Comments for Why can't I delete this file?

Comment from Khentiamentiu on 2008-10-14

2008-10-14T19:35:24Z

Removing a Windows file is easy, once you figure out what the file is and where it is located. I use this procedure all the time for my wife, who is unwilling to learn a different operating system.
1. Boot the system from a CD with a live Linux distribution such as Knoppix, Fedora or Ubuntu.
2. Mount the Windows filesystem in Linux, which has no problem reading and writing Windows filesystems.
3. Delete the file with the command "rm ".
Of course, it's not quite that simple, and you need to know that removing the file won't corrupt Windwos so that it won't run, but once you learn a little Linux, it's easier than all the crap you have to go through trying one program after another in Windows. Or you can avoid these problems entirely by using Linux, which these days comes with extensive driver support, easy installation, and an OS more stable and faster than Windows. Oh, and it's free for download, of course. Some very good distributions are Knoppix, Fedora 9, Ubuntu 8.04 and OpenSuse 11.0.

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Comment from Tom on 2008-10-04

2008-10-05T05:47:42Z

In my previous post I forgot about file names and folder names with imbedded blanks that need to be enclosed in double-quotes. Replace steps 22 and 23 with the following:

22) To delete a file type in the characters del “ (the letters del followed by a space and a double quote) or to remove a directory type in the characters rd “ (the letters rd followed by a space and a double-quote)
23) Right-click and select Paste and then type the character “ (double-quote) the fully constructed commands look like - del “file name.ext” OR rd “folder name”

Sorry for the over-sight. I think I could use a good a QA person.

Tom

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Comment from Tom on 2008-10-04

2008-10-05T04:13:00Z

Error Deleting File or Folder

We all have had the experience of seeing the Windows Error Deleting File or Folder – Cannot delete : It is being used by another person or program.

If you are unable to delete a file or folder when the only program running is Windows Explorer, the Windows application Explorer is usually* the program at fault. Explorer since day one has had a problem with releasing file locks but, you can use the following manual procedure to delete any file or folder.

You must be sure the file or folder you want to delete is not needed by either the operating system or an application. If you are unsure you can use the program Process Explorer to determine which program process has a lock on the file or folder. You can download the program for free at the www.sysinternals.com which, re-directs you to the Microsoft TechNet website http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/default.aspx. After installing Process Explorer you can use the Find menu then select the File Handle or DLL option (ctrl-F) and type in the name of the file or folder name and learn the name of the program preventing the file or folder deletion. In any event, Process Explorer is a good addition to your toolkit.

So if you’re ready to get rid of that pesky file or folder print out the following instructions:

1) Close all applications and open Windows Explorer (if you were unable to print out the instructions leave the application with the instructions open and use the ALT-Tab to toggle between applications later when we stop Explorer)
2) If you don’t have the Address toolbar active in Explorer go to the View menu click Toolbars then click Address Bar
3) Locate the file you want to delete and click on it OR to delete a folder locate the folder containing the folder you want to delete and click on it
4) Right-click in the Address toolbar box and select Copy which copies the drive and pathname to the Clipboard
5) Close Windows Explorer
6) Press the Ctrl-Alt-Del keys simultaneously to open Windows Task Manager
7) Click on the Processes tab
8) Click on the Image Name column to sort the processes running alphabetically
9) Find the Explorer.exe process and click on it
10) Click the End Process button
11) Click the Yes button In the Task Manager Warning message box
12) Click on the Applications tab
13) Click on the New Task button
14) In the Open box type the letters “cmd” and click OK to open the command interpreter
15) Type the letters “cd “ (the letters cd followed by a space) and right-click then select Paste and press Enter (this will change the directory to the directory we copied from the Address toolbar)
16) Type the letters “dir” and press Enter (this displays all the files and folders in the directory)
17) Locate the file or folder name you want to delete (use the scroll bar if this is a directory with a lot of files)
18) Right-click anywhere inside the window and select Mark
19) Left-click on the first letter of the file or folder name to highlight the first letter
20) Hold the shift key down and left-click on the last letter of the file or folder name (the whole file or folder name should now be highlighted)
21) Press Enter (this will copy the highlighted file or folder name)
22) To delete a file type in the letters “del “ (the letters del followed by a space) or to remove a directory type in the letters “rd “ (the letters rd followed by a space)
23) Right-click and select Paste
24) Press Enter (this will delete the file or remove the folder)
25) Type in the letters “exit” and press Enter to exit the command interpreter
26) In the Windows Task Manager click on the New Task button
27) Type in the letters “explorer” and click the OK button
28) Close the Windows Task Manager

I noticed mention of software here that could remove these files automatically. Unfortunately they seem to require the system to reboot and in the case of Malewarebytes 'FileASSASSIN', it doesn’t work when Explorer is the process that is keeping you from deleting the file. I’m so used to doing the above procedure that I could delete the file in the time it takes Windows to shutdown let alone wait for Windows to start.

