Solved Cannot delete file on external HDD

[chaosrealm93]

Hey,

I can't seem to delete this one file (Munich [720p].mkv) on my external HDD. I've tried rebooting and deleting from safe mode, using "unlocker", toggling the "enable thumbnails options" in gpedit.msc and cmd commands but i always get this message when i go to delete it "this action cannot be completed because the file is open in windows explorer". Any tips? Thanks.

*would trying to delete the file on another computer work?

 

[Alpha]

Try deleting the file through the command prompt. If all else fails get a copy of Ubuntu and delete it from there.

 

[chaosrealm93]

huh...... ubuntu did the trick. never thought of that myself.. thanks!

 

[Alpha]

When in doubt use the sudo judo

 

[whs]

A reboot of Windows should also release the handles.

 

[chaosrealm93]

A reboot of Windows should also release the handles.

first thing i tried. it didnt work

 

[whs]

A reboot of Windows should also release the handles.

first thing i tried. it didnt work

Hmm, that is the first time I have seen that a handle was not released with a reboot. But that is good to know. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[chaosrealm93]

A reboot of Windows should also release the handles.

first thing i tried. it didnt work

Hmm, that is the first time I have seen that a handle was not released with a reboot. But that is good to know. Thanks for the feedback.

me too. i've had the same problem happen in the past, but 9/10 times a reboot would fix it. that's why i was particularly frustrated this time

 

[chaosrealm93]

When in doubt use the sudo judo

whats sudo judo?

 

[whs]

Well, sudo is a linux term that stands for Super User Do - I think. The Judo is just a gag that rhymes. Super User Do is the Linux equivalent to 'Run as Admin'.

It is always a good idea to have a selection of Linux tools in the drawer. This is my wonder weapon:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/287439-emergency-kit-save-your-files-dead-os.html

 

[Alpha]

When in doubt use the sudo judo

whats sudo judo?

Just a play on words. Su stands for Super User otherwise know as root. Do stands for do. Sudo is a program in Linux that allows a user, Super User privileges, without logging in as the Super User. In Linux to make many system changes you must be logged in as root or you can use sudo. Sudo is used as a security measure to protect the system. Sudo allows you to make changes but it can't do everything that root can. Generally speaking, you shouldn't log in as root unless you need to.

If you haven't played with Ubuntu much you should check it out. It isn't a replacement for Windows but it can do some really cool stuff and it's free. Believe it or not, but a lot of the time when Windows in broken, I boot into Ubuntu and it shows me things that I can't see in Windows.

 

[whs]

Hmm, Ubunto Unity and Windows 8 Metro are about the same dilemna. I prefer Mint Mate over Ubuntu although I was an Ubuntu user for many years.

 

[Alpha]

Hmm, Ubunto Unity and Windows 8 Metro are about the same dilemna. I prefer Mint Mate over Ubuntu although I was an Ubuntu user for many years.

My post was directed at the OP because he asked about my sudo post. It wasn't meant to be offensive towards you. I hope you didn't take it the wrong way.

What do you like about Mint over Ubuntu? I just built a new system and have been toying with putting a new disto on it. I find Unity to be too buggy and I feel it's time for something new.

 

[whs]

I hope you didn't take it the wrong way.

Nah, I just wanted to voice my opinion regarding Unity. Ubuntu is a fine system, as is Windows, but Unity ruined it the same as Metro did with Windows.

Mint has a logical UI (and I am talking Mate), is easy to set up and wonderful to operate. Download these PDF pages of my little tutorial series. It may help you with the setup.

Btw: I run all my Linux systems in virtual partitions - another worthwhile download - I think.

 

[Alpha]

Cool, I'll check it out. I've heard a lot of good things about Mint Mate. It's seems like a lot of people are migrating over. There must be a reason.

 

[whs]

Let me know how you make out.

 

[chaosrealm93]

Well, sudo is a linux term that stands for Super User Do - I think. The Judo is just a gag that rhymes. Super User Do is the Linux equivalent to 'Run as Admin'.

It is always a good idea to have a selection of Linux tools in the drawer. This is my wonder weapon:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/287439-emergency-kit-save-your-files-dead-os.html

ahhh hahahaha!!