How to one-time delete folder without change owner or disable UAC?

pstein · 20 Aug 2019

I copied a folder tree from another computer in LAN onto my local computer.

After some work I want to delete this folder tree on my local computer.

When I right-click in File Explorer on the top node and select "delete" then a popup tells me:

"You need to provide administrator permissions"

Tutorials in Internet say I have to click through several menus to take ownership of this folder and be able to delete it.
Others recommend to disable UAC.

Is there really no other way to delete such files/folders?

Is there no context menu extension "delete as administrator" (With prompt for password)?

If necessary I could add my user to the admin group but I want to avoid this too.

Any other solution with a minimum of effort?

Thank you
Peter

dalchina · 20 Aug 2019

How do you delete 'difficult' files and folders?

Easy way: There are programs which you can install which allow you to e.g. rt click, delete on boot, for example. Thus you don't need to worry about permissions at all, or anything that might be holding the folder open.

try Emco Unlockit (free for personal use). Adds rt click, Unlock, Delete, Check
Download - UnLock IT

EMCO UnLock IT detects different types of locks that block resources management. If a resource is blocked by running processes and services, the program detects open file and library handles that block the resource and the processes that hold the locks. The resource can be unlocked by closing the handles and terminating the processes that hold locks if handles closing doesn't help to unlock the resource.

The same unlocking procedure is used to delete a locked file or folder. The program tries to unlock it first and schedule to delete on the next boot if the resource cannot be unlocked. If the problem is caused by insufficient permissions, the program grants the required permissions.

For interest:
5 Ways to View, Schedule Delete or Move Files on Next Windows Bootup • Raymond.CC

wiganken · 20 Aug 2019

It is easy to download and execute the reg file "Add_Take_Ownership_to_context_menu.reg" from Add Take Ownership to Context Menu in Windows 10 . This will add "take ownership" to the right-click context menu so that all you have to do is right-click on the folder and then click on "Take ownership" for the folder/all sub-folders and files inside. You will then be able to delete it easily.
"Take Ownership" will remain in your context menu for future use unless you remove it by running the "Remove_Take_Ownership_from_context_menu.reg" file from the same link.

Ztruker · 20 Aug 2019

I use Unlocker for this.

Unlocker helps delete locked files with error messages including "cannot delete file," and "access is denied." Video tutorial available. MajorGeeks recommends Unlocker Portable which does not include the Ad-Supported Delta Toolbar.

Some errors you might get that Unlocker can help with include:

Cannot delete file: Access is denied.

There has been a sharing violation.

The source or destination file may be in use.

The file is in use by another program or user.

Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use.

pstein · 22 Aug 2019

So although my (=the current) user is member of the group of administrators I cannot delete some files?

I though "administrator" group users are allowed to do everything.

Do I have to add some special permissions (how?) to be able to delete every file and folder (even from other owners)?

dalchina · 22 Aug 2019

See post #2. No permission or locking issues.

And yes, sometimes files have to be unlocked before deletion. Even by an admin.
There are utilities which can help with that, e.g.
Lockhunter, FileAssassin.
These generally don't help with folders.
See my post #2. Far safer and a 'no brainer' compared with hacking permisisons.