How do you delete a file Windows can't find?

[SonicSuitMario]

Hey there. I'm trying to clean my computer up a little, but for some reason, there's a file that it "could not find", even though it's showing it right on the desktop! What happened?
The screen clipping is attached.

If you're wondering, that's a Google Chrome extension installer. Garbage.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. I can move the file around on the desktop, but nothing else. It is confined to the desktop.

 

[Tekno Venus]

This may sound incredibly stupid and obvious, but have you tried rebooting. I've had this happen before and a reboot solved this.

Stephen

 

[A Guy]

Welcome to Seven Forums SonicSuitMario.

OK, try this:

Open an advanced command prompt

Start> In search box type cmd> Right click cmd.exe in results above and click on Run as administrator> In command prompt type:


cd %userprofile%\desktop

Enter

Type

dir /a /x /p

Enter

This will list the contents of the desktop folder, including the 8.3 filename of the crx file. Find the 8.3 name to the left of the normal hidcjhphimkfnacedjcnajpmlaegnddp_59383.crx filename

If the file was named zipfldr.dll for instance, the 8.3 filename would be something like

ZIPFLDR-~1.dll This is the 8.3 filename

Once you have the 8.3 filename for the hidcjhphimkfnacedjcnajpmlaegnddp_59383.crx , type

del <8.3 filename>

Enter

(So it will look like this in my example del ZIFPLDR-~1.dll)

It will ask you to confirm Y/N

Type y

The file should now be gone

A Guy

 

[Mythical]

You could also refresh the desktop and see if the file is still there. I've had this happen before.

 

[ace9062]

can unlocker and eraser serve the purpose?? these are the two small freewares

 

[Mythical]

I tried Eraser myself once. It didn't work, funny enough.

 

[A Guy]

Generally the file can't be found is an error caused by the long file name. Windows, and most 3rd party tools can't delete it, but can often see it. Certainly Unlocker or Lock Hunter are worth a try

A Guy