Cannot delete file....even in safe mode!!

[nk33]

I have a file stuck on the hard frive which Windows Xp seems to think is using. As far as I can see it isn't using it. I try to delete it and get the usual message that it is being used.

I have even tried to delete it in safe mode but I can't.

I also can't be bothered to physically take the drive out and stick it in another pc and delete it that way.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[snooker]

Hi ... First off it would help to know which file you are trying to remove , anyways go to this website below and download " Moveonboot " it should do the trick

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/moveonboot.html


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[nk33]

I have downloaded the program and used the "delete file on next reboot" option but the file is still there when I restart.

It isn't a system file, it is just a self-extracting exe file.

I tried this program twice and it didnt work.

[snooker]

See if you can rename file to something else and then try to delete it in safe mode , Again it would help to know what the name of the file is ? Have a view at the website below and see if it help

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=320081


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[vidster]

This is a tool that will let you add a value to the right click menu called delete on reboot. This will get rid of stubborn files that refuse to be deleted such as, uninstalled applications, viruses, and much more.

Download This Registry File

Save the file to your desktop and once it is downloaded, right click it and click merge. You will get a message that confirms your actions, click ok. It will then merge. And from there on out, there will be a delete on reboot key whenever you right click a file.

[whitefire45108]

Open the command prompt by going to Start>Run and typing "cmd" into the space provided. Get to the folder using the cd command. And type del/f "file name". You will be asked if you are sure you want to delete the file, type y and hit enter. The file *should* be gone.

For Example if the file was name abc123.doc and in Administrator's documents you would type....

cd Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents

You would then see this...

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents

If that is what you saw you would type

del/f abc123.doc

From that point, I don't remember the specifics. But you will be asked "Are you sure? (Y/N)"

Type Y and hit enter and the problem is solved.

[nk33]

This is so strange. I have tried every one of the methods you guys have told me and none work. It is like XP is showing me that thet file is there but it isn't actually there.

[vidster]

oops...... I just noticed i posted something you had already tried
This is a file unlocker utility. Lets see if that works.
http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

When you right click on the file, do you have the option to move the file?
If you do, create a new file, drop it in the new file and delete the new file.

[EDIT] The final thing that i know of to try is to take ownership of the file in question. The M$ page below gives details on how to do this. Once you have taken ownership you can right click it and delete.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;308421