Zombie file cannot be deleted (access denied & file not found)  

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  1. Posts : 23
    All
    Thread Starter
       #11

    @AndreTen del /f results in "access is denied"

    - - - Updated - - -

    @xaccell I downloaded Tails, created the USB stick and booted into it. Next, I tried accessing the drive that contains the problem file but it tells me 'authentication required' and asks me for a password for 'administrator'. Problem is, it doesn't like the administrator password - I even used the 'show text' option to verify I didn't have any typos in the password. Do I need to do this during a full moon facing in a specific direction?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,807
    Windows 10 Pro 21H1 19043.1348
       #12

    TheAncient said:
    @AndreTen del /f results in "access is denied"
    - - - Updated - - -
    @xaccell I downloaded Tails, created the USB stick and booted into it. Next, I tried accessing the drive that contains the problem file but it tells me 'authentication required' and asks me for a password for 'administrator'. Problem is, it doesn't like the administrator password - I even used the 'show text' option to verify I didn't have any typos in the password. Do I need to do this during a full moon facing in a specific direction?
    Try this program. Just be careful using it, you can easily do serious damage.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 7,598
    Windows 10 Home 20H2
       #13

    TheAncient said:
    When I try to erase the file or change its attributes, I get an “Access Denied” message.
    A few days ago, I got "Access is denied" when trying to delete a file. The problem was easily fixed by PowerRun. For details, see this post: OneDrive.bat out of date?

    TheAncient said:
    Unfortunately, I know nothing about Linux
    Fortunately, it is very easy to learn about it.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 23
    All
    Thread Starter
       #14

    @W10 Tweaker You linked Revo Uninstaller (I have the Pro version) - Revo uninstalls programs - it is not intended to delete files.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 7,598
    Windows 10 Home 20H2
       #15

    Why not try PowerRun, which is freeware?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 14,869
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.2965
       #16

    TheAncient said:
    ... created the USB stick and booted into it. Next, I tried accessing the drive that contains the problem file but it tells me 'authentication required' and asks me for a password for 'administrator'. Problem is, it doesn't like the administrator password ...
    I'm sorry to be contrary but it does not sound like you booted from the USB. If you had then it would never have heard of the Administrator account let alone take any notice of it.

    One method I have used in the past to get rid of rogue files is to use the built-in utility RoboCopy to write emptiness into the folder.
    1 Move everything else out of its folder & sub-folders first because it is all going to disappear - only the empty folder will remain,
    2 Create a dummy folder of your own and do not put anything in it - this will act as the source folder,
    3 In any command prompt run the command
    Code:
    RoboCopy "D:\Desktop\RoboCopyDemo\EmptyDummySourceFolder" "D:\Desktop\RoboCopyDemo\FolderWithAwkwardFileInIt" /MIR
    - Use the path to your own empty dummy folder in place of "D:\Desktop\RoboCopyDemo\EmptyDummySourceFolder",
    - Use the path to the folder containing the awkward file in place of "D:\Desktop\RoboCopyDemo\FolderWithAwkwardFileInIt",
    - When you have changed those paths, check that you have not accidentally overwritten the /MIR at the end because it is crucial.


    Do note that this is a very safe procedure because only the folder "D:\Desktop\RoboCopyDemo\FolderWithAwkwardFileInIt" is affected.

    Whilst I don't think I have ever had to resort to booting up from a Windows installation disk etc to do this it will work that way as well - RoboCopy already exists in the temporary OS that booting from it establishes. You'd just have to be careful to check drive letters because the temporary OS established by an installation disk will use whatever drive letters it feels like for your drives.

    Denis
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 23
    All
    Thread Starter
       #17

    @Matthew Wai Tried PowerRun (Documentation, what little there is, sucks big time!) Anyway: If I used it correctly, just like most things I tried, I get a "file not found" error.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 4,977
    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
       #18

    Did you run the chkdsk with /r switch?
    Use this batch script to give administrators full permission to file you want to delete.
    Zombie file cannot be deleted (access denied & file not found) Attached Files
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 23
    All
    Thread Starter
       #19

    The tale of TAILS


    @Try3 When I boot up, I get "Welcome to TAILS" - I'm guessing that means I did boot into TAILS. After that, I clicked on "Applications" in the top left corner. One of those applications is entitled "Files". I click on that and get a file manager that looks somewhat similar to Windows File Explorer. The files listed are the ones on the USB stick. At the bottom of the list it has an entry "+ Other Locations". When I click on that, I get "Computer" (the contents of that look like the USB stick) plus the two drives of my Windows system. One of those drives is the system drive the other is a data drive. If I chose either one of those drives (even the data drive!), it asks me to enter an administrator password.
    Attachment 267593
    It's getting late and my head hurts from bashing it against the wall so I'll try your Robocopy solution tomorrow.

    - - - Updated - - -

    @FreeBooter chkdsk doesn't have a /r switch (Takeown does and, yes, I used it)
    I already have the take ownership option in my right-click menu so I won't need your batch file.
    Thanks anyway!
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 4,977
    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
       #20

    You did not give full permission to your user account you only taken ownership of the file with this batch script you do both.

    If you have HDD drive then execute Chkdsk K: /r command from Command Prompt.
      My Computer


 

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