Weird method to delete stubborn folder

Paultx · 19 Mar 2019

I had this folder created by a download with MEGAsync that couldn't be deleted. I searched and found some solutions (safe mode, take ownership, etc.), and decided to try Unlocker. It didn't work.

I kept searching and found a working tip that I can only call weird:

How to Delete a Stubborn Folder in Windows

In short, it's this:

1 - Using 7-Zip, select the stubborn folder and choose Add to archive in the context menu.

2 - In the dialog box, mark the option Delete files after compression.

3 - Click OK.

4 - Delete the archive. Stubborn folder gone!

Ztruker · 19 Mar 2019

Interesting, will have to try that next time I run into one. Thanks.

Bree · 19 Mar 2019

Paultx said:

I had this folder created by a download with MEGAsync that couldn't be deleted... ...I kept searching and found a working tip that I can only call weird: ... Using 7-Zip...

Folders with an illegal (for Windows) name can be troublesome. Downloads can sometime produce these, especially if they were originally intended for unix systems. A folder name ending with ... cannot be deleted or renamed by File Explorer, for example.

Weird method to delete stubborn folder-image.png

7-Zip's File Manager can do things that Windows File Explorer can't. I have found that it can rename troublesome folders like this, thus enabling them to be deleted, the solution I offered in this thread.

Delete Bad folder on external HDD with Bitlocker ?? Solved - Windows 10 Forums

eLPuSHeR · 20 Mar 2019

Nice tip and nice find. Thanks.

merkxr · 20 Mar 2019

I have a folder I can't delete either. I've tried taking ownership of it, and other methods, yet it still remains. I was happy to see this post, but at step 2

2 - In the dialog box, mark the option Delete files after compression.

I do not see the option to do this. I uninstalled 7-zip and re-installed and that option is simply not there. Am I missing something, or is there another way to get rid of this folder? It's been sitting empty on a storage drive for months now.

Bree · 20 Mar 2019

merkxr said:

I have a folder I can't delete either. ... is there another way to get rid of this folder?

The standard recommendation to delete 'stubborn' folders/files is to boot from something (anything) else so that your system isn't running. A Linux Live usb will do, or a Windows recovery or install usb. Boot to a command prompt and delete from there. For a folder, use the command RMDIR /S <folder name>

Ztruker · 20 Mar 2019

merkxr said:

I have a folder I can't delete either. I've tried taking ownership of it, and other methods, yet it still remains. I was happy to see this post, but at step 2 I do not see the option to do this. I uninstalled 7-zip and re-installed and that option is simply not there. Am I missing something, or is there another way to get rid of this folder? It's been sitting empty on a storage drive for months now.

Did you select Add to Archive from 7-Zip? Should have got this options window:

merkxr · 20 Mar 2019

Did you select Add to Archive from 7-Zip? Should have got this options window:

Yes, and I did not see that dialog box, that you have in the red square.

The standard recommendation to delete 'stubborn' folders/files is to boot from something (anything) else so that your system isn't running. A Linux Live usb will do, or a Windows recovery or install usb. Boot to a command prompt and delete from there. For a folder, use the command RMDIR /S <folder name>

Ah, I should have thought about this option. I will attempt this when I get home from work. I hope this works!

EDIT: I checked the version of 7-zip I was using and it was an old version. I updated to a newer version and I was able to see the Delete option. So, that worked for me!