unable to delete icon ~ item not found message

lnjr · 15 Apr 2021

Hello,
I am running Windows 10 Home Edition on a Dell XPS 8700 desktop computer. The computer is running Version 2004 (OS Build 19041.928).

I was downloading a .pdf file using the Free Download Manager program yesterday and when it was completed there was an icon on my desktop but it could not be opened and if I clicked and I select adobe to open it I get a message that "There was an error opening this document. This file cannot be found." I then tried opening it using another .pdf program with a similar result stating file not found. Check if the file was moved, renamed or deleted.

I right clicked and tried deleting the file and I get a message
Item Not Found Could not find this item This is no longer located in C:\Users\my user name\Desktop. Verify the item's location and try again. But the file was never moved anywhere. Try Again or Cancel are my options and using try again only results in the same message. I have tried to delete the file but the same pop up message appears. If I try to simply move it to the recycle bin nothing at all happens.

I then shut down my computer for the evening and thought I would try again today. As soon as my computer was up and running today, I again tried with the exact same results. I then went and made sure that that there were no new updates to install and then got a message that there was one so I did the updates, restarted the pc and again tried to do something or delete that file all with the same results.

I have since then tried running super anti-sypware > system tools > super delete file remover and I get a message for the file saying that file not found. Check the file name and try again.
I tried using lock hunter and find out if something was locking the file and it states that no processes locking this file or folder have been found and clicking the delete button does nothing, all options under other are greyed out so lock hunter is of no help either.

I have opened the command prompt (admin) and run the sfc /scannow and no problems were found. I then restarted the computer and tried to delete the file but the same thing happens. I also went to the free download manager and deleted anything in the download list and tried again, but again it can't get rid of that icon.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You So Very Much

f14tomcat · 15 Apr 2021

Hi.... there are several methods listed in this help article for dealing with this. Seems to be somewhat common. See if any help, particularly the delete from command prompt.

[Fix] “Could not find this item” When Deleting a File or Folder in Windows - Winhelponline

lnjr · 15 Apr 2021

Thank You, I will go and check out that link.

I greatly appreciate the assistance

Try3 · 15 Apr 2021

I suggest you also open File manager & go to
C:\Users\my user name\Desktop
to check if the file is shown. While you're at it, also check if it is shown in
C:\Users\Public\Public Desktop
but to see that folder you'll need to set
File explorer, View menu, Hidden items

Denis

lnjr · 18 Apr 2021

I did check out that link and following steps 1 and 2 did not help any. This is what I got when running the command prompt

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19041.928]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Users\lmrei>del "C:\Users\lmrei\Desktop\all labs to march 2021.pdf "
Could Not Find C:\Users\lmrei\Desktop\all labs to march 2021.pdf

C:\Users\lmrei>DIR /X
Volume in drive C has no label.
Volume Serial Number is A067-8C40

Directory of C:\Users\lmrei

03/26/2021 06:08 PM <DIR> .
03/26/2021 06:08 PM <DIR> ..
08/27/2020 05:37 PM <DIR> .android
05/22/2020 06:34 PM <DIR> .ebookreader
03/03/2021 10:10 AM 374 .vivaldi_reporting_data
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> 3DOBJE~1 3D Objects
05/28/2019 09:48 AM <DIR> Apple
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> Contacts
08/27/2020 06:04 PM 297 d4ac4633ebd6440fa397b84f1bc94a3c.7z
04/15/2021 02:53 PM <DIR> Desktop
04/15/2021 12:39 PM <DIR> DOCUME~1 Documents
04/12/2021 08:35 AM <DIR> DOWNLO~1 Downloads
08/25/2020 03:42 PM <DIR> Dropbox
04/15/2021 02:41 PM <DIR> FAVORI~1 Favorites
08/27/2020 05:37 PM 66 inittk.ini
08/27/2020 05:36 PM 41 inst.ini
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> Links
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> Music
08/27/2020 05:36 PM 45 nuuid.ini
04/02/2021 08:02 AM <DIR> Pictures
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> SAVEDG~1 Saved Games
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> Searches
08/27/2020 05:36 PM 53 useruid.ini
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> Videos
6 File(s) 876 bytes
18 Dir(s) 708,796,624,896 bytes free

C:\Users\lmrei>

So I then went to the link at the bottom of that page - How to Delete a Stubborn Undeletable File or Folder in Windows? - Winhelponline
I am going to try starting in Safe Mode as suggested at that link and try deleting the file that way.

