Users - Deleting Files

[sircrump]

Hi all,

I want to delete files of previous user accounts that are no longer used. The user account has been deleted but the files in the 'Users' directory are still there. I can't seem to simply 'delete' them ?

Just tidying up now after a ok'ish move from xp to 7. Had problem with media centre but microsoft help phoneline were very good.

Thanks guys,


Paul

 

[zx81]

Hello sircrump,

Welcome to the Windows 7 Forum.

As I understand, you like to remove folders from previous users.
I guess the filesystem was NTFS?

You might solve this problem by taking ownership of the user directories.

Select the user directory using explorer and do a right click.
Select properties.
Select security tab.
Select advanced button.
Select owner.
Select edit button.
Select other users or groups, and add your user account, and check Replace owner on sub containers and objects

That should make you owner of the user directories.

If you still have problems removing the directories, you can make your user account to get full control over every directory and files.

For this you can use cacls.

Open cmd window, Start-> enter cmd, press <enter>
In the CMD window for example:
Move to the directory you need to change to FULL control.
Example: CD c:\users
Then enter this command, it will replace all permissions on current directory and subdirectories to grant the Administrators group FULL control.
cacls /T /G Administrators:F

I hope those hints will get you to the solution.

Best regards,

zx81

 

[sircrump]

Thanks zx81, I'll give this a go when I get home later.
I was a commodore vic20 man myself

 

[sircrump]

ZX81's help worked - very good and many thanks

 

[zx81]

I am glad it works for you

If you have any more questions, just ask.

zx81

 

[K1NG St0Ne]

Wow, thanks so much zx81! I was having issues with a file I downloaded on my external hard drive that was causing some issues for me and I couldn't delete it, but this worked perfect