Locked file in Program File (x86) and I'm administrator

[PhilippeFV]

Sorry if I'm placing this question in the wrong place. Please move if necessary.

This is a combination question both virus and administrative issues.

I have a file called C:/Program Files(x86)/sweetm that is a known virus that I cannot remove. When I try to do so, my system tells me "You need permission from the computer's administrator...". This is a single-user PC and I have full administrator privileges (or at least I thought so). If I right click on the file, go to Properties, and click on Sharing and then Advanced Sharing, it will not let me change the settings.

How do I delete this file?

Many thanks for your time.

 

[MilesAhead]

Try downloading malwarebytes antimalware free. Run a scan. If it picks up that same file it should allow you to delete it. It may force you to reboot so that the file gets deleted before any user has logged on. It's better to do it through malware bytes in case something in the registry is making the file copy back on every boot. Just set it to do nothing without your approval. It's very safe.

 

[PhilippeFV]

Thanks for your reply

I tried Malwarebytes (which I already use regularly), but it found nothing. However, a friend recommended a freeware program called "unlocker" that did the trick.
Thanks for your help.

 

[MilesAhead]

Unlocker is a great tool. You can also use my RunIt program to run any program or batch before logon. Files are not yet locked.

 

[morph000]

Possible cure - boot into safe mode and try and delete it.
If no go, then your best bet is to boot off an AV recovery disk (I use Kaspersky Linux distro recovery cd) and you can ALWAYS delete any file (as Windows is 100% out of the loop) using the Explorer window...

I've had weird files in Vista - can't delete or even right click without hanging the system.
Some malevolent code no doubt.
Recovery disk sorted 'em all...