I did try using iobit unlocker as well but it shows that the file is not locked and trying to use the unlock and delete just tells me that it failed.

- - - Updated - - -

I did as suggested by Try3
I suggest you also open File manager & go to
C:\Users\my user name\Desktop
to check if the file is shown. While you're at it, also check if it is shown in
C:\Users\Public\Public Desktop
but to see that folder you'll need to set
File explorer, View menu, Hidden items

and I can see the file when I look at C:\Users\my user name\Desktop
in C:\Users\Public\Public Desktop --- the only thing I see is a shortcut for iobit unlocker

- - - Updated - - -

I tried removing that icon in safe mode and that did not help either.

I know what files I downloaded at that time and decided to just try something - just to see. I renamed the other file that was also downloaded from the same site a couple minutes after that one (according to the information when you right click and look at the properties) to the same name as that "ghost" file / icon on the desktop and then copied it to the desktop. I then tried deleting that icon that I could not get rid of and it went right to the recycle bin. I did come across a snap at first when I tried to open the actual file and it would not open. So I went to the recycle bin > opened it and selected to restore that file and it merged with the one on the desktop and I could then open that file. I then just deleted that file since I already had the same file elsewhere on my computer and I didn't need a 2nd copy of it. All is good now. Thanks for all the suggestions!

Problem solved!!

- - - Updated - - -

Well, I thought that the problem was resolved. However the darn icon is back again! So I have removed the actual file from the delete bin. The difference is that now when I click on that icon (which just looks like a blank page of paper vs. a normal icon on the desktop) I can now view it as well as the original .pdf file. I do have to select the program (adobe or another pdf reader) to open it but it does open now. I can select to delete, but when I refresh the desktop a new one appears and this one I can not open - I get the message that I was getting "file not found. check if the file was moved, renamed, or deleted. If I go and check the recycle bin the file that I deleted looks like a normal .pdf file and when I select to restore it both that file and the file that looks just like a piece of paper are on the desktop and they both can be opened.

Any suggestions would truly be appreciated. Thank You So Very Much

- - - Updated - - -

I have been doing a lot of research to try and find a way to resolve this with no luck yet. I have noticed that I can open both of those files and they open in separate windows when I try to open them both. I can delete either one and then the other one gives me the "file not found. Check if the file was moved, renamed or deleted"
But as soon as I restore the one that was deleted I can open both of them again. It does not seem to matter which of those two I delete - the same thing happens with the other one. It is almost as if it was split in half (can't think of a better way to describe it) and if one is deleted the other gives me that file not found message and when they are both back on the desktop they both work. I can also move the one file, but the other one cannot be moved to a folder.

I have attached the files as well as the message I get when I try to move them to a folder, the one that can be moved and the file not found message I get.

The first one is the message I get when I try to move both of these to a folder, the 2nd one is the one that can be moved to a folder - but either one can in fact be moved to the recycle bin, the third one is the message I get If I move either one to the recycle bin (does not matter which one I move, this is the message I get for the one that is on the desktop if I try opening it and I cannot send both to the recycle bin) The last one is just a pic of both of the files.

- - - Updated - - -

I have been searching other threads to see if there are any other similar situations.

I found this one Cannot delete desktop icon
which isn't exactly the same but I did run the command prompt and this is what it came up with ---- not sure if it is of any help or not....