*The above procedure has worked for me 100% of the time for deleting files or folders when a registered process controls the file. The only time I was unable to use this procedure was when a “malware” program had control of the file I was trying to delete. At that time I had never heard of “malware” and I was in the process of manually detecting and removing what I thought to be a virus, trojan or worm which was attacking my system. I never use to use virus or worm prevention software because they are such resource hogs and they can cause many other problems. I’ve since found out the anti-virus software I renewed was worthless against “malware”, but not until I renewed the expired license, that came with the computer. After renewing the license I used the software to scan for viruses, worms and Trojans: the software found none. Meanwhile, it was getting just about impossible for me use Internet Explorer. After some painfully slow research I learned my computer was infected by a “malware” program, which led me to the free version of the program, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. With much trepidation, I downloaded the free version of the program and installed it. When I ran the program it found the registry entries and infected files and removed them. Ironically, the malicious programs that Malwarebytes found were Trojan.Vundo, Trojan.BHO, Trojan.Agent and Rootkit.Agent. So much for protection the virus protection I paid to renew!

In the process of writing this I ran the malware program to look at the history and checked for updates. When I let the program update the definitions, my virus protection software wouldn’t let one of the files download because it detected a Trojan named Generic.dx in the directory of the Malwarebytes program directory while the update program was attempting to copy files.

That’s just great, now I’ve got an Anti-virus vs. Malware software war brewing!

There’s a reason I kept this stuff off my system all these years.

I hope you find this procedure as useful.

Tom

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Comment from Michael on 2008-09-06

2008-09-07T02:06:23Z

Unlocker worked like a treat!! Tried lots of other methods over a few weeks but unlocker did it! Thanks Shameer!!

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Comment from Julian Lockhart on 2008-08-26

2008-08-27T05:49:09Z

NICE!
Worked like a charm.

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Comment from Shameer G.D. on 2008-08-22

2008-08-22T18:01:21Z

Ok people,
wanna share with you how i got rid
of that stubborn obnoxious piece a crap.
The stubborn file i had was ones with :

^**@%@%#$^$#&#$&#$^%@%!@!$ crap like that
and they were more than 200 characters long.

I know how annoying and frustrating it is to have that
crap sit there like a statue, when you want it gone. Tried for
close to 8 weeks figuring out ways to remove this thing,
tried everything on the web not just google,
yahoo, msn literally EVERYTHING.Actually i'm not
too sure if reformating works , but i didnt reformat
because had too many files backedup and had
no place for extra storage.However none of the above methods,
worked.All the information in the forums
like using the commands to delete,renaming,delinvfile or any other
things didnt work for me.Infact i know how troubling
this is , i wanted to help everyone out there.

Here's what to do:
1)download unlocker : http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/
unlike the other softwares i tried, this virus free software
is FREE and most importantly IT DELETES THE CRAP.

2)After installation, right click on the file you wanna delete
press unlocker,and when it launches, there's a small tab at the lower
left of the menu, which allows you to choose delete.
Click delete.
It will say file cannot be deleted, system has to restart to delete the file.
What it actually means is that file wont be deleted on the spot,
you need to restart in order for it to be gone, SO DONT REMOVE UR HARDDISK!!

3)When you're about to restart DONT REMOVE YOUR EXTERNAL HARDDISK,
DONT END ANYTHING, LET THE COMPUTER DO IT'S THING, JUST
RESTART UPON DELETING THE FILE FROM UNLOCKER,

4)Check if the file's deleted upon restarting
ONLY AFTER EVERYTHING'S DONE PROPERLY, AND FILE'S DELETED, REMOVE UR HARDDISK SAFELY!

5)Enjoy and heave a sigh of relief :P

Hope this helps someone :), all the best!!

