Folder Refuses to Delete

[larrytucaz]

I have a folder of "corrupt" files and nothing I do will get rid of them. I WANT THEM GONE!!!

Note: I don't believe it's the hard drive, this is a new one I've just started using it. I think it's where it tried to copy corrupt files from a previous hard drive which WAS corrupt (and which I've trashed).

Besides trying to delete them in Windows 10, I've also tried RMDIR at the CMD prompt, but it keeps telling me "directory is not empty" even though I've removed the files via the CMD prompt "erase *.*.

I need a way to delete this folder no questions asked, JUST DO IT. I don't care if it thinks deleting them is going to cause my house to catch on fire, I DON'T CARE, DO IT ANYWAY. That's what I need.

Tips?

 

[corkyg]

Have you tried taking ownership of the folder? (Right click as Admin)

 

[bruceb]

Or if that does not work, boot into SAFE Mode and then you should be able to delete them.

 

[larrytucaz]

I did both and the files and folder STILL won't go away. Please tell me I won't have to format this 4T hard drive and copy all of the other 2T data all over again, please no.

 

[C1]

Ya, Ive encountered this too. Eventually I get around it.

It's caused by using WINDOWSes (ie, multiple windows OSes).
Mainly, you dont own that file now (or at least the version of windows your using doesnt own it).

Use the "ATTRIB" command (CMD mode) to ensure that the attribute for the file is archive only.

If all else fails, download Puppy Linux & create a boot CD (or USB stick) and use that to remove the file.

(There are various other ways, but can be more effort. Just keep trying stuff & it will happen.)

 

[C1]

No dont format the HDD and recopy unless you want the defragment effect. It simply is unneccesary.

If anything look at Raymond's for a tool that can help you:
https://www.raymond.cc/blog/top-10-free-data-recovery-software/

 

[VirtualLarry]

use an administrative command prompt, and "DIR /X", to get the "short name", then delete using the 8.3 ("short name").

 

[John Connor]

To delete a long path name: http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/fastcopy.html

Delete stubborn files: http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/unlocker.html

Try unlocker in safe mode if it doesn't work in normal boot mode.

Also try press and hold shift and delete.

 

[JeffMD]

Larry, first we need to know whats in it that is stopping you from removing the folder. Make sure explorer is able to see hidden and system files.

In the past the only thing that made it impossible to delete a folder was a thumbnail index file. Normally they arn't so stubborn, and a drive cleanup can erase them if you want, but this one I had simply would not delete.

 

[bigboxes]

Here's a little reg hack that allows you to right click and take ownership. Been using it for some years now.

 

[PliotronX]

Permissions couldn't do it for a DISM mounted WIM that went awry for me. I had given up after even a program called MoveOnBoot said that it failed but after rebooting, it sure did take care of the pesky folder. If that doesn't get 'er, I would try booting to Hiren's BootCD and using its file explorer to remove the folder.

 

[denis280]

cmd/regedit/find/folder name, just make sure it's not attache to another one.and delete key,