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19041.928]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Users\lmrei>Dir /a "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop"
Volume in drive C has no label.
Volume Serial Number is XXXXXXXXXXXX

Directory of C:\Users\lmrei\Desktop

04/17/2021 07:44 PM <DIR> .
04/17/2021 07:44 PM <DIR> ..
10/24/2020 11:15 AM 12,308 ##Compare foods incl cooked vs raw.docx
04/17/2021 10:38 AM <DIR> ##MODIFIED WHOLE FOOD DIET
04/08/2021 06:21 PM 14,853 0 gravity.docx
04/16/2021 09:45 PM <DIR> 0K, this directory is for Ransomware detection (just leave it here)
04/16/2021 07:42 PM <DIR> all labs files
04/14/2021 07:47 PM 290,082 all labs to march 2021.pdf
04/14/2021 06:00 PM 297,980 all labs to march 2021.pdf
02/04/2021 09:23 AM <DIR> asst desktop
04/16/2021 06:46 PM <DIR> bread issues
04/17/2021 06:27 PM 11,380 can move this file.JPG
04/04/2021 03:05 PM 127,965 Cranberry Apple Sauce - Plant-Based Cooking.pdf
04/17/2021 07:42 PM 1,324,022 Delete desktop item but the icon stays Solved - Windows 10 Forums.pdf
04/13/2021 09:08 AM 5,248 desktop.ini
04/17/2021 06:24 PM 21,193 file not found.JPG
04/17/2021 07:33 PM <DIR> food checklist
04/13/2021 04:53 PM 98,519 How to Cut Broccoli - Bowl of Delicious.pdf
04/17/2021 03:23 PM <DIR> INFO RE CURRENT LABS
04/17/2021 06:39 PM 3,365,900 Kill a Process in Windows 10 _ Tutorials.pdf
01/02/2021 10:31 AM <DIR> KINDLE UPDATE DOWNGRADE
04/17/2021 06:26 PM 27,375 move to a folder.JPG
04/13/2021 04:11 PM 14,346 NKJ Oat Cake.docx
03/03/2021 11:03 AM 14,123 OAT MILK YOGURT WITH THICKENER.docx
04/17/2021 11:25 AM 36,050 oil free dressing _n.jpg
04/17/2021 06:07 PM <DIR> options to try for the icon
12/10/2020 10:00 AM <DIR> pressure canner weights
04/17/2021 10:36 AM <DIR> RECIPES ETC
04/17/2021 07:44 PM 5,476,301 Run SFC Command in Windows 10 _ Tutorials.pdf
04/15/2021 03:29 PM <DIR> shortcuts
02/03/2021 08:22 PM <DIR> spam
04/17/2021 03:20 PM <DIR> st lukes results
04/13/2021 01:44 PM <DIR> try this week
04/17/2021 07:43 PM 923,541 Unable to delete an empty icon from desktop (copied and pasted - Windows 10 Forums.pdf
04/16/2021 08:20 AM 69,935 Vegan Chili Sin Carne.docx
04/17/2021 07:30 PM 1,042,798 Walmart Grocery - Order History saturday.pdf
03/26/2019 12:38 PM 165 ~$Book March 2019.xlsb
07/09/2016 12:05 PM 162 ~$MMER HOLIDAY QUEST.docx
05/17/2019 08:08 PM 162 ~$MPKIN PUREE TOO WATERY.docx
08/15/2017 11:56 AM 165 ~$my workbook.xlsx
05/20/2018 05:38 PM 162 ~$ONDIKE TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS.docx
08/15/2017 06:28 PM 162 ~$PNOSPELL.docx
10/01/2016 05:05 PM 162 ~$ROPANE.docx
12/27/2017 02:57 PM 162 ~$upon Offers _ Silk.pdf
27 File(s) 13,175,221 bytes
17 Dir(s) 723,799,199,744 bytes free

C:\Users\lmrei>

- - - Updated - - -

Try3 said:

I suggest you also open File manager & go to
C:\Users\my user name\Desktop
to check if the file is shown. While you're at it, also check if it is shown in
C:\Users\Public\Public Desktop
but to see that folder you'll need to set
File explorer, View menu, Hidden items

Denis

I had checked the C:\Users\Public\Public Desktop and at that time there was a shortcut in there. But that was all. As of this morning when I looked again, the folder is empty. However those 3 files are still visible in C:\Users\my user name\Desktop

Wynona · 18 Apr 2021

lnjr said:

