Cannot delete files

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ErikJan
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Cannot delete files

Post by ErikJan »

The last few months I frequently have situations that after I move a file from my desktop to a folder, the file remains on the desktop and does not delete. The icon is gone, but what remains has become inaccessible. I cannot run it anymore, I cannot rename it and most of all: I cannot delete it.

So of course, I checked the obvious things: I am administrator on my system, I went to Properties / security but I have NO rights there (I cannot make myself owner: no rights). I went to an elevated CMD (or PowerShell) prompt... nothing. I tried "TakeOwn", nothing.
If I do a 'dir' in Powershell I even get an error on the files.

Last resort: I do "UnLocker" and have the files deleted after reboot... Does not work...!

After a few days, the file sometimes disappear...

The only thing that worked is start in Safe-mode. But I don't want that all the time.

Why does this happen and/or how do I get to the files so I can delete them?

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Rudi
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by Rudi »

I have encountered this scenario from time to time also. In my case the file actually was moved/deleted but the desktop or folder was not refreshed automatically. So simply pressing F5 refreshed the desktop or folder and the icons disappeared. I'm not saying this is what you are experiencing, but if it happens again, try pressing F5 and see if that helps.

PS: I'm not sure why my PC sometimes does not refresh, but it seems intermittent and later fixes itself???!
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CraigS26
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by CraigS26 »

https://superuser.com/questions/1258643 ... -files-fol

Various settings Solutions in this above Thread to consider......
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ErikJan
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by ErikJan »

I tried this, it's no a refresh issue. The files are there, also after a reboot...

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DaveA
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by DaveA »

Is this desktop folder related to any cloud function?
I am so far behind, I think I am First :evilgrin:
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ErikJan
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by ErikJan »

Nope, nothing OneDrive or similar

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DaveA
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by DaveA »

What type of files are these that you can NOT remove?

Also do you have system hidden files turned on?
I am so far behind, I think I am First :evilgrin:
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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ErikJan
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by ErikJan »

All good questions, thanks. It happens with all type files and it's not related to file properties like hidden or system.

I have not had this the last few days BTW; as soon as it happens again I'll try to post some screenshots

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ErikJan
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by ErikJan »

It happened again just now...

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ErikJan
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by ErikJan »

And again...

CraigS26
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by CraigS26 »

So of course, I checked the obvious things: I am administrator on my system, I went to Properties / security but I have NO rights there (I cannot make myself owner: no rights).
==============================================================
Properties above is the SAME Rt-Clk My PC Desktop Properties I posted about?
Don't forget I could Not - SAVE to Desktop - and found that in My PC\Desktop\Rt Clk\Properties\Security tab\Everyone (group) had the Modify Box UN-chk'd --- I chk'd it and (Then) Saved a Word Doc to the desktop + dnloaded a small app.

IF we're talking the Same Properties then THAT may be part of the Solution and you must find WHY you cannot gain Rights to Change settings as I did.
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ErikJan
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by ErikJan »

Thanks Craig, not sure if I follow what you are trying to say. This is NOT related to desktop refreshing; the problem even survives reboots. Oddly enough.. I comes suddenly and after a while the files disappear suddenly as well.

I tried hard to make this reproducible but to date I can't.

(I I can make screen shots available if needed)

CraigS26
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by CraigS26 »

I wasn't speaking of Desktop Refresh.
I was interested in a My PC Desktop Properties Modify Box Setting that in my case for the "Everyone" group was UN-chk'd; Chking it FIXed my inability to Save to Desktop and I reasoned a SETTINGS change in Your Desktop Properties may be in order as was the case for me.
I wasn't clear IF - Properties / security - mentioned in your Post #1 was the Same as the one I Modified. IF the same then you should have then ability to Chk a Box that needs it.
My Save to Desktop and your Delete issues FROM Desktop are not twins for sure, but at this stage it seemed worth a shot to look there.
EVERYONE MODIFY BOX CHKd.jpg
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ErikJan
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by ErikJan »

Here are my results

For the Desktop, I'd argue that EveryOne is nice, but not correct as other users should not see one's Desktop.
Desktop.png
For my file I see this:
File.png
If I click Advanced I get this (same message for the "Effiective Access" tab)
permissions.png
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ErikJan
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by ErikJan »

Files are still there... I believe the only way to get rid of them is wait (sometimes they suddenly disappear) or reboot in safe-mode.

FYI; I tried tools like "UnLocker" that delete files during boot... Doesn't work!

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ErikJan
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by ErikJan »

I tried icacls and takeown in an elevated CMD window: "Access denied".

A DIR still lists the file and I see it on my desktop but with a white rectangular icon only

Attrib works (giving just "A"), but I can't change it

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DaveA
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by DaveA »

Are you trying to delete this file by clicking the icon on the desktop or from Windows Explores and selecting it from the list?

Also, if from the list, are you logged in as the user of this desktop folder?
I am so far behind, I think I am First :evilgrin:
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ErikJan
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by ErikJan »

DaveA wrote:
30 Jun 2020, 14:16
Are you trying to delete this file by clicking the icon on the desktop or from Windows Explores and selecting it from the list?

Also, if from the list, are you logged in as the user of this desktop folder?
Yes, yes and yes. :)

No matter what I do, I can't delete the file. Not from the Desktop, nor from File Explorer. And yes, I am admin and owner.

Note: the one file I got appeared WITH it's original icon today and I could delete it... Magic?

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BobH
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by BobH »

Is it possible that malware of some kind has crept into your system?
Run whatever anti-malware software you have to see if anything turns up.
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ErikJan
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Re: Cannot delete files

Post by ErikJan »

Now, I have antivirus (paid), MalwareBytes (paid), run ADWCleaner and HitManPro occasionally and if I don't trust a file I check with VirusTotal... All my software is legal. Very slim chance I have 'something'. Good suggestion however, thanks :)