Help with deleting files on the PC

n57602000

I am having a clear out of old unwanted files and folders on the PC but some come up with this message or something similar and i know i dont need the file is there anyway of still getting rid of these files/folders?

the message is:

Cannot delete (file name): Access is Denied

Make sure disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use.

Thanks in advance

Reluctant_spender

Have a look at this - http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

It;s free and allows the deletion of stubborn files folders

KILL_BILL

what are the files/folders

some of the files may be system files that are in use and so wont allow you to delete them

BritBrat

Try this program and see if it will unlock the files/folders.

http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/ << Sorry missed someone had already posted it.

Ever had such an annoying message given by Windows?

It has many other flavors:

Cannot delete file: Access is denied
There has been a sharing 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.

I feel this is an essential program for everyone to have that has XP.


Here is another you can try:

GiPo@MoveOnBoot
http://www.gibinsoft.net/gipoutils/

NOW THE DANGEROUS WAY : USE AT OWN RISK.

This always comes in handy whenever you want to remove an illegal directory and here's how to fix it.

To get to this command in XP goto > start > run > cmd > then navigate to where the illegal directory is at.

rd {path} /s /q

Above is the syntax of of how its done and below is a practical example because I hate that syntax stuff above. Make it simple for me to understand thats what I always say.

Example one: Deletes testfolder and everything inside it

rd c:\testfolder /s /q


Remember everything below that directory gets deleted so don't do this to an important directory that is going to affect your system.

Here's another example going deeper that you can follow to try it :

1. cmd
2. cd.. keep doing this until you reach the c:\
3. or do it the easy way and chdir c:\
4. make a folder called testfolder by typing mkdir testfolder
5. type cd c:\testfolder
6. type mkdir garbage
7. type dir so you can see your new folder
8. type chdir c:\
9. type rd testfolder /s /q
10. type dir to see the results, everything below testfolder is now gone.

One last word or caution, you cannot undelete actions done here so be careful ok!
_________________

If anyone really cares:

/S = Delete specified files from all subdirectories.
/Q = Quiet mode, do not ask if ok to delete on global wildcard

n57602000

Wonderful guys i think that has worked its magic

One more thing with MSN how can i stop it storing email address's in my documents admin settings each time is there a way?

n57602000

I hope my last question makes sense to people if not i can explain more if you like.

Reluctant_spender

you've lost me on that one

scheming_gypsy

lost me too. Only time i've seen msn store email addresses in My Documents is when you've got msn set to save conversations, there will be a folder in My Documents and within that folder will be a list of all the contacts (email addresses) that you've had conversations with. These are usually .txt or .xml files, when opening it you'll see the conversation you had with that person.
To remove it tell msn not to store conversations and delete the list from My Documents.