How do I delete files that cannot be deleted in the normal way

omer · #1 08-16-2003, 11:32 AM

I have this really annoying and useless icon on my Desktop that's called "Free AOL & Unlimited Internet.url
I've been trying to get rid of it but clicking Delete+Enter apparently does not work and when I click on the icon with the right button the only two options are: Go To Free Trial and Create Shortcut.
I'll be happy if one of you people could help me. Thanks a lot.
OmEr

LooseChippings · #2 08-16-2003, 11:54 AM

Reboot into Safe Mode and try from there.

omer · #3 08-16-2003, 12:01 PM

This might help but how do you start windows on Safe Mode? I just installed XP today and i'm not really fimilar with the system.THANKS FOR YOU TIME
OMER

LooseChippings · #4 08-16-2003, 12:07 PM

As the system goes through the Power On Self Test (POST) press the F8 key several times.

You will then be given a boot menu and can select Safe Mode from there.

omer · #5 08-16-2003, 12:08 PM

Tried it and it still didn't allow me to delete the file. WHAT DO I DO?
Thanks
Omer

ESALADUANE · #6 08-16-2003, 02:43 PM

See if the Elder Geek's idea works for your problem file.

http://theeldergeek.com/delete_undeletable_file.htm

TAB · #7 08-16-2003, 05:11 PM

Omer,

Two solutions: Go to My Computer / Double-click on your harddrive / Documents & Settings / Owner / Desktop -- then right click on the AOL shortcut and delete.

If this does not work then go to Search and type in AOL and find all files -- then delete the shortcut file. If you are not using AOL on your computer, then delete all files found by "Search." Also, deleting all cookies (which may be causing other AOL problems) may also help. AOL puts itself all over your whole computer and really is an annoyance. Get rid of it if you are not using it.

Regards,

TAB

omer · #8 08-17-2003, 04:07 AM

I did what you told me and I couldn't even view the file through DOS or Explorer. I can just see it on the Desktop. So I thought maybe it was a Hidden file or a readme only file but I can't even go to its properties because it's not included in its right click options. Hope someone could help me.
THanks ]
Omer

TAB · #9 08-17-2003, 10:34 AM

Omer,

I think I understand you, when you say that even though you go to Documents & Settings / Owner / Desktop you still can not delete the item -- or either it is not there. If this is the case, then you have a "broken shortcut" or corrupt registry key which must be deleted first.

Go to www.regvac.com and download their free 30 day trial registry cleaner (you do not have to purchase it later). RegVac is one of the best out there -- and the simplist to operate. Use the "Novice" Mode and let it do its own thing. Everything is automatic and completely safe. (I also use JV16 Power Tools, but it takes a little more sophistication in order to be completely safe -- but it is a fantastic tool.) After running the registry cleaner, then reboot and try to delete the shortcut. Don't forget to go to "Search" and try to remove all AOL files there. Also, go to Add or Remove Programs and see if it shows up there. If this doesn't work, then perhaps a crowbar will be in order -- if you have not already used one.

Regards,

TAB

Philster · #10 08-17-2003, 08:46 PM

I use ME so it may not work the same in XP. Start/run/ and type in "MSCONFIG" and hit enter. In the box that pops up, go to the startup tab and then look for something titled AOL and uncheck. Good thing about this, its much quicker, if it messes up anything you just go back and check the box, and anything to do with registry scares me.

Hope this helps some.

omer · #11 08-17-2003, 09:40 PM

AOL isn't in my startup

ESALADUANE · #12 08-18-2003, 06:45 AM

Here are some more ideas.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;320081

scouse · #13 08-18-2003, 09:53 AM

there should be a folder in programme files were it is, so go into programme files and delete it from there. goto run type in C:\ then click OK when page loads click on programme files then look in there for a folder relating to what you are trying to delete, it may not be there but i imagine you ahve a folder there relating to AOL.

murakris · #14 09-16-2003, 11:07 AM

I used to have this problem too and had this stupid "Free AOL and Internet" icon (came after installing netscape 7 i think)..
sitting on the desktop. (believe me, there is no way to delete this the normal way! )

There is a folder called aod in the C:\winnt\ which has the icon and a couple of .dll files. You will have to remove these files from your system to remove the icon.

If you are unable to delete the dll file, do this from the command prompt.

c:\winnt\aod\regsvr32 /u <dll-file-name>

Then remove the aod directory. Also search the registry and remove all AOL entries, especially under
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\aod

Hope this helps!

-Murali

jrew · #15 09-23-2003, 12:48 AM

I once had a problem where i couldnt delete a file on my desktop, and the only way i could do it was to share the directory that it was in. ie: share it on the network with full access. I then accessed it through network neighbourhood (My Network Places), and then deleted from there with no problems.
Sounds kinda strange, but it worked.

Cheers