new user :-) two program files folders; can't delete

[norbury]

Hi Guys,

I'm a little stumped by this which is unusual for me

OK, I was installing some x64 plugs yesterday and the default installer wasn't pointing to the right folder so i manually typed the correct path

c:\Program files\Steinberg\VST plugins

All seemed to go well until I looked at my C drive, I now have two identical folders saying Program files.

c:\Program files
c:\Program files
c:\Program files (x86)

I've changed permissions and taken full control and tried to delete the new one but it i get an error message saying the folder isn't empty.I've tried everything I can think of including safe mode etc but can't for the life of me delete this double folder.If I use the CMD line then it lists both folders with exactly the same name so I've no idea which one is the bogus one to try and delete from there.

I tried system restore and still the two folders came back again!!

The bogus folder is showing 0 file size and if I open it and try and open a folder inside i get an error message saying the file isn't in that location but I cant get rig of the bloody thing?

Thoughts guys? I'm on windows 7 x64 by the way.


MC

 

[richc46]

Cannot delete file or folder | Windows Problem Solver

Several choices, give them a try and let us know.

 

[norbury]

Hi rich,

The problem with using the comand line as far as I can see is that I can't differentiate between the two identical system files folders.

How do I know when I type

delete c:\Program files that i'm not deleting the program file folder I want to kep not the bogus one?

if I do a dir on my c drive they're both listed with the identical name.

c:\program files
c:\program files

cheers
marcus

 

[richc46]

Marcus,

I understand your problem, that is why I gave you several choices. Try them, if you still have the problem. We will see what can be done.

Just as a hunch, try changing the name of the bogus folder.
Be very careful, that program folder is very important, be sure that it is bogus and you know what you are doing.

Make a system restore point before doing aything else.

 

[richc46]

I am curious, too, to see if your suggestion works.

 

[norbury]

Sorted it by running Ubuntu Live CD, none of the windows methods worked.

Good forum, thanks for your help.


Marcus

 

[richc46]

TY for telling us how you solved the problem. In an attempt to help yourself, now, you have, also, helped others. Glad that it worked out.

 

[motc7]

Sorted it by running Ubuntu Live CD, none of the windows methods worked.

Good forum, thanks for your help.


Marcus

I do not understand. You fixed the problem by running the setup for another operating system? That doesn't make sense. Please explain so we, or rather, I can learn better?

 

[richc46]

I just learned about the live CD from a recent post. When all options fail and you cannot boot, you can download the free linus live CD, boot into that and it will allow you to access Windows. You can also use it in the way suggested by norby, once you access Windows. There are discussions as to wheter or not it violates the terms of the MS eula.

http://www.reallylinux.com/docs/knoppix.shtml

 

[Jonathan_King]

Sorted it by running Ubuntu Live CD, none of the windows methods worked.

Good forum, thanks for your help.


Marcus

I do not understand. You fixed the problem by running the setup for another operating system? That doesn't make sense. Please explain so we, or rather, I can learn better?

You can boot to the Live CD and use Ubuntu. You can't save your changes, but the bottom line is that he used a GUI to delete his folder, from outside Windows.

While in the Live CD, it is possible to install Ubuntu.

 

[DarkStar GT]

^^^^
Strictly, you cannot save files in the Ubuntu local file system, but you can save them (or delete them) on an external disk / USB stick.

-----
Glad that norbury sorted it out.

Of concern to me, does anyone have any ideas how Windows 7 could have created the second "Program files" folder?

Is it related to this?
Multiple Application Data Folders - Why & How - Vista Forums

 

[motc7]

That....is....so...friggin....cool!!!!!!!

So, if I understand everyone correctly, I have an Ubuntu disc. I could use that to boot to a Linux shell or Ubuntu itself? From there I can recover files?

 

[richc46]

Yes that is correct.

 

[motc7]

Yes that is correct.

Could this workaround possibly rule any more? LOL

 

[richc46]

Bit embarassed, but we learn by teaching.

reboot problem - Vista Forums Go to last page

Live CD saved this poster.

 

[motc7]

Bit embarassed, but we learn by teaching.

reboot problem - Vista Forums Go to last page

Live CD saved this poster.

That was an awesome read....mind you I skipped to the end.

 

[richc46]

The last page would have answered your question. Glad to help you, since you have also helped many.

 

[motc7]

The last page would have answered your question. Glad to help you, since you have also helped many.

MANY? Hardly. I'm still a greenhorn, but thanks nonetheless.

 

[yeri60]

Hello,
I got the same problem as Norby: I then use the Ubuntu Live CD :
boot from Ubuntu, mount the NTFS and remove the fake Program Files from there. It worked just fine (just pay attention to get the correct fake Program Files) .
Thanks for the trick.
And by the way I bookmarked the SevenForum as my preferred source for Win7 info.

 

[niemiro]

Actually, it does not only do it to Program Files. It has also been know to do it with User Folders. There are a few differences:

Symptoms:

Logon normally, and get a Preparing your Desktop message. Desktop empty. Start Orb > Documents is empty. Pictures folder has restored to the default three. Things are looking bleak. One does NOT get a temporary profile message, and one is able to log on. This is a DIFFERENT issue. The fix is in the file system, and not the registry.

Navigate to C:\Users\Richard\ and there are two Documents folder, two Desktop folders etc. One is the new one, and one is the old. Delete all of the new one (right click > Delete does the trick) log off, log on, issue solved.

Just thought that you might be interested!

Richard