Solved Need help deleting a corrupted folder

[pokeefe0001]

While testing a folder/file security program I've ended up with a folder that cannot be deleted. The folder had been hidden, perhaps encrypted, and (somehow) password protected. It now looks normal (although all the lower level folders and files have been renamed). However, when I try to delete the folder or any of its contents I get a popup saying "Could not file this item. This is no longer located in F:\. Verify the location and try again. F:\ is the proper path, and Windows Explorer shows the folder there.

I know I can reformat the drive, but it contains a lot of stuff that would have to be moved first. I'd rather not do that if there is an easier way.

Is there some way to tell Windows to delete a file whose name does not match its entry in its containing directory? (Or whatever the problem is here.)

 

[Brink]

Hello Pokeefe,

You might restart the PC to see if it may just be a ghost folder that will be gone afterwards.

If not, then you might see if the free programs Unlocker or FileAssassin may be able to remove it.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[MilesAhead]

I would try Brink's suggestion first. If the folder still shows there, you can use a tool like Unfocker to delete the folder on next boot. If you don't want to install a program just for that you can use my program RunItOnce from:
Miles Ahead Software

You can use RunItOnce to run any program or batch file on the next login. You don't have to reboot. Just log off, then back on. Just make sure if you do a batch file with commands, that they are correct, esp. when it comes to deleting files and folders. You might make a dummy folder with a few subfolders with a few files inside.. maybe just text files with the word "test" in each or whatever.. to make sure your delete commands work as expected before unleashing them.

 

[pokeefe0001]

I tried rebooting, but the folder is still there and still undeletable.

Based on other suggestions I found on the web, I tried deleting it running in Safe mode but with no luck. I tried deleting it from the command prompt but with no luck. (No error message so it looked like it worked, but the file was still there.)

I guess FileAssassin or Unlocker is my next step.
[*** Time passes ***]

Well, FileAssassin couldn't handle it. It says
"The file you have specified does not exist or is not visible to FileASSASIN. Please select another file."

Of course, this is a directory, not a file. Does that matter?

[*** More time passes ***]

Unlocker was able to delete the file! In the Recycle bin the folder is described as empty. I have no idea where its 143MB of directories and folders went. Hopefully there are really gone rather than hiding.

Anyway, thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Brink]

I'm happy to hear that got it.