Oh and by the way unlocker helps alot in terms of
like say you have trouble removing your external harddisk.
Say if you're in a hurry and need to catch a bus, but your harddisk just
cant be safely removed, unlocker
helps you to close all programs, just unlock all, or kill all processes.
Follow the same procedure, at my computer, right click on the drive you wanna end safely,
and then click unlocker. Then just unlock all or kill all processes.

That would come handy after you have disabled this 2 functions
that maybe allowing explorer to access all your external harddisk
files thereby preventing safe removal.

GO TO CONTROL PANEL:

1)Under classic view, go to back up and restore,
Click create a restore point at the left hand corner,
uncheck all the boxes under available disks and click
ok/apply.

2)Under classic view, click indexing options, then,
modify, than check if all boxes are unchecked.

With that said, next time when you wanna remove your
harddisk safely, also not forget to make sure you have all the
windows closed, and you're facing only your desktop.

Oh yea and by the way if it works, you can thank me at [email address removed] :):) ciao!!

Regards,
Shameer G.D.

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Comment from Brandon on 2008-08-12

2008-08-12T17:01:24Z

After alot of pain this worked for me for a file on a CD with a trailing space.
1. dir /x
2. Find short filename for messed up file, Ex. "PLATT~92.QXD"
3. xcopy PLATT~92.QXD c:\quark\test.qxd /N
4. Now the file is on your drive with a valid name that you can change to what you need.

Hope this helps someone.

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Comment from Larry on 2008-07-15

2008-07-15T16:13:13Z

Thanks for the infomation, should update your info, program is not free, (DelinvFile) Hate to spend that much to delete just one file. Some good info on your site.

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Comment from feri on 2008-06-26

2008-06-27T03:49:43Z

Thanks, but how to make the different way ? imean I want make some autorun at usb flasdisk wich is can't be delete or even format it.

Could you help me to give some advice

Thanks

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Comment from Rich on 2008-06-22

2008-06-22T17:19:02Z

Malewarebytes [free anti-spyware from the usual download repositories] has a 'FileASSASSIN'- which would work well here. In fact, I'm mid way through clearing up a dozen such uncooperative files. Thanks for your leads too. What on earth crawled up those people who posted above? Phew! You'd think you told them to invest in SubPrime.

Keep up the good work, Leo.

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Comment from Gan on 2008-06-17

2008-06-17T14:43:41Z

Finally! Those two folders have been sitting on my desktop for a few months and I can finally get rid of them! Thank you!

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Comment from Roger111 on 2008-03-24

2008-03-24T10:50:49Z

I’ve been using the following tool that resolves the problem with trailing spaces or other unsupported characters in filenames. It is not free, but comes with samples and working code. It saved so much of my time!

http://www.abtollc.com/products.aspx

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Comment from marctowler on 2008-03-04

2008-03-04T23:51:22Z

err, yer! This software does jack for my problem. It doesn't find the problem file at all. I can't delete a file using ANYTHING so far. Five programs in and still got it sitting there in My docs folder. THIS PROGRAM NOT GOOD FOR ME THEN!!!!!

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Comment from Derek on 2008-01-15

2008-01-16T05:35:14Z

Thanks for the tips. They gave me enough help to be able to delete a series of directories that had names consisting only of spaces! Worryingly these were in an old ftp root directory.

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Comment from outcode on 2007-12-18

2007-12-18T17:07:40Z

This program may work for some, but for me it's completely useless. You aren't allowed to select the Desktop to delete a file and the problem is the file I need to delete is on my desktop so I have no use whatsoever for this tool. Complete waste of time.

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Comment from James Blevins on 2007-10-12

2007-10-12T17:58:02Z

Thank you so much for this information! I had transferred a folder from a Mac to our Windows 2003 file server. Unfortunately, somehow the folder name got a trailing space at the end. The result was that the folder had no permissions tab. Whenever I opened it, as soon as Windows Explorer had loaded file information, it would close. I tried to access the folder via a command prompt, but it told me the file was not found. Using tab completion, I noticed that there was a space at the end of the folder name, "My Folder ". Based on the information you provided, I tried the following: I opened a command prompt and went to the containing folder. I issued the command, rename myfold~1 "My Folder". Viola! It's all better now! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

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Comment from james on 2007-09-23

2007-09-23T21:23:40Z

Really good little App! Worked a treat on dodgy limewire files and such. Specially long name ones just use Short Name delete!

