can't friggin delete folder

[SelArom]

I got a folder on my external 100gb seagate external 2.5" drive. I try to delete it and windows tells me that the folder is not empty but THERE'S NOTHING IN THERE!!

I have tried
-setting the folder (and the whole friggin drive) as NOT read only in the properties window
-showing all hidden and also the protected system files in the Folder Options menu
-deleted ("rd /s /q") from the command prompt
-holding shift while I press delete
-emptying the recycling bin
-putting a potato on the drive and spinning it counterclockwise
-reboot
-reboot in safe mode
-unplugging and reconnecting external drive
-closing explorer and deleteting from command line


nothing works, same damn message. please help!!

-SelArom

 

[ubercaffeinated]

safe mode.

 

[SelArom]

Originally posted by: makoto00
safe mode.

no go. running check disk now.

i think throwing it out the window would work but might not be the result i'm seeking. bleh

-SelArom

 

[Maetryx]

use the deltree command from the command line

 

[bunnyfubbles]

shut down computer
unplug the external drive (powersource too)
reboot
once done rebooting, plug external drive back in
try to delete

 

[DJFuji]

Google for it. Fairly common problem. If you have to, boot from another drive or put it as a slave and see if you can delete the folder.

 

[BFG10K]

Kill Explorer and try deleting it through the command line.

 

[SelArom]

Originally posted by: DJFuji
Google for it. Fairly common problem. If you have to, boot from another drive or put it as a slave and see if you can delete the folder.

you know i tried googling it but most results are to forums like this one where someone asks for advice, then people make suggestions, and none of them work, and then nobody ever responds and the last post was like 8 months ago...

killing explorer didn't work.... i'm trying another checkdisk now

-SelArom

 

[DarkTXKnight]

actually I might offer another suggestion... why don't you use something like an ultimate boot disk or Bart's PE disk ??? That way if there is an issue with the OS on that mahcine and that folder you should be able to delete it in this manner. Also both of those boot disks carry plenty of disk diagnostics as well. If this external drive is scratch built (seagate drive + brand x case) I would pull the drive out and hook it up to an internal disk controller to rule out any problems with the case which seem to be far more common. If its the seagate retail external drive, then dont take it apart, just do as I described above.

Hope this helps

 

[david46675]

a few suggestions:
1) rename the folder, delete
2) put the folder inside another folder, delete the new folder
3) rename the folder and use it since u cant get rid of it?

 

[WildHorse]

Microsoft's way
and also.


Additional ideas from here
Checkpoints/workarounds: Test the Delete after each suggestion.

1. Go to Start/Run/CMD and type in: RD /S [drive:] path
2. Open Notepad and save the (blank) file with the name of the undeletable file. Under save as, navigate to the file, delete.
3. Move the file into a new directory and then delete the directory.

4. Close all open apps. Open a command prompt (Start/Run/CMD) and navigate to the directory with the offending file(s). Then open the Task Manager and click on the Processes tab, select "explorer.exe" under Image Name. Click "End Process".

In the opened Command Prompt, DEL the offending files (DEL *.mpg, DEL mus*.avi, DEL test.wmv, etc.) Once done, go back to the task manager and click on the Applications tab. Click the "New Task..." button. in the dialog, type explorer.exe and click OK.

Note: Could also opt for: ATTRIB -H -R -S filename before the DEL.

5. Or you can use Process Explorer: http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/procexp.shtml. Use the search function to find every handle that Explorer.Exe has open and close them (right-click on the file and choose 'close handle'). Then delete the file(s) in question.

 

[SelArom]

FINALLY got it. After three Checkdisks, I rebooted with the drive still plugged in and the blue screen came on saying I should check the disks (again!). it did and fixed some errors and FINALLY i was able to delete the frigging crappy ass loser empty folder.

thanks for your input fellas.

-SelArom

 

[MobiusPizza]

Originally posted by: scott
5. Or you can use Process Explorer: http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/procexp.shtml. Use the search function to find every handle that Explorer.Exe has open and close them (right-click on the file and choose 'close handle'). Then delete the file(s) in question.

That's an AWESOME program
I have always wondered why Microsoft can't make something like that