Directory is not empty error?

[m61376]

When trying to run Norton Windoctor (Norton Utilities 2003), it keeps on getting hung up on a file - actually a folder- on my desktop. It is a folder I created about a week ago and is empty (as far as I know- when I right click on the folder and look under properties, it has 0 bytes, 0 files). When I try to delete the folder I get "directory is not empty" and can't delete the folder. I tried wipe in norton utilities, and it couldn't delete this folder either. I recently had to reformat and reinstall Windows (XP Pro), and things had been working great, but all of a sudden the computer seems to be running very slowly, which is why I wanted to run windoctor. I venture to guess that somehow this folder is creating a problem, since it hangs windoctor, and won't let me delete it. Is there a way to get rid of that folder? Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Hossenfeffer]

Have you run an updated anti-virus scan?

You created the folder for....?

Are your folder options set to show hidden and system files?

 

[Krugger]

try to delete it in a cmd prompt. also try to view the dir in dos cmd window. sometimes i've found files that didn't show up in windows, strange as it may sound.

 

[DOSfan]

There is another possibility.

Have you run Disk Doctor recently?

Any number of things could have happened, from lost chains to allocation errors, to the folder even being in a "bad" sector (even if it isn't, and windows thinks it is.)

And if windows is running slowly, your drive might be fragmented anyway.

I would recomend Disk Doctor.

 

[m61376]

Originally posted by: Krugger
try to delete it in a cmd prompt. also try to view the dir in dos cmd window. sometimes i've found files that didn't show up in windows, strange as it may sound.

How do I delete it? I know to go to start-run-type in cmd (at least that is what I think I do), but am lost from there....

I ran an anti-virus scan. As far as setting the system for hidden files, I am not sure- actually, it is my daughter's computer at school and I will have her check that this morning.
Disk doctor shows no problems.
Thanks for the help!

 

[lucky9]

type in DIR and you will get the directory listings for the disk you're in, should be C:\

you should be able to see the folder name there then just type del whatever the folder is named. there is a space after the del. if you don't see the folder, get out of the command window and go to the desktop and rename that folder something unique. then go back to the command window and etc etc.

had this happen recently. i think that fixed it. i couldn't do it in a dos window. to get a command window, start, run, cmd, enter. if you don't find it, come back here. someone will be able to help.

 

[m61376]

Originally posted by: lucky9
type in DIR and you will get the directory listings for the disk you're in, should be C:\

you should be able to see the folder name there then just type del whatever the folder is named. there is a space after the del. if you don't see the folder, get out of the command window and go to the desktop and rename that folder something unique. then go back to the command window and etc etc.

had this happen recently. i think that fixed it. i couldn't do it in a dos window. to get a command window, start, run, cmd, enter. if you don't find it, come back here. someone will be able to help.

thanks- I can get to the command window, and get the list of directories- HOWEVER- it just brings up the main directories (ie- it lists "desktop", but not the folders therein). I know the folder name, and I know it is on the desktop. would I type in "del foldername" or "del C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\foldername" or something else?

 

[lucky9]

drill down through docs and settings etc. to the directory that has the folder... then just del that folder. it's simpler for me that way, and i'm sure that i'm in the right place when i hit del, enter.

that reads badly. what i do is dir then choose the doc and set'ns dir with a.... cd doc and set'ns, then dir and choose the next directory with a.... cd my name, then dir that directory until i get to the one i want. then i'm sure that it's the right one. then just del folder (or whatever you've named it). you can be sure by simply dir folder, it should be empty.

 

[m61376]

Thanks everyone for all your help- it turned about to be terminal- the hard drive was dying a slow and painful death, which is why things were so messed up.