Can I delete these randomly named folders?

Read the article that everyone's commenting on.
Subscribe to the RSS Feed for comments on this article.

Is there a recognised algorithm the generate truly random number strings? Twenty years ago it seemed to be the pursuit of computer scientists. Has it been achieved yet?

Anything generated by an algorithm is, by definition, not truly "random".

Your remarks concerning odd named files- I (have) had one on my physical second Hard Drive D: - turned out to be a text files of a logging sequence.
I just deleted it, but did a Restore point beforehand- I have XP Home.
Thanks Leo, your answer helped.
I am a newcomer to your Newsletter.

Hmm...well, what if those Random Folders refuse to be deleted because they claim they are being used by a program even though there are no files inside? I can successfully remove all of those random folders except for one stubborn one which will probably remain for the remainder of the life of my computer. So annoying!

Everybody runs into files or folders that you can't delete because they are in use or something. The program "unlocker" which you can get here: http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/ takes care of that problem very easily. I use it regularly and recommend it.

have two folders on external drive E: Properties are:
E:\be0224887b466ec6b6ba11edbaa265\update\updspapi.dll
and
E:\eb99fa32721d7821dfea81e9\update\update.exe

I cannot delete these folders nor their contents, get Cannot delete (filename)ACCESS DENIED. They have been there for months. Unlocker does not work on them. Booted in safe mode, .. same problem. Have ticket open with Microsoft Support, but so far, nothing back from them. XP Home SP2.

Nice and important article Leo , thanks.
John i think these files is necesary for Xp system , any way if you didn't like to be these folders visible in your drive , just make them hidden from the folders option for these folders "eb99fa32721d7821dfea81e9" "be0224887b466ec6b6ba11edbaa265"...
http://www.fosdir.com

If you get an access denied error, note the file name, and boot of your XP disc into the Recovery Console. Trust me, you can't miss it.

Then, type in

del (Drive Letter):\(Filename)

Example: C:\62sdf0ajsf2adfs

Ahh.. thanks for the information.
You're awesome.

I had three oddly named folders in the root of my E:\ drive, and now those ugly folders are gone. :]

If you are unable to delete the folders, you need to take ownership of the folder and sub folders and files.
First remove "use simple file sharing"
In explorer Tools-Folder Options-View then uncheck "use simple file sharing" at the bottom of the list.
This will enable the security tab when you right click on the folder and access the properties page.

Select the security tab and click advanced.

Select the owner tab then select your user account and check replace owner on subcontainer, then click apply.

You should be able to delete the folder subfolders and files.

Hope this helps

To post a comment on "Can I delete these randomly named folders?", please return to that article's main page.