Folder that I can't delete


  1. Posts : 171
    Win 10-
       #1

    Folder that I can't delete


    I have a folder in win 10 that I can't delete!
    When I try to delete it is says "You do not have access to this folder"

    There is an explanation on what to do to gain access to it but it is meaningless to me!

    Can someone give me clear & concise procedure on how to delete this folder?
    I am not concerned what is in the folder, I just want it deleted as it hampers my operation!

    Thanks

    Tully
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 19,516
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #2

    Which folder and where is it ?
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 171
    Win 10-
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Mike:

    Your reply is informative, but exactly how do I delete the folder?

    Tully
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 19,516
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #4

    Tully said:
    Mike:

    Your reply is informative, but exactly how do I delete the folder?

    Tully
    I don't know because it depends on where, what and the "Owner" or which if any program made it. When all else fails I just boot a live Linux and do it from it.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 2,899
    Windows 10 Pro for the Bro
       #5

    Assuming that the folder is a non-important system folder:

    1) Right click the folder -> Properties
    2) Press the Security tab
    3) Advanced button
    4) Press the Change link on top
    5) Type your user name and press OK
    6) Press the Add button
    7) Press Select a principal link
    8) Type your user name again and press OK
    9) Check Full control and press OK
    10) Press OK and press OK
    11) Delete the folder
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 31,479
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #6

    pepanee said:
    Assuming that the folder is a non-important system folder...
    On the other hand, if it is an important system folder it could break Windows by deleting it. Without @Tully telling us which folder it is we cannot guess the consequences...
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 430
    Windows 10 Pro
       #7

    Tully Be careful what you wish for before you delete the folder. If it's not a large file why bother?
    To delete a system folder you will first have to take ownership of the folder before you can delete it. First create a system image, and a restore point before you attempt to delete a system folder.

    How to take ownership of a folder on Windows 10
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 19,516
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #8

    Stitch194 said:
    Tully Be careful what you wish for before you delete the folder. If it's not a large file why bother?
    To delete a system folder you will first have to take ownership of the folder before you can delete it. First create a system image, and a restore point before you attempt to delete a system folder.

    How to take ownership of a folder on Windows 10
    I have run into similar problems, when after uninstalling a program it doesn't remove a folder it makes, it may refuse to reinstall or update. There could be some shared .dll or a leftover registry entry or even a running service that prevent one or more files in the folder to refuse deletion and with it lock the folder.
      My Computers


 

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