How do i delete a file that is stuck on read only

dieselstation

Golden Member
Feb 20, 2001
1,388
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i cannot delete this file that's on my desktop. everytime i go to change the attributes, it says it can't change it. i'm on XP and i can't even delete it from safe mode or command prompt? i thought maybe perhaps it's a process that's still running, but i can't seem to find it. Is there a way to make this thing stop? or perhaps delete the file completely? is there a program that i can run like norton or something that will let me delete this?
 

burnedout

Diamond Member
Oct 12, 1999
6,249
2
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If your box is formatted FAT32, try booting your box with a DOS disk and deleting it.
 

NogginBoink

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2002
5,322
0
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What error message do you get?

There are many reasons for not being able to delete a file. The error message is usually somewhat accurate and can lead to taking the proper corrective action.
 

GrumpyMan

Diamond Member
May 14, 2001
5,780
266
136
Have you tried right clicking on it and go to the Properties\General tab and untick the read only at the bottom? If you have try to go to explorer and track down the file and then right click on it.