Solved How do I delete "stuck folders"

[amo1102]

Hi, this is my first post.

A friend who is clue less on computers managed to partially delete some folders on her computer. I have no idea how but the folder icons and names (3) remain but can't be deleted with standard "delete option". I tried quite some things including trying to remove them through command prompt, I tried in safe-mode and I also tried changing the permission settings but that dialog box is blank when I open it!

I have tried to google the problem repeatedly but I can't seem to find any solution. I call them "ghost folders" as they are there but they are not.. the computer seems to think they are not there however they still show and won't delete. :devil:

Any suggest, help would be great. I wish I could describe the problem better but I don't know how.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Amo mate just where are these folders??

 

[amo1102]

Hi man,

They are in another folder on the C: Drive. Essentially these folders were sent through an ftp program as ZIP files and I downloaded them into my "IN" folder which is on the C:.

After de-crypting them (they were pgp.zip files) and then unZIPping them, I took what I needed and then attempted to delete them. That's when the operation when south and they only partially deleted but the folders are still there...

 

[TrustMe]

Try making a live Linux USB flash drive or DVD and see if you can delete folders with that. Ubuntu and Linux Mint are very popular. If you are successful at deleting them, empty the Trash Bin (Recycle Bin) before you Shutdown. There will be a picture of a trash can on the Desktop.

I used this program to make the flash drive.

YUMI - Multiboot USB Creator | USB Pen Drive Linux

 

[amo1102]

Thanks man. I downloaded Yumi and read the page you linked. I never used Linux or Ubuntu and don't have an iso file. do you have a like where I can get it? Also for a total Linux nub like me, do you have any suggestions or bullet points in how to run it?

Thanks man.

 

[TrustMe]

Personally I like and use Linux Mint. It's very similar to Windows 7. I use the MATE Desktop. Here is the download link.

https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

Here is the link for Ubuntu if you like to try both.

Get Ubuntu | Download | Ubuntu

 

[amo1102]

thanks man. I had just googled it and found that exact download - Linux Mint MATE desktop. I/P download and i'll see if I mange to install this! Thanks for your help.

 

[TrustMe]

I forgot to mention the Persistence part of the YUMI program. What that does is remember your settings for the next time you boot from the flash drive. If you plan to format the drive when your finished, you don't need to use Persistence.

If you don't use Persistence, the next time you boot the Linux flash drive, you will have to set everything up again.

 

[UsernameIssues]

It would probably be simpler to use a Windows based tool like Unlocker. See this post.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Well just another two cents this is what I do with dying or dead drives or ones with lost passwords to get data.
BOOTABLE UBUNTU
Make a bootable Ubuntu disk Download Ubuntu Desktop | Download | Ubuntu
Set the BIOS to boot from the optical when the machine boots it will show you a screen with TRY or INSTALL > select TRY not INSTALL
When it is finished - it takes very little time you will get a screen like in the pic .
Open the drive you want > User and dig down until you get to the data / settings you may be able to copy / paste the material you want to an external source or other installed drive doing this.
I am not sure if it will but I have recovered tons of data etc using this method both on "dead" or just plain drives that you cannot get data from using Windows.

There is this too but I find the Ubuntu easier to set up http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/287439-emergency-kit-save-your-files-dead-os.html

 

[amo1102]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the suggestions. I did what TrustMe suggested with LinuxMint and it worked like a charm! Thanks a lot!