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Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/29/2008 1:31 AM

Dear All

I have tried to delete a folder in my PC (Win XP) but windows failed to delete the folder and an error message displays "which means this program is also running in another user account. since this folder don't open in another user. Its look like virus in folder. I did scan my computer and many viruses found in this folder but Anti virus failed to delete the viruses.

Please help how can i delete the folder which contains unnecessary items

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#1

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/29/2008 10:55 PM

Update windows, update virus software, do this from the administrative account.

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#2

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/29/2008 10:59 PM

Have you tryed to delete the items in the folder 1 at a time?

some times moving the folder will allow you to delete.

Try this forum http://forums.techguy.org/ full of helpful computer guys.

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#3

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/30/2008 12:51 AM

Hello Signode

Try some of the tools available here: http://cr4.globalspec.com/comment/204413/Re-Firefox-stops-running

Advise further

Kind Regards....

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#4

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/30/2008 6:13 AM

I don't know if it helps with viruses involved, but KillBox can remove subborn folders.

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#5

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/30/2008 7:31 AM

Sometimes the folder can also contain dynamic link library parts (dll) from already uninstalled programs or executable files. This is one of the big bugbears of using "other" install and uninstall programs, they do not always remove everything.

Often it asks you to remove them manually but nobody does as you don't know what to remove or if it is used by another program.

Windows stinks but we have to live with it.

If you are certain you do not need to file that is blocking the delete function, delete it in dos and nothing will stop you. If you make a mistake you are deep in the shit but hey, you should always have back ups

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#6

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/30/2008 11:01 AM

I use the 'program control' feature in zone alarm and kill the program/folder etc. then it's dead.

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#7

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/30/2008 2:36 PM

First, make sure no running applications are using that folder (I've had this trouble before). If after you've shut everything down and it still will not delete, try rebooting and deleting, if that doesn't work, use a dos boot disk to fire up the pc and delete it the old-fashioned way. del or deltree <folder>

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#8

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/30/2008 5:48 PM

You could just move the file to a removeable storage device like a CD then toss it.

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#9
In reply to #8

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/31/2008 2:33 AM

I wouldn't have thought cutting the folder worked any more than delete, but I may be wrong. As for the CD, I'd give it 30 minutes at gas mark 5.

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#12
In reply to #9

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/31/2008 4:15 PM

Problem deleting has occurred several times and I've resorted to tracing the root and deleting there. Backing up data then erasing restore, reducing page file size to minimum then running disc clean up and defrag has worked also. I have cut or copied the file and midstream re-named it then over written the original too; more than one way to skin the cat.

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#14
In reply to #12

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

04/01/2008 4:15 AM

If a file has a virus, it's a good idea to take the sledge-hammer approach. Pointing out the need to delete old restore points is worthwhile. The other bit I'd re-emphasis (can't remember who mentioned it) is to boot into DOS, rather then opening a DOS window from XP (or whatever). The KillBox program I mentioned is a good freebie, though luckily I haven't had to use it in a long time.

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#10

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/31/2008 4:10 AM

Make sure you have you restore point uptodate and set then delete it in DOS, should be 99% OK.

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#11

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

03/31/2008 10:14 AM

Sometimes renaming the folder will allow it to be deleted (when empty).

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#13

Re: Failed to delete a folder in PC

04/01/2008 12:40 AM

Regars!

1. Check System-Trayfor any applcaton running usingthe folder/any of its file.

2. If the folder is empty it ecomes stubborn. Shut-down Winows-Explorer. Reopen & try to delete the folder.

Maybe of any help !

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