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Comment from Ryan on 2007-08-06

2007-08-06T13:34:48Z

delinvfile really helped me. It deleted a file that I can't get rid of. Thanks a lot.

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Comment from Jo on 2007-07-23

2007-07-23T14:34:15Z

totally awesome !!! thanks mannnn...what would the world be like without people like you!!...
also, to Larry (about limewire)..the same thing happened to me, and this program fixes the prob really easily :D..

Thanks again!

xXx

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Comment from Kris on 2007-07-18

2007-07-18T20:20:45Z

THANKS! Very Helpful!

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Comment from sharon on 2007-06-17

2007-06-17T14:45:52Z

Thankyou for your tip and link to DelinvFile. After all avenues were exhausted (for a computer illiterate), the easy to use software deleted those stubborn files, and actually saved my sanity. Its like a load was lifted.

with so much conflicting advice regarding those files that resist moving, renaming, deleting, and after installing several deleting programs that didnt work, I am glad I perservered and found your site.

thanks again Leo

your blood is worth bottling.

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Comment from Jim Lawler on 2007-06-09

2007-06-09T16:58:57Z

Just a note for your many readers.

I recently released DelinvFile 3.01 which includes a "Scan" function. You can now search for invalid file names, invalid folder names and too-long file+path names.

The new version can delete a greater variety of invalid files and folders than prior versions.

Note that DelinvFile is no longer a free program but that the original delete functions and the new Scan functions are free to use. Registration is only required for advanced functions.

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Comment from angus on 2007-06-05

2007-06-05T11:39:19Z

WOW
great proigram that can delete anything!
thank you so much for this!

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Comment from pSyClone on 2007-05-31

2007-05-31T18:29:37Z

Thx alot!! It worked like a charm!! ;)

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Comment from Matt on 2007-05-28

2007-05-28T15:27:06Z

I hate repeat what everyone is saying, but this is a really great little app. I tried several solutions including using the command prompt to delete the file using a short name, but nothing was working. This program is absolutely fantastic, where on earth did your friend find this?

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Comment from LARRY on 2007-05-26

2007-05-26T23:42:59Z

I downloaded to jpeg files from limewire and they will not rename or delet no matter what I try is this whay I should use I tried the free version it I cant figure it out or get it to work I NEED HELP!

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Comment from Glyn on 2007-05-23

2007-05-23T19:48:15Z

Excellent. I've had a file that just would not go. Delinvfile did it straight away without any problem.

Thanks.

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Comment from Eric on 2007-05-15

2007-05-16T01:08:40Z

Utility didn't work for me, still searching for a solution.

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Comment from Bart on 2007-05-12

2007-05-13T02:35:30Z

Thanks Leo! I went through about half a dozen other tips before coming across yours. It worked like a charm the first time.

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Comment from javier on 2007-05-10

2007-05-11T04:51:51Z

way to go! this program saved me a lot of trouble deleting a video file, thanks for the tip leo.

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Comment from Marie on 2007-04-01

2007-04-02T03:03:07Z

Yippee!! I finally got rid of that pesky file that has been bothering me for months. delinvfile did the trick.

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Comment from Eric on 2007-03-01

2007-03-02T06:05:51Z

Tried multiple free ware applications and your recommendation worked like a champ. Thanks!

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Comment from rick on 2007-02-21

2007-02-21T22:25:15Z

I had a JPEG image which was downloaded from a program to my desktop and I could not delete it.I even right clicking it did not give me the option to delete or show properties.I tried deleting the file through the search option but it did not do anything.I have also tried other ways suggested by
information on bulletins.Then I found this,tried it,sure enough it worked.Thank you for this program and for helping others with their pc problems.

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Comment from Valerie on 2007-02-05

2007-02-06T01:13:39Z

Thank you!! I've been trying for months to get rid of these 3 files my nephew downloaded when he visited & nothing worked until I tried this. Thank God they're gone (& next time he visits I'm hiding my laptop!)

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Comment from Joan on 2007-02-03

2007-02-03T10:28:03Z

I had 2 jpeg files that would not delete. I just deleted them with delinvfile program and it worked! Thanks for the help.

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Comment from NoMoreLimewire on 2007-01-26

2007-01-26T23:18:08Z

I downloaded a file from limewire that had no valid extension, would not allow me to see its properties, and would not open. Obviously, it also did not allow me to delete it. I downloaded this software, and I was able to easily get rid of the file. Thank you so much, you really came through!!