I did check out that link and following steps 1 and 2 did not help any. This is what I got when running the command prompt

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19041.928]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Users\lmrei>del "C:\Users\lmrei\Desktop\all labs to march 2021.pdf "
Could Not Find C:\Users\lmrei\Desktop\all labs to march 2021.pdf

C:\Users\lmrei>DIR /X
Volume in drive C has no label.
Volume Serial Number is A067-8C40

Directory of C:\Users\lmrei

03/26/2021 06:08 PM <DIR> .
03/26/2021 06:08 PM <DIR> ..
08/27/2020 05:37 PM <DIR> .android
05/22/2020 06:34 PM <DIR> .ebookreader
03/03/2021 10:10 AM 374 .vivaldi_reporting_data
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> 3DOBJE~1 3D Objects
05/28/2019 09:48 AM <DIR> Apple
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> Contacts
08/27/2020 06:04 PM 297 d4ac4633ebd6440fa397b84f1bc94a3c.7z
04/15/2021 02:53 PM <DIR> Desktop
04/15/2021 12:39 PM <DIR> DOCUME~1 Documents
04/12/2021 08:35 AM <DIR> DOWNLO~1 Downloads
08/25/2020 03:42 PM <DIR> Dropbox
04/15/2021 02:41 PM <DIR> FAVORI~1 Favorites
08/27/2020 05:37 PM 66 inittk.ini
08/27/2020 05:36 PM 41 inst.ini
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> Links
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> Music
08/27/2020 05:36 PM 45 nuuid.ini
04/02/2021 08:02 AM <DIR> Pictures
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> SAVEDG~1 Saved Games
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> Searches
08/27/2020 05:36 PM 53 useruid.ini
08/31/2020 06:03 AM <DIR> Videos
6 File(s) 876 bytes
18 Dir(s) 708,796,624,896 bytes free

C:\Users\lmrei>

So I then went to the link at the bottom of that page - How to Delete a Stubborn Undeletable File or Folder in Windows? - Winhelponline
I am going to try starting in Safe Mode as suggested at that link and try deleting the file that way.

I did try using iobit unlocker as well but it shows that the file is not locked and trying to use the unlock and delete just tells me that it failed.

- - - Updated - - -

I did as suggested by Try3
I suggest you also open File manager & go to
C:\Users\my user name\Desktop
to check if the file is shown. While you're at it, also check if it is shown in
C:\Users\Public\Public Desktop
but to see that folder you'll need to set
File explorer, View menu, Hidden items

and I can see the file when I look at C:\Users\my user name\Desktop
in C:\Users\Public\Public Desktop --- the only thing I see is a shortcut for iobit unlocker

- - - Updated - - -

I tried removing that icon in safe mode and that did not help either.

I know what files I downloaded at that time and decided to just try something - just to see. I renamed the other file that was also downloaded from the same site a couple minutes after that one (according to the information when you right click and look at the properties) to the same name as that "ghost" file / icon on the desktop and then copied it to the desktop. I then tried deleting that icon that I could not get rid of and it went right to the recycle bin. I did come across a snap at first when I tried to open the actual file and it would not open. So I went to the recycle bin > opened it and selected to restore that file and it merged with the one on the desktop and I could then open that file. I then just deleted that file since I already had the same file elsewhere on my computer and I didn't need a 2nd copy of it. All is good now. Thanks for all the suggestions!

Problem solved!!

- - - Updated - - -

Well, I thought that the problem was resolved. However the darn icon is back again! So I have removed the actual file from the delete bin. The difference is that now when I click on that icon (which just looks like a blank page of paper vs. a normal icon on the desktop) I can now view it as well as the original .pdf file. I do have to select the program (adobe or another pdf reader) to open it but it does open now. I can select to delete, but when I refresh the desktop a new one appears and this one I can not open - I get the message that I was getting "file not found. check if the file was moved, renamed, or deleted. If I go and check the recycle bin the file that I deleted looks like a normal .pdf file and when I select to restore it both that file and the file that looks just like a piece of paper are on the desktop and they both can be opened.

