Solved Problem Completely Deleting Notepad++

[ndex477]

Here's the issue. I downloaded a version of Notepad called Notepad++ a while back and was successful in uninstalling it from Windows and removing the desktop icon but when I try to delete the folder and contents from Program Files(x86) folder it gives me the message that the file is open in Windows Explorer and that it can't delete it. Furthermore when I try to delete it at the command line level C:>, I get a message telling me that Access Denied. How can I not have access to a file that I downloaded to my own computer? Please Help! Thanks very much.

 

[ndex477]

BTW, I forgot to include that the name of the file is: NppShell_04.dll

 

[Bongo]

Reinstall Notepad ++ and then download and install Revo UnInstaller free version and try to use that to uninstall it use the highest setting when scanning for leftovers Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems
Jerry

 

[MilesAhead]

If the DLL is a shell extension it may allow you to delete it after you log out, then log back in. Or you can try unlocking using UnLocker. Or you might have to unregister it using regsvr32 /u NppShell_04.dll.

Explorer is notorious for hanging onto DLLs that are no longer in use. It's typical to log off or kill Explorer to make it let go.

If it really is Access Denied then you may have to Take Ownership of the dll before you can delete it. See tutorials Take Ownership.

Another approach. Make a .cmd batch file such as DelDLL.cmd with the line below:
cmd.exe /c "del x:\pathNppShell_04.dl"

where x: is the drive and path is the folder to make the complete path of the dll.
Download my RunItOnce utility from this page:
http://www.favessoft.com/downloads.html

When you double click RunItOnce it will bring up a file open dialog. Select the .cmd file you made. Then log off, and log back in. It should delete the file before Windows has protected it, then the login continues normally. If log off isn't enough, you may have to reboot. Since RunItOnce only runs it once, you'll have to set it again if it needs to reboot(or just reboot on the first attempt instead of logging off.)

 

[SIW2]

As Miles said, Unregistering will probabaly do it.

 

[ndex477]

O.k. Thanks to you all for your suggestions. I'll muddle through these for a while and then let you all know the results.

 

[ndex477]

Call it beginner's luck or whatever but sometimes just the plain and simple works. I switched my default browser to Google Chrome and then went back into Windows Explorer to the Notepad++ folder and deleted it with no problem. Technically, I don't know why it worked because my specialty is not browsers so if someone can explain please do. Thanks again for all your suggestions.

 

[MilesAhead]

Sounds like the DLL is a BHO. Browser Helper Object. I'm guessing when you changed default browser it unregistered the DLL. An ActiveX control most likely. I haven't heard of any browser that doesn't use the IE engine using ActiveX. That's one reason I don't surf with IE. I don't want to use BHOs as they can do serious damage if you get one that's malware.

Anyway, at least it's gone.

 

[ndex477]

Yeah, I'm glad I was able to delete it. Will mark this one as solved.