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29 Replies Last post: May 21, 2008 9:57 AM by Number3124   1 2 Previous Next
Click to view kycdh's profile New Member 11 posts since
May 19, 2008
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May 19, 2008 12:33 PM

Cannot delete XP invalid folder.


I am running a Dell 8500/80GB/1GB running Windows XP Prof.

Someone/something generated a Folder named *,jpg (the comma is real, not a typo)

The folder cannot be deleted, moved or renamed by any normal means, XP always reports an invalid file-name.

I have tried third party software such as "DelvInvFile" with no luck.

I cannot run back-up software any more as a file scan reports disc errors, so this is very serious.

MS wants $59 to try to fix it and I have have spent many thousands on buying their rotten software.

I would appreciate some real help with this one.

Thank you.

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Click to view coastie65's profile Old Hand 3,306 posts since
Apr 2, 2007
1. May 19, 2008 12:40 PM in response to: kycdh
Re: Cannot delete XP invalid folder.
Hi kycdh and welcome to the forum, Have you tried running that file name in search in windows explorer and then deleting that way ( right click and then delete ) ?


eMachines T5212.... Intel Pentium D 945 3.4Ghz..... evga 8600 GT 256 Mb PCI-E video card..... Realtec HD audio......2 Gb 533 Mhz DDR2 memory..... Lite on CD RW; DVD +R / RW DL optical drive...... Windows XP MCE 2005....... Antec Basiq 500w PSU......200 Gb PATA HDD
Click to view coastie65's profile Old Hand 3,306 posts since
Apr 2, 2007
3. May 19, 2008 12:48 PM in response to: kycdh
Re: Cannot delete XP invalid folder.
Hey, as you probably know the comma in the file name instead of a dot is the problem. Have you tried changing the file name ? coastie65


eMachines T5212.... Intel Pentium D 945 3.4Ghz..... evga 8600 GT 256 Mb PCI-E video card..... Realtec HD audio......2 Gb 533 Mhz DDR2 memory..... Lite on CD RW; DVD +R / RW DL optical drive...... Windows XP MCE 2005....... Antec Basiq 500w PSU......200 Gb PATA HDD
Click to view mphenterprises's profile Member Moderators 9,032 posts since
Feb 19, 2007
5. May 19, 2008 1:04 PM in response to: kycdh
Re: Cannot delete XP invalid folder.
Hi KYCDH and welcome to the PCWorld Communities. :D

I have an idea from where you received this file but that is neither here nor there. Now, this is going to be a bit tricky but it is possible to remove. First, as Coastie suggested, try to rename the file. More than likely, any Right Click functionality is gone except for things such as Properties.

If that does not work for you, try these suggestions:

  • Copy all essential files from within the folder where the affected file is located and paste them into a new folder. Once done, delete the folder with the file inside.

  • With all essential files still out of the folder where the affected file is located, restart your computer in Safe Mode. When in Safe Moder, delete the folder with the file inside. If you are not sure how to access Safe Mode, follow the steps laid out within this Document How do I boot my computer into Safe Mode?.

  • Write down the entire file name of the affected file exactly as you see it (account for spaces, dashes, or any characters). Open C: Prompt and navigate to the affected folder level, not the file level, and delete the file from within DOS. If you are not sure how to navigate within the C: Prompt window, please post.



This is my personal Dream PC: http://forums.pcworld.com/blogs/mphenterprises/2007/12/21/my-gift-to-myself
Click to view coastie65's profile Old Hand 3,306 posts since
Apr 2, 2007
6. May 19, 2008 1:07 PM in response to: kycdh
Re: Cannot delete XP invalid folder.
Yeah, I saw it, just forgot what I read I guess. Senior Moment. :D You might try creating a new folder and then try and move the file to that folder then see if you delete it that way. coastie65


eMachines T5212.... Intel Pentium D 945 3.4Ghz..... evga 8600 GT 256 Mb PCI-E video card..... Realtec HD audio......2 Gb 533 Mhz DDR2 memory..... Lite on CD RW; DVD +R / RW DL optical drive...... Windows XP MCE 2005....... Antec Basiq 500w PSU......200 Gb PATA HDD
Click to view mcbarker's profile Member 688 posts since
Aug 10, 2006
7. May 19, 2008 1:18 PM in response to: kycdh
Re: Cannot delete XP invalid folder.
Here's another couple of ideas...


Did you try removing the directory from the command prompt? If not, in Windows Explorer, make sure that the folder in question is not write protected. If it is, remove the write protection, then click on Start, then Run, and type CMD in the box. Type in the following format:

RD Drive:\path\,jpg, where Drive: is the drive letter the folder is on, and path is the full path to that folder. For example, if the folder is in the root directory, type:

RD C:\,jpg


or if the folder was off of the Program Files directory, you would type the following:

RD C:\Program Files\,jpg


If that doesn't work, download a program called Unlocker... You can get it HERE

Follow the instructions on how to install and use it, and you should be able to delete the folder. After you do that, I suggest you get a good antivirus and spyware program and do thorough scans in safe mode.


SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING, BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS.
Click to view mphenterprises's profile Member Moderators 9,032 posts since
Feb 19, 2007
9. May 19, 2008 1:36 PM in response to: kycdh
Re: Cannot delete XP invalid folder.
Did you try any of the other suggestions provided?


This is my personal Dream PC: http://forums.pcworld.com/blogs/mphenterprises/2007/12/21/my-gift-to-myself
Click to view mcbarker's profile Member 688 posts since
Aug 10, 2006
11. May 19, 2008 5:46 PM in response to: kycdh
Re: Cannot delete XP invalid folder.
Don't use Unlocker to rename the folder, use it to delete the folder... and I still recommend that virus scan.


SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING, BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS.
Click to view mphenterprises's profile Member Moderators 9,032 posts since
Feb 19, 2007
12. May 19, 2008 6:12 PM in response to: mcbarker
Re: Cannot delete XP invalid folder.
mcbarker wrote:

...and I still recommend that virus scan.


I second that, in Safe Mode preferably.


This is my personal Dream PC: http://forums.pcworld.com/blogs/mphenterprises/2007/12/21/my-gift-to-myself
Click to view mphenterprises's profile Member Moderators 9,032 posts since
Feb 19, 2007
14. May 20, 2008 8:46 AM in response to: kycdh
Re: Cannot delete XP invalid folder.
I would not rely 100% on McAfee to secure your computer. However, since McAfee does not play well with any other security applications, the process to remove McAfee for any other application is not warranted at this point.

If I may ask, from where did you get this file?


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