Any suggestions would truly be appreciated. Thank You So Very Much

- - - Updated - - -

I have been doing a lot of research to try and find a way to resolve this with no luck yet. I have noticed that I can open both of those files and they open in separate windows when I try to open them both. I can delete either one and then the other one gives me the "file not found. Check if the file was moved, renamed or deleted"
But as soon as I restore the one that was deleted I can open both of them again. It does not seem to matter which of those two I delete - the same thing happens with the other one. It is almost as if it was split in half (can't think of a better way to describe it) and if one is deleted the other gives me that file not found message and when they are both back on the desktop they both work. I can also move the one file, but the other one cannot be moved to a folder.

I have attached the files as well as the message I get when I try to move them to a folder, the one that can be moved and the file not found message I get.

The first one is the message I get when I try to move both of these to a folder, the 2nd one is the one that can be moved to a folder - but either one can in fact be moved to the recycle bin, the third one is the message I get If I move either one to the recycle bin (does not matter which one I move, this is the message I get for the one that is on the desktop if I try opening it and I cannot send both to the recycle bin) The last one is just a pic of both of the files.

- - - Updated - - -

I have been searching other threads to see if there are any other similar situations.

I found this one Cannot delete desktop icon
which isn't exactly the same but I did run the command prompt and this is what it came up with ---- not sure if it is of any help or not....

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19041.928]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Users\lmrei>Dir /a "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop"
Volume in drive C has no label.
Volume Serial Number is XXXXXXXXXXXX

Directory of C:\Users\lmrei\Desktop

04/17/2021 07:44 PM <DIR> .
04/17/2021 07:44 PM <DIR> ..
10/24/2020 11:15 AM 12,308 ##Compare foods incl cooked vs raw.docx
04/17/2021 10:38 AM <DIR> ##MODIFIED WHOLE FOOD DIET
04/08/2021 06:21 PM 14,853 0 gravity.docx
04/16/2021 09:45 PM <DIR> 0K, this directory is for Ransomware detection (just leave it here)
04/16/2021 07:42 PM <DIR> all labs files
04/14/2021 07:47 PM 290,082 all labs to march 2021.pdf
04/14/2021 06:00 PM 297,980 all labs to march 2021.pdf
02/04/2021 09:23 AM <DIR> asst desktop
04/16/2021 06:46 PM <DIR> bread issues
04/17/2021 06:27 PM 11,380 can move this file.JPG
04/04/2021 03:05 PM 127,965 Cranberry Apple Sauce - Plant-Based Cooking.pdf
04/17/2021 07:42 PM 1,324,022 Delete desktop item but the icon stays Solved - Windows 10 Forums.pdf
04/13/2021 09:08 AM 5,248 desktop.ini
04/17/2021 06:24 PM 21,193 file not found.JPG
04/17/2021 07:33 PM <DIR> food checklist
04/13/2021 04:53 PM 98,519 How to Cut Broccoli - Bowl of Delicious.pdf
04/17/2021 03:23 PM <DIR> INFO RE CURRENT LABS
04/17/2021 06:39 PM 3,365,900 Kill a Process in Windows 10 _ Tutorials.pdf
01/02/2021 10:31 AM <DIR> KINDLE UPDATE DOWNGRADE
04/17/2021 06:26 PM 27,375 move to a folder.JPG
04/13/2021 04:11 PM 14,346 NKJ Oat Cake.docx
03/03/2021 11:03 AM 14,123 OAT MILK YOGURT WITH THICKENER.docx
04/17/2021 11:25 AM 36,050 oil free dressing _n.jpg
04/17/2021 06:07 PM <DIR> options to try for the icon
12/10/2020 10:00 AM <DIR> pressure canner weights
04/17/2021 10:36 AM <DIR> RECIPES ETC
04/17/2021 07:44 PM 5,476,301 Run SFC Command in Windows 10 _ Tutorials.pdf
04/15/2021 03:29 PM <DIR> shortcuts
02/03/2021 08:22 PM <DIR> spam
04/17/2021 03:20 PM <DIR> st lukes results
04/13/2021 01:44 PM <DIR> try this week
04/17/2021 07:43 PM 923,541 Unable to delete an empty icon from desktop (copied and pasted - Windows 10 Forums.pdf
04/16/2021 08:20 AM 69,935 Vegan Chili Sin Carne.docx
04/17/2021 07:30 PM 1,042,798 Walmart Grocery - Order History saturday.pdf
03/26/2019 12:38 PM 165 ~$Book March 2019.xlsb
07/09/2016 12:05 PM 162 ~$MMER HOLIDAY QUEST.docx
05/17/2019 08:08 PM 162 ~$MPKIN PUREE TOO WATERY.docx
08/15/2017 11:56 AM 165 ~$my workbook.xlsx
05/20/2018 05:38 PM 162 ~$ONDIKE TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS.docx
08/15/2017 06:28 PM 162 ~$PNOSPELL.docx
10/01/2016 05:05 PM 162 ~$ROPANE.docx
12/27/2017 02:57 PM 162 ~$upon Offers _ Silk.pdf
27 File(s) 13,175,221 bytes
17 Dir(s) 723,799,199,744 bytes free

