"Unable to delete file..." (locked by SYSTEM!)

[Ray Darr]

Nasty nuisance today. HELP!

I have a file that isn't in use by anything (task manager processes say so!) and nothing AFAIK associated with it is running... However, "wholockthis" (an excellent FREE program) says that it is locked by the System - and is also unable to close the System (for obvious reasons) in order to release the hold it has on this pesky file. It also isn't in the queue to burn (I've checked all the CD burning software), etc etc.

I can't delete this file in Safe Mode, either in the Windows Safe or Command Prompt Safe Mode.

I read a trick in Safe Mode was to make a batch command to put whatever file is locked into a loop but the directions were vague. Other than this one example, nothing I have tried has worked.

All I want to do is get rid of this darn file.

Thanks in advance.
~ Ray Darr.

[BOAC]

I hope you made a 'recovery disk'? If you can boot into basic DOS (NOT command line DOS) from it you should be able to delete it there. Make sure, of course, that there is not a very good reason for Windows to be protecting the file.

[effortless]

What is it called and what are its properties (attributes)?

[Ray Darr]

It's a folder I placed on the desktop, burned a cd from it, and have been unable to delete it since. Numerous reboots later, I am baffled.

The program installed fine after I burned the CD (and installed via the CD) too. Last point - I re-checked the burning program and it is not in its queue (nor is the burning program running, either fully or the sensor-program that waits to see what might be burned..).

Thanks for the help so-far.

[BOAC]

Does this help (from Google)?

[Ray Darr]

Hi BOAC. One word...NO. Sorry but thanks for the link. Sigh.... Ya gotta love these damn machines. NOT.

[maxell]

Think its right click on the file then properties then security see if any of the deny boxes are ticked if not go to advanced on the secirity Tab, click on each name in the list in turn and then edit see if Delete is ticked in the deny box. maybe system has been denied access too delete

[BOAC]

Have you tried ALL the solutions from Google 'cannot delete folder' eg this and one which says use 'rd' instead of 'del'?

Ps System details?

[maxell]

Ray Darr

can you Delete anything at all from your desktop?
If not the lock is on your desktop folder in C/documents and settings (your log in name ) Desktop folder. and is inherited by all other folders in there easy way could be to enter your desktop folder this way and move the folder you wish to delete then delete it

Max

[nwaflygirl]

Use your registry edit. Go to Start, Run. Type REGEDIT. Find the file you are looking for in HKEY LOCAL MACHINE. Right click and select PERMISSIONS. Change permissions to allow full access and removal. Delete.

[Ray Darr]

YEAY!!!

You're my heroine, flygirl. That did it! Thanks VERY much! And thanks to the others for the efforts too.

Pesky newfangled computer things....off to find another mystery for posting.

Cheers!
Ray Darr

[nwaflygirl]

Very glad to help!

[TR4A]

You can also use a ultility called MoveOnBoot.

http://www.gibinsoft.net/

http://www.gibinsoft.net/gipoutils/bin/moveonb.exe