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Comment from Jizzymuck on 2007-01-21

2007-01-22T04:09:40Z

You're the best. Downloaded delinvfile, and it worked like a charm and did the trick. Was getting a little worried, glad I found ya and used your advice. Thanks

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Comment from Bertelsen on 2007-01-21

2007-01-21T18:23:34Z

Wow! I was in that unlucky situation that ive got a virus from a email that placed 3 pictures on my Desktop with invalid names, which i couldn't delete. I searched a little on google, and then i found this. I read about it and it did sound like a program that could solve my problem. I downloaded it and tried it out. It worked! I had tried like 3 other programs such as Dr. Delete. Same message from there: Invalid filename. But now it's gone! Thanks for the tip!

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Comment from Gerhard on 2007-01-20

2007-01-21T03:14:24Z

great hint to delinvfile. found before a lot of really weird tips how to delete however this little thing s perfect. got myself a license to be prepared for the next case. tx leo

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Comment from John on 2007-01-07

2007-01-08T04:53:03Z

do you get this problem with Mac computers ?

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Comment from Teh_NoN00b on 2007-01-07

2007-01-08T03:50:09Z

Thanks so much. Really long file name would have been the last thing i suspected with these pesky files from p2p programs, there were hundreds of spaces after the name. Well thanks for saving me!

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Comment from Steve on 2006-12-28

2006-12-29T07:54:21Z

great program, thanks!

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Comment from Tim on 2006-12-20

2006-12-20T10:41:05Z

Wonderful! Thank you so much! I've been agonizing over these files for over a year, and thanks to you I'll sleep a little bit better tonight. :)

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Comment from Homer on 2006-12-15

2006-12-15T21:16:07Z

Thanks for the tip, mate!
Worked like a charm...
The freeware program you suggested deleted a file that I couldn't get rid of!
Thanks

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Comment from Marc on 2006-12-13

2006-12-13T14:52:07Z

Thanks so much, EXTREMELY HELPFUL!!!!

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Comment from David on 2006-12-09

2006-12-10T03:44:47Z

Thanks for the tip. I love PurgeIE, didn't know they had this utility. It did what TEN other programs claimed to be able to do, but failed miserably: Delete That Damn File! I love you hard-to-spell DelInvFile.

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Comment from owen on 2006-12-03

2006-12-03T18:52:00Z

this thing works.nice

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Comment from Nikos on 2006-11-29

2006-11-29T23:46:48Z

Recently I had a similar problem. A file with indeed long name. I could not deleted, copied,renamed,.... nothing seem to be done.Not from safe mode nor command prompt with wild cards . It stood there for a couple of weeks. Then I had this idea. I moved all other files I needed to another folder and left only the corrupted one. Then deleted the container folder which worked for me. Renamed the new folder to the deleted one.
P.S. This only works assuming the file is into some folder that CAN be deleted.(not a system one or the root directory).

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Comment from Isaac on 2006-11-21

2006-11-21T17:34:06Z

thanx so much it worked like a charm

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Comment from me on 2006-11-19

2006-11-19T09:39:33Z

THANKYOU. The program worked when so many others didn't.

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Comment from Mjolnir1134 on 2006-10-27

2006-10-27T19:31:56Z

Accidently downloaded a file off of a download list in my P2P program. Apparently, the file had an outrageously long file name and Windows XP couldn't delete it for me.

I was brought here thanks to a friendly help site, downloaded the DelInvFile tool mentioned in the article, and it got rid of the pesky file like a charm! Thanks! Nice find by the way!

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Comment from Spyder on 2006-10-07

2006-10-08T00:36:18Z

Wow!! Sweet tool. This actually worked!!! Thanks for the info.

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Comment from "Yosh" on 2006-10-03

2006-10-04T00:35:42Z

Thank you very much! Couldn't of gone any better. Great tool that really works!!!!!

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Comment from Harlyn Tucker on 2006-08-28

2006-08-28T23:52:31Z

I would like to remove links on/in my favorites
file or what ever it is called.

