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Can't Get Rid Of A File

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
I wonder if someone can help me with the following. I have a file, supposedly an .mp3 however i am unable to delete it or erase it nor can i move it. Hell i can't even try to virus scan it!

Everythings doing nothing!

I tried this unlocker tool thing i have and it wont do anything either.

How do i get rid of this file ?

Comments

  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Use the command prompt. :)
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Boot into safe mode and try deleting it.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    (assuming its the smae thing..)I've had this prob a few times myself, as soon as your computer has restarted it will let you delete it - the reason it wont let you now is because some part of that file is running on your system.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Ok. Rebooted several times today [yesterday now!] not to mention turning it off last night and botting up today, that didnt work.

    Next on the list is booting up in safe mode.

    Click, never use the CP before what do i type and /or do ?

    failing all of the above.. i've stuck.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    if the folder is set to thumbnail view, change it. that can cause the same problem with image files, not sure on others though
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    EDN1 wrote:
    Click, never use the CP before what do i type and /or do ?

    Start -> Run -> cmd

    Basic command-line tools:-
    dir = directory listing
    cd = change directory(folders, for all you GUI-only people)
    del = delete

    I'm not that much use - I haven't used Windows for a good few years now. Someone else should be able to give a semi-decent tutorial on finding the file and deleting it. The following may help:-

    http://dream.cs.bath.ac.uk/software/sndan/use_console.html

    The command line is a very versatile and powerful tool, but it's hard to get your head around to start with. :)
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I use 'move on boot'
    http://www.softwarepatch.com/software/moveonboot.html

    Nice little program that adds a right click option to delete any file on the next boot - never failed to work
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    After attempting to read how to use the command prompt, well i just couldnt get it to work. I just dont think im understanding how to make it work.

    I downloaded the " move on boot " utility, well i cant use it.

    The file i have tha tis undeletable at this moment when i right click it i dont get the usual right click options. I get no " delete " no " move " no " rename " none of that, there isnt even any " properties meaning i cant select this file under move on boot.

    Tried showing file extensions and even after that i cant see what the ext of this file is although its icon is that of windows media audio and that is what it should be, audio.

    So im stuck once more.
  • Indrid ColdIndrid Cold Posts: 16,688 Skive's The Limit
    Safe mode didn't work either?

    As for command prompt, once you run it just try these commands.
    Supposing the file is in c:\windows\ttt.mp3 (for example's sake)
    cd \windows
    del ttt.mp3
    

    I'm not 100% sure of this, but I think that if you have CMD open you can drag and drop the folder into the CMD window and it will take you there automatically.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Last resort -
    • rename the folde
    • create another folder of the original name
    • move all the files which you *do* want into the new folder
    • delete the old one with the dodgy file still in it.

    Worked for me in the past.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Renaming the folder and creating a new folder worked. Deleting the original folder worked. Interestingly i got the following prompt " the folder xx contaisn a file with a name too long for the recycle bin do you want to delete it permanently ? " .. AS i type it erasing the recycle bin so hopefully it will go...

    ETA: thanks for all the replys & advice :)
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    After many years of heuristic learning, most IT support people will come to the same phrase:

    When it doubt, turn it off and on again. :hyper:

    That is exactly what our IT department at work say.
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