Windows - Can not delete a file or folder
Sometimes a file or directory can not be deleted due to an unknown error. It is necessary in this case to identify the cause in order to correct it and finally delete the file in question.
Possible causes
If Windows can not delete a file or folder, the cause may be one of the following:
. The file or folder to be deleted is used by a system process
.The folder to delete contains hidden files or folders
.The file or folder is read-only
.The hard disk file system has errors
.The system is infected with a virus
.The hard disk is faulty (hardware problem)
.The file or folder belongs to another user who did not leave the deletion rights on that file.
Error message
Windows may then display one of the following error messages:
. Error deleting file or folder
. Can not delete the file: Access denied
.There has been a violation.
.The source or destination file may be in use.
.The file is in use by another program or user.
.Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use.
Check that the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently being used
View all files
To view hidden files and system files:
Open My computer
.Tools -> Folder Options
.View -> Advanced Settings Area
.Check: Show the contents of the system folders
.Hidden files and folders
.Check: Show hidden files and folders
.Uncheck: Hide extensions of files of known type
.Uncheck: Hide protected operating system files (recommended). answer Yes to the message
.Click on "Apply to all folders"
.Click OK
Safe mode
First, try restarting the computer in safe mode (restart the computer and then tap the F8 key before Windows loads), then delete the file again.
Explorer.exe
Another solution may be to click Ctrl Alt Delete and stop the explorer.exe process. The icons and the taskbar will disappear. Then File/New Task and run cmd.
Move to the folder concerned using the command cd
.Delete the file using the command del
.File/New Task and run this time explorer.exe.
If it worked, the file no longer exists.
Hard Disk Analysis
It is recommended to scan the hard disk using Scandisk: Right-click on hard disk in my computer, then click Properties and select the "Tools" tab. In the "Check for Errors" panel, click Check Now.
Try to delete the file when the scan is complete.
Switching to safe mode
Try to do the Scandisk in safe mode. Try to delete the file in safe mode.
Use an antivirus
Scan the computer with an updated antivirus.
Use specific software
If none of these manipulations work, it is possible to use specialized tools:
Unlocker, allows unlocking software access to files. A simple right click/Unlock allows you to unlock the file. In the case where the file is not used by any process, the software proposes to rename, delete or move the file.
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