I wish to know how to remove links from my Favorites that I no longer want. Nothing fancy
just point and click. I do not wish to delete
everything. I know how to delete perse,
but not from

How do I delete a link or line from MY FAVORITES?
I do not wish To loose the whole listing. I have
some that I no longer require. Thank You

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Comment from Dave on 2006-08-24

2006-08-24T13:30:02Z

I read a whole bunch of other help sites on the net, but this one was the only one that actually worked. DelInvfile is a lifesaver. Thanks Leo!!

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Comment from David on 2006-08-12

2006-08-13T04:12:36Z

I used DelInvFile as suggested by Leo. It worked!!! THANK YOU!

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Comment from ntip on 2006-08-04

2006-08-04T21:46:40Z

I used DelInvfile, but it was still unable to delete the folder Documents and Settings on C (I have installed new Windows on D without format C). It said access is denied. I cannot unset the attribute.

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Comment from Bernice on 2006-07-18

2006-07-18T14:27:37Z

when i try to delete a message i get this (the folder deleted messages is corrupt and can not be reconstructed) oh yes i have a mac can u help me thank you bernice

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Comment from Karl on 2006-07-11

2006-07-11T18:10:11Z

wow the delinvfile program worked great. i tried others and they didn't do a thing. thanks so much for the help!

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Comment from Jon on 2006-06-12

2006-06-12T17:47:12Z

yeah, this thing is good...
But it won't delete every thing you want it to. It's strange; I can try to delete a folder, but the folder remains stationary while ONLY the contents are deleted.

Of course, that's only some folders.

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Comment from James on 2006-06-08

2006-06-08T19:17:42Z

Damn, this thing is magic. All the other utilities did crap all. This worked perfetly. Thankyou so much.

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Comment from Rachel on 2006-05-29

2006-05-30T02:41:17Z

I downloaded what I thought was a pilates program on ares and it turned out to porn. I couldn't delete it, move it, rename it or anything. It was driving me crazy. Finally I used DelInvFile and it worked perfectly so thank you.

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Comment from Bill on 2006-05-24

2006-05-24T15:32:10Z

Thanks, Leo. DelinvFile 2.01 works beautifully. Just cleaned my fileserver.
I was even able to delete folders inaccessible due to user permissions by temporarily giving that user admin access on server, logging in as the user and running the delete folder utility again.
I didn't have to register or reboot!

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Comment from Notty on 2006-05-11

2006-05-11T16:07:22Z

I had the same problem this morning...after about an hour i got rid of it ... yay.....go to http://www.purgeie.com/delinv/dldelinv.htm download the darn thing...follow the instructions and it will delete.... it did it for me....good luck

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Comment from HoeHunter on 2006-04-12

2006-04-12T08:57:10Z

Delete Invalid File, from Assistance & Resources for Computing, Inc. is the hot tip. i had a torrent file, encrypted, and nothing would delete it. it was vexing me, just cause i couldn't remove it, and god bless you leo, and the application you suggested...now i can sleep at night. =P

thank you.

-HH

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Comment from Liam Neave on 2006-03-24

2006-03-24T12:15:43Z

Sorry I posted that last message. Thanks Leo for the information contained in this page. It was really useful to me. Especially the DelInvFile. This may sound like I am being sarcastic but I really am not doing that. Thanks so much.

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Comment from Liam Neave on 2006-03-24

2006-03-24T12:07:23Z

I have an incomplete folder for my Limewire downloads but, for some odd reason, everytime I try to delete all the contents of that folder it appears with a message saying "Cannot delete T1287~1.MPG: Cannot find the specified file

Make sure you specify the correct pathand file name"

This question may have already been asked but what should I do as I need a simple way to delete this?? Please help!

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Comment from plasma on 2006-03-05

2006-03-05T21:29:15Z

ive tried everything, my delete problem is different. when i move the mouse over the file a windows error comes up saying program must shut down, and then "My computer" window shuts down. i tried delvin and it says "error occurred at address" is there any information u could possibly give me to help me get rid of this file? it was downloaded offa limeware, and just refuses to delete. thanks.

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Comment from Alex on 2006-02-09

2006-02-09T17:15:19Z

Many video files (porn, to be honest) in Limewire end up being invalid files that are impossible to play, rename, delete, etc. once downloaded, and 9 out of the 10 ways I tried to get rid of a file of this kind failed. "Delinvfile" was the lucky charm, it works! Thanks for the spot-on advice!