C:\Users\lmrei>

- - - Updated - - -

I had checked the C:\Users\Public\Public Desktop and at that time there was a shortcut in there. But that was all. As of this morning when I looked again, the folder is empty. However those 3 files are still visible in C:\Users\my user name\Desktop

Have you considered malware? Just a wild guess.

Try3 · 18 Apr 2021

I assume you haven't got any syncing utilities running that might be affecting the situation.

1 Try running ChkDsk to ensure that the problem is not the result of a disk issue.
Drive Error Checking - TenForumsTutorials

2 I suggest that you boot from an InstallUSB then use its command prompt to browse to your Desktop & delete that file.
- How much of this do you know how to do and how much do you want instructions for?

Denis

lnjr · 19 Apr 2021

Thanks so Very Very Much for the suggestions to try. I started changing the wording for my issue to search for duplicate file on desktop and have been doing a lot of reading. I did try using the ccleaner to find duplicates but the files are not showing up in that search.

I will follow the information / steps in that first link you gave me but I am not sure how to boot from an installUSB to run command prompts.

You are correct, I am not using any syncing utilities on my computer.

Will reply after reviewing and following the steps at Drive Error Checking in Windows 10

Again, Thanks So Very Much for all that assistance. You have no idea how much I appreciate this.

- - - Updated - - -

option one showed that all drives are working properly.
\Just finished option two and that one states the drive was successfully scanned no errors were found.
Will try option 3 now
Again, Thanks so very much and I will be back after it is done option 3

- - - Updated - - -

I have run the chkdsk C: /f and all is good there.

Will run option 4 - check drive for errors using "repair-volume" in powershell now

Fabler2 · 19 Apr 2021

May be uninstall the free download manager you used will help.

Try3 · 19 Apr 2021

Try3 said:

2 I suggest that you boot from an InstallUSB then use its command prompt to browse to your Desktop & delete that file.

lnjr said:

I am not sure how to boot from an installUSB to run command prompts.

1 Boot from a USB Drive - TenForumsTutorials

2 As it boots:-
2.1 You will have to complete a dialog of dropdown list selections for Region, Language, keyboard.
2.2 Then you'll reach the main screen with the option to Install now but do not click on that. Look in the lower-left and you'll see an option to Repair your computer. Click on that.
2.3 Select Troubleshoot in the menu that appears.
2.4 Select Command prompt in the menu that appears.

3 To best use this Command prompt:-
In the Command prompt, enter

Code:

Notepad

then in Notepad

- select Open
- set Files of type to All files
- click on ThisPC

and use this dialog as a rudimentary File explorer within which you can browse to the folder you are after.
Since Windows is not running, there should be nothing to stop you deleting that file.

As you can see from my diagram, the temporary WinPE environment chooses its own temporary drive letters so you will have to identify your drives from their labels or by browsing their contents.
- Your drives will return to their normal drive letters when you boot back into Windows afterwards so there's no need to change any drive letters now.

Denis