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Windows 7 - unable to delete .avi file (Not a permissions problem)

S

ssilvermuk

Junior Member
In the course of editing some video, I saved a large (0.75Gb) avi to my Windows 7 desktop, which is on an SSD. That file is now resisting all attempts to delete it. I've tried the conventional method, and I've tried deleting it in safe mode. A dialogue box saying that it is calculating appears and never completes it's task. I've tried going via the command window, but the TAKEOWN and ICACLS commands just go into a permanent wait state. I've also attempted the job with File Assassin, but that hangs too.

I'm getting very frustrated with this problem now, so all ideas and suggestions will be gratefully received..

Steve
 
First thing I would do is scan that .avi file with a antivirus program. Don't know how it could be infected but that seems very possible considering your issue.
 
Personally would boot to a WinPE disk, and try to delete it from the command prompt. Or, pull the drive, plug it into another PC, and delete from there.
 
As expected, McAfee reports the file as virus-free. Neither the McAfee shredder nor CCleaner are able to do anything with it.
 
Try changing the file extension to something like .old. I've had odd issues where something as simple as that will fix the problem. If that doesn't work or if it doesn't allow you to do so, I'd manually kill off any processes that aren't entirely necessary and attempt to remove it via command line or powershell. If that doesn't work.. then you can attempt to cut and paste it to a new very small disk partition, then format the partition and remove it.
 
I had this problem with several folders and files on an external drive. Since the external drive was configured for Windows 7/8 I simply booted into a USB Linux Mint and said bye-bye to the files.
 
hmm,
it looks like you need to give permission to delete those files.
can you tell me this error come from a single file from single drive or from all .avi files in whole system.
 
I think I know what's going on. Let's try this:

1) Open Task Manager or Process Explorer.

2) Kill ALL the Explorer processes. Including the one that controls the taskbar and desktop.

3) Use Task Manager or Process Explorer's Run command to open a command prompt.

4) Use command prompt to delete file. Restart Explorer.

I have a feeling that will work. If does work, post back, and I can explain what the cause of the problem is.



Another option is to schedule a file for deletion at reboot using a tool like movefile.
 
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I use a USB and CD bootable small linux for stubborn files like that. My choice is the tiny Puppy linux at 200 MB or less. It's tiny, fast and has worked on a great variety of systems over the years with the relatives computers. YMMV

Jim
 
heh there was win xp bug with large avi files where windows would open and decode the whole file as long as you select it (single click)... pretty much same effect ... can't delete it
 
Virgorising said:
OMG. So sorry. first time I ever heard of Killbox failing!
_________________________________________________
PS: while using Killbox, did U hit End Explorer Shell?
Click to expand...


Ha! No, I didn't. I have now though, and the file is gone. Many thanks for the recommendation, and to all those who offered advice.

(Still bemused as to how this arose though!)

Steve
 
ssilvermuk said:
Ha! No, I didn't. I have now though, and the file is gone. Many thanks for the recommendation, and to all those who offered advice.

(Still bemused as to how this arose though!)

Steve
Click to expand...

OMG....so sorry! 😳 I should have said that right off! Nobody should ever assume, we have to be thorough. I gotta slow down. I made you waste time needlessly!

Yes, killbox rocks. It kills things very efficiently. Everyone should use it. We LUV genius apps!

YAY, it's GONE!:biggrin: Cause that kinda thing is far more annoying than most people who care little about their computers know.

I am impressed you remain BEMUSED. When I could not fix my white paper icons in some folders, I was in no way bemused.😎 But i like U still wanna know what happened.

Congrats, Steve!:biggrin:
 
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I've had problems like this happen on several occasions. Need I even mention what happens if something like this happens to one of your registry hive files? It's pretty bad...
 
sm625 said:
I've had problems like this happen on several occasions. Need I even mention what happens if something like this happens to one of your registry hive files? It's pretty bad...
Click to expand...

Pls get KillBox and park it! It will work for you as it did for the OP. Precious little app.
 
mikeyJo said:
if your problem still not fixed then you should try ccleaner.
that may be fix your error
Click to expand...


If you just read the thread, you will get the problem has been solved....and how, cause the app which afforded the fix is precious to have, and you just might wanna get it.

And, CCleaner in this event, would do Ugatz.
 
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