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Comment from Ron on 2006-01-15

2006-01-15T13:46:36Z

Leo:

i have tried everthing to try and delete this file but to no avail.The message i am getting is "File or directory is corrupted and unreadable" and when i tried the program you suggested a message pops up in my system tray to tell me to run chkdsk and i let it run and it says that there are no errors but the file is still there.
I tried in safe mode and the same thing happens and i tried in a dos window and all is the same.
Usually this would not bother me but it is causing my chkdsk to run at every boot.I also did a search in the registry and it finds the file and i deleted it there and when i restart and do another search in the registry it appears again. Please help if you can.

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Comment from jim on 2005-12-07

2005-12-07T18:06:59Z

The SystemFileObject tool in the Microsoft Scripting Runtime component can create folder (and I suppose files) that have trailing spaces on the end, that are impossible to get rid of without the short name trick. Thanks Leo.

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Comment from Reneid on 2005-11-30

2005-12-01T05:42:51Z

THANK YOU. MUCHAS GRACIAS. ARIGATO GOZAIMASU. And every other way of saying it. I started downloading some partial .avi by mistake and for the life of me couldn't figure out how to get rid of it. Over the years I had found ways around problems like this (such as a few you mentioned) but none worked because right clicking only allowed me to 'send to' and a few other useless options. Since I couldn't rename or simply select and delet it, I tried cutting and pasting it into the recycling bin; didn't work. Tried drag and dropping it in the bin; didn't work. But I downloaded that program, found the file, clicked delete and POOF! Problem solved. You have my thanks, sir.

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Comment from Leo on 2005-11-15

2005-11-16T04:12:39Z

What happens if you just try to reinstall?

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Comment from Simeon on 2005-11-15

2005-11-16T03:57:36Z

HI, I installed Nero burning rom CD 3-4 months ago and all of a sudden it stopped working. it was weird because when i tried to uninstall it it wouldn't fully unintall. then i tried deleting the Nero files from the drives. but when i went back to "add or remove programs" it says Nero media player cannot be found and Nerovision Express cannot be found. All i want to do is reinstall the program so i can Burn my movies. please help me...

~Simeon

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Comment from denis on 2005-11-01

2005-11-01T15:46:05Z

the delete program worked great thanks a bunch.

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Comment from Harry on 2005-10-08

2005-10-09T01:58:05Z

easy way to delete them is just change the name of the folder they are in and delete that folder :)

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Comment from dougie on 2005-09-24

2005-09-24T18:07:14Z

I want to say "THANK YOU" you have givin me closer to a really bad headache and this prog you forementioned is great a fake spy prog got on my pc and attached to some proccess i could not find for the life of me but one click and puff like magic thank you very much.

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Comment from Leo on 2005-09-10

2005-09-10T16:13:55Z

I'd start by finding out who's using the file, and possibly ending that program first so you can delete it normally: http://ask-leo.com/how_can_i_find_out_who_is_using_a_file_in_use.html

IF that doesn't work, I'd try rebooting in safe mode to see if you can delete it then.

If *that* doesn't work my approach would be to boot from a recovery disk or a stand-alone boot CD (an MS-DOS floppy, or perhaps Knoppix if you're at all geeeky, for example) and delete the file from there.

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Comment from rick on 2005-09-09

2005-09-10T06:17:38Z

Some how a 5sec mpeg movie clip got downloaded on my computers desktop. But when I try to delete it, it just says its being used by another person or program. It wont even let me rename the file to delete it. PLEASE HELP ME GET RID OF THIS DREADFUL FILE!! I'd really be ever so greatful if you could solve this problem for me. Thanks

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Comment from phil on 2005-09-06

2005-09-07T02:37:38Z

Leo ur the man! when i read ur top article it seemed to be different from my problem but it wasn't! the posts nearer the bottom were like mine and so i thought perhaps it wouldn't work. all i did was delete any spaces at the end and and dotsand it worked a treat! Leo is the man....long live Leo!

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Comment from David on 2005-08-31

2005-08-31T15:29:47Z

Leo,

You are the man! Short name delete from a DOS prompt wouldn't work. delinvfile kicked its tail. word to the wise, don't download 10-K web pages from the SEC. The filenames and links that are downloaded contain Greek or something worse that are impossible to get rid of without help from Leo.

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Comment from Don on 2005-08-28

2005-08-28T19:20:47Z

I deleted panda antivirus and some of the files are still there and it won't let e delete the files how do i delete them plz help

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