Want to delete files on external HDD, but can't.

Windows Version: 20H2 Build 19042.985

I have an external HDD that is a leftover from a previous laptop and I'm using it for backup. I deleted what I could from it, but it still has some files left that I can't delete. When I try, I get a message telling me I need administrator permission to do that. I'm the administrator, and I have my permission. How do I convince my computer of that?

Hi,

Could you not just format the drive?

Samuria said:

You are not admin as its owned by the admin of the old system which has a different sid you need to take ownership of the folders Add Take Ownership to Context Menu in Windows 10

I was the owner of the old system as well. It was my previous computer.

- - - Updated - - -

Paul Black said:

Hello @Delly10,

You can either Format the Disk with the Windows Built-In Tool, or use Diskpart . . .

> How to Use DiskPart to Clean and Format Drive Not Working on Windows 10

IMPORTANT:

Make sure that you select the Correct Disk because EVERYTHING from the selected Disk will be ERASED.
You might also find this useful => Format Disk or Drive in Windows 10

I hope this helps.

Since the HDD already has all my backup files on it, I'd like to avoid reformatting. However, Samuria's idea appears to have worked. I managed to take ownership and delete those files. Most of them were of the old OS from the old computer. Deletions are happening as I write this of more than 15GB of old junk. Woohoo! :)