[Dracken]

I have these pictures on my computer that I downloaded and I can't seem to delete by any means. I think the filename may be invalid because it is so long. The delete option isn't there when I try to delete it. Also tried cutting and pasting the pictures to some where else but that doesn't work either.I also tried making a shortcut of the files and deleting them both at the same time but that doesn't work. I would love to get rid of these files from my computer. Any ideas on how to get rid of them?

[mphenterprises]

Hi Dracken. I know EXACTLY what you mean. I had this same problem while ago. You have to delete it through DOS. It MAY delete in Safe Mode but more than likely, you have to delete it through the Command Prompt window.If you need help with manipulating the Command Prompt screen, please post. I am not sure of the exact details but I know the files can be deleted.

[Arther]

Weel there always is Re-format :lol:

[rgreen4]

I don't think he is that desparate just yet

[Dracken]

Well the files weren't able to be deleted through Safe Mode. So I'll delete them through the command prompt. How exactly would I go about deleting the files through the command prompt?

[mphenterprises]

Okay, this is how I was able to delete the file:TWO WAYS:1)- Go to the folder level right before you go into the folder with the file you cannot delete- Create a duplicate folder (For Example: Downloads 2)- Move everything from the affected folder into the duplicate folder- Once you have moved everything into the duplicate folder, delete the affected folder with the file you cannot delete2)- Open Windows Explorer (Right Click on My Computer and click Open)- Go where the file is located and write down the exact location of the file- Move everything else out of that folder except for the file that you can not delete- Close Windows Explorer- Open Command Prompt (Start -> Run -> CMD)- Wherever the prompt points type "C:" and hit enter- If you are not familiar with DOS, follow these steps: Type "dir/p" to get a list of all of the folders in the C: folder Type "cd (whatever the next level folder is)" and hit enter(For Example - cd Program Files) Do this process until you reach the folder level where the affected folder is located Type "del (Whatever the folder name is)"* If it is successful, it will just give you another prompt. The only message you will see is if the process fails.- Type "exit" to close the windowOne of those two options should work for you.

[Dracken]

Tried deleting the folder but got a message saying that the folder is required for Windows to run properly and can not be deleted. Also am unable to move the files to anywhere else. Is it possible to delete the files in the folder without deleting the folder itself?

[mphenterprises]

If I may ask, to what folder did you save this file? If it is a system folder, why are you saving files into a system folder?To answer your question....not that I am aware. Each time I came across a file I could not delete, I used one of those two methods and it worked flawlessly. The problem with that file is that the string of characters make it nearly impossible to get it 100% correct in DOS. Did you tried to move the files into a duplicate folder and then delete the folder or did you just move the files out of the folder and tried to delete the folder?The last time this happened to me, the string of characters in the filename were over 75 characters long.The only work around I can think of is to make the file hidden. If you do not show your hidden files, that will "remove" it from the folder but technically, it will still be there. Now, if the file is of a significant size, that will not be a good option.

[Dracken]

I saved them into the folder by accident. I tried your method moving them into another folder but the files won't move. Cutting, copying and pasting doesn't work. I tried making the folder hidden but it hides every file in that folder except for those pics. Not sure why it is not hiding them as well.

[mphenterprises]

Hi Dracken. Well, at this point, if you have not tried the Command Prompt steps, I would do that now.No, you are not going to make the entire folder hidden, just those files. But if it made everything else hidden and not those files, you may not be able to get to the Properties menu of those files to make them hidden.Dracken, I know exactly what kind of files to which you refer. :wink: Believe me, I got snagged with them as well. Unfortunately for you, the methods that I know will work are blocked since the files are in a System folder. I'm going to venture a guess and say that the files are, in some way, attached to a virus. Have you run any spyware or virus scans?

[Dracken]

I haven't thought bout that but will run a scan and see what it comes up with.

[mphenterprises]

Okay, depending on what scans you run, you may want to do some INTENSE scans as well. I would recommend three very good applications:Dr. Web Cure ItRootkit RevealerSuperAntiSpyware

[Dracken]

I ran those scans but didn't come up with anything regarding those files. I guess I'll just leave those pics alone. They're not interfering with the computer in anyway. Thanks though for the help.

[mphenterprises]

Well, I wish I could have been of more help. The only drawback was that the files are in a System folder. Otherwise, you would have had no problems.I will keep an eye on this thread. If anyone knows of a work-around for this situation, please post.

[smax013]

Have you checked to see if the "read only" option is checked in the properties of the files? i.e. right-click one of the files and select "Properties" from the pop-up menu...the look at the bottom of the resulting dialog box for the "Attributes" section.This might not work, but most times when I encounter a folder or file that will not delete, this is the solution that works for me. OTOH, it kind of sounds like something a little more nefarious in your case...but thought I would toss the idea out.

