem once a long time ago before this new computer. I was given given a code or something..not sure,but it worked. I know you have to type the correct path with that code,but lost it. I tried to move the folder to my desktop and cannot either. Oh well. The folder is empty...just annoying. Thanks for your help. I will keep looking for an answer.

UsernameIssues · 20 Jan 2016

Did you get a chance to run the check mentioned in post #7?

Callender · 20 Jan 2016

RE: X-Plane

Is that run from DVD? Or installed on your hard drive?

In any case it seems that the folder is created by the program. I've seen other programs that create folders that cannot be deleted if:

A: The program is not in use.

B: You change the default "Save Location" of a folder that is used by the program.

I know of ways to delete zero byte files/ directories but you need a backp before going ahead.

EDIT:

On the basis that you might want to go ahead:

Create a system image backup that you can restore if needed.

Then read this post:

Cannot delete o byte file that "doesn't exist"

Use PowerTool PowerTool x64 V1.6 for your 64bit machine. Just delete the folder and don't mess about with the other features.

sgage · 20 Jan 2016

Have you tried a Linux LiveCD? I've had really stubborn files that were easily dispatched from Linux...

Pyprohly · 20 Jan 2016

chuckhig said:

Pyprohly said:

[...]

Sorry..way over my head.

It's not "way over your head". I'm sure you've created a file before. And I'm sure you've dragged and dropped a file somewhere before.

chuckhig said:

I had this problem once a long time ago before this new computer. I was given given a code or something..not sure,but it worked.

That "code" is probably the same one used in the batch file I'm offering you to try.

Well I've gone ahead and created the batch files for you and have attached them here. The instructions are simple: if you want to delete a file, drag and drop it on FileDeleter.bat's icon. If you want to delete a folder, drag and drop the folder on to FolderDeleter.bat.

Edit: Removed attachments. Please see post 9 for the mentioned batch files.