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I can not delete a file

18 years ago

XP user, yesterday I received an email that wouldn't open. (I am sure it is just a funny) I saved to desktop to try to see what kind of file to see if I was missing a component. It said unknown under properties. I canged it to notepad hoping to open. No luck. Now I can not delete the file. I get the message, "can not delete file, can not read from the source file or disk".

All I want to do is delete, can anyone help? TIA

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Comments (5)

DA_Mccoy
18 years ago
On the rare occasion I have a file that resists deleting I have always been able to remove it through Windows Explorer.

Open Explorer and locate the file>right click on the file>drag and drop to the Recycle Bin>click on Move in the appearing drop down menu.

Good luck! Enjoy!

DA
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
18 years ago
yes try just dragging it to the recycle bin that usually does it.

when I get those kind of emails I avoid them it could be something was on it and the virus scanner caught it and made it not available.
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eandhl
Original Author
18 years ago
I just tried the windows explorer and it didn't work. I get the same message. Both the computer it came from and mine are well protected and I did do a scan. No virus. Any other suggestions?
botanizer
18 years ago
Try to delete through command prompt. Start>Run>cmd then type "cd desktop" (no quotes) then you can type dir to see the files on the desktop or if you know the file name type "del filename.extension" (include quotes around the filename ONLY if it has spaces.)

Hope this helps
Adam
eandhl
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for info. I did an internet search and found it is a common problem. There is download "unlocker". it takes about 5 seconds and then right click on the file and unlocker is there ask for prompt "delete" and it is gone. Thank you for responses.

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