[mphenterprises]

HI smax013. If this is the same type of files that I had, there is no way to get to Properties. When you Right Click on the file, only the very "basic" options are available. However, "delete," "properties," and other options to get rid of the file are not available.On a lighter note, "nefarious." Who knew us computer geeks could be intellectual scholars as well. :wink:Also, Dracken, did you try the Command Prompt option? I don't see any reference to it in your posts.

[smax013]

[quote name='mphenterprises']HI smax013. If this is the same type of files that I had, there is no way to get to Properties. When you Right Click on the file, only the very "basic" options are available. However, "delete," "properties," and other options to get rid of the file are not available.> > > > On a lighter note, "nefarious." Who knew us computer geeks could be intellectual scholars as well. :wink:> > > > Also, Dracken, did you try the Command Prompt option? I don't see any reference to it in your posts.That is why I figured it might be a more nefarious thing then what I have dealt with.And I figure I should occasionally make use of "big" words to make myself sound smarter!!! :wink:

[Dracken]

Haven't tried the command prompt way. Is it possible to delete individual files using that method or only folders? Yes I did check and none of the files are read-only. Individually the delete and properties options aren't available but they are if I hi-lite all the pictures. When I select all the pictures it won't delete when I choose the delete option.

[mphenterprises]

It is "possible;" however, it is very tricky and you must be very precise. The first thing you should do is go to each file and highlight it. If you use single click, just touch the icon with your cursor. If you use double click, just click the icon once.Next, write down the entire string of characters that you see for each file you want to delete. Like I mentioned in one of my other posts, I had a character string about 75 characters long...starting with exclamation points. Make sure you account for the spaces and dashes as well.Next, follow the steps I gave you previously but instead of stopping at the folder, do "cd (whatever the name of the folder is)"remember, do not use the quotes in any of the instructions I gave you. Those are only to emphasize what you should type.Once you are in the folder, type "dir/p" once more and that will give you all of the files and folders within that specific folder.Now the fun begins...type "del (the filename)" Type it exactly as you wrote it down. If you miss one character or one space, you will get an error. Do that for each file you want to delete.This method will be time-consuming and you will have to be very patient. As you know, the System folder situation is throwing a wrench in this situation.If none of the virus scans and rootkit scans pulled up anything, if this final method does not work, and if the files are more of an annoyance than a deterrent, then maybe it might be best to just leave it. However, if you start to see problems in your system and you still cannot remove these files...worst case scenario, reinstall Windows.

[smax013]

[quote name='mphenterprises']It is "possible;" however, it is very tricky and you must be very precise. The first thing you should do is go to each file and highlight it. If you use single click, just touch the icon with your cursor. If you use double click, just click the icon once.> > > > Next, write down the entire string of characters that you see for each file you want to delete. Like I mentioned in one of my other posts, I had a character string about 75 characters long...starting with exclamation points. Make sure you account for the spaces and dashes as well.> > > > Next, follow the steps I gave you previously but instead of stopping at the folder, do "cd (whatever the name of the folder is)"> > > > remember, do not use the quotes in any of the instructions I gave you. Those are only to emphasize what you should type.> > > > Once you are in the folder, type "dir/p" once more and that will give you all of the files and folders within that specific folder.> > > > Now the fun begins...type "del (the filename)" Type it exactly as you wrote it down. If you miss one character or one space, you will get an error. Do that for each file you want to delete.> > > > This method will be time-consuming and you will have to be very patient. As you know, the System folder situation is throwing a wrench in this situation.> > > > If none of the virus scans and rootkit scans pulled up anything, if this final method does not work, and if the files are more of an annoyance than a deterrent, then maybe it might be best to just leave it. However, if you start to see problems in your system and you still cannot remove these files...worst case scenario, reinstall Windows.If it will help, you can copy the file name from the Window Explorer and paste it into the DOS prompt window (i.e. command prompt). To do so:In Windoze, select the file that you want to delete (i.e. click once). After a second or so, click the filename a second time (this would highlight the name it self and under normal circumstance would allow you to change the file name...my guess is that you will not actually be able to change the filename, but it might let you start the process enough that you can copy the file name). If the filename is select, then right-click on it and select "copy".Then in the Command prompt window, right-click the window and select "paste" from the popup menu and it will paste in the filename at the command prompt. You will want to remember to type the delete command (and a space) before you paste in the filename.This may not work since the files appear to be nefarious in nature, but it does work in general. If you cannot highlight the filename in Windoze, then it won't work and you are left to typing it out.