Can't delete

[gbpec7]

I don't know what happened but now I can't delete any txt files, jpeg or word files or anything off my desktop. When I try it just says Error deleting file or folder "Cannot delete xxxxx; Access is denied.
Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use."
Op system is XP Pro service pack 3

Last week I installed some sync software for my wife's new phone and still couldn't get the comp to reconize the phone so I un-installed it and had problems ever since. I did a system restore back to last month and still wasn't quite right so I put it back and now I can't restore at all.....and can't delete anything from the desktop, ie; junk files.
ANY help would be greatly appreciated.

Also I can't move files from the desktop into folders on the desktop.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Two possibilities, the "sync software" was either malware or, system files are corrupted. Do a repair with the OS disk.

 

[gbpec7]

I ran a scan with SpyBot search and destroy and found some stuff in the registry, I remember now that you mention it. The sync software came from htc.com, website for the HTC Freestyle.
Thanks for your help, I will try this tomorrow.

 

[gbpec7]

Now before I attempt this, once I do a repair it will show as a new install…..how do I get my old desktop back if my restore points wont let me go back?

 

[Bubbaleone]

Now before I attempt this, once I do a repair it will show as a new install…..how do I get my old desktop back if my restore points wont let me go back?

Doing a repair installation, in XP, is not a "new install". It simply replaces non-original, missing, or corrupt Windows system files. User docs/files/desktop, and program files are not altered. If you're unfamiliar with the procedure, the following tutorial will walk you through it:

Microsoft's Windows XP Professional Repair Install step by step

 

[gbpec7]

I know it's not a new install, I did a repair once before and my desktop looked like a new install.....if I'm not mistaken I had to go to a system folder and choose a restore point to get my desktop back like it was. That's what worries me, If I can't restore how can I get my desktop back?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I know it's not a new install, I did a repair once before and my desktop looked like a new install.....if I'm not mistaken I had to go to a system folder and choose a restore point to get my desktop back like it was. That's what worries me, If I can't restore how can I get my desktop back?

A repair does not change any programs you have installed. If the system files that are repaired have something to do with your desktop, you'd merely have to create new shortcuts.

 

[gbpec7]

A repair does not change any programs you have installed. If the system files that are repaired have something to do with your desktop, you'd merely have to create new shortcuts.

It's the folders and word files I have on my desktop that I don't want to lose.

 

[Selenium_Glow]

It's the folders and word files I have on my desktop that I don't want to lose.

In that case, create a simple backup of the desktop folder, and if possible all important files and folders in the drive/partition where windows is installed. Make the backup on a pen drive or a portable hard drive.

However, I assume you have difficulty copying files. In that case you may have to try using the command prompt (windows+R, type "cmd" press enter) to do that yourself the hard way. If command prompt doesn't work... then some more hard (or rather time consuming) round about ways of doing the same. For now, I'll also assume that command prompt will work.

Then try repairing your system.

Assuming you successfully get a clean desktop system and now want to copy back your data. But before that, scan the backup drive using anti-virus, check for root kits and spywares, and then copy back the data to the system.

If you still get the same desktop as before and your problem is solved as well... then it's all good.

P.S - And if it is just a few word files and docs you wanna keep, upload somewhere on the net (like google docs maybe), do anything it takes to fix system, and download them back.

 

[gbpec7]

Well, I did the repair this morning and it didn't fix it.....in fact it's worse. Now I can't use any browser, IE gets an error message and wants to send it to microsoft everytime I open it and Google Chrome opens but just wont load. I'm having to use the wife's laptop to get to this site.
When the repair was complete my original desktop came up so I don't know if it repaired it at all

 

[gbpec7]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to fix this before I just do a fresh install, (my last resort)?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Run hijack this to see what's actually running. Run your updated anti virus software or scan with HouseCall at Trend Micro USA. Uninstall the sync software.

 

[gbpec7]

I already un-installed the sync software, I had problems after that. All my anti-virus software is up to date as well as Spy-Bot Searh and Destroy. I just went ahead and did a format and fresh install...I hated to do that but it seemed I had no choice.

Thanks everyone for your help, it is greatly appreciated.