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#1
Unable to delete Program Files (X86) folder and files
My Win10 Home is regularly updated by MS. After a recent update I find I am no longer able to update or completely remove applications.
An example: Firstly, I am logged in as an administrator. I recently ran a program that informed me that an update was available. I opted to download and install it. When the install ran, it generated the following message:
"<filename in C:\Program Files (x86)\filename.exe>
An error occurred while trying to rename a file in the destination directory.
MoveFile failed; code 83.
Cannot create a file when that file already exists.
Click Retry..."
I tried first running the install program as Administrator, but the same error is generated. The problem resulting from these attempts to update is that the application no longer runs, probably because some critical files have been deleted/moved/renamed pending newer versions being installed.
I then tried uninstalling the application but the same problem occurs when I run the installer. On checking the folder concerned I find that a number of files still exist. I then attempted to delete these files - the delete operation proceeded without error but the files still remain.
On checking the security permissions on the folder I find that ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES, ALL RESTRICTED APPLICATION PACKAGES, CREATOR OWNER, my login, Users, and TrustedInstaller did not have Full Control. I attempted to set this on these folders, and was successful for all except CREATOR OWNER, but each attempt generated an error message concerning the files in the folder. The message was:
"An error occurred while applying security information to:
<full path name to a file that wasn't deleted>
Failed to enumerate objects in the container. Access is denied."
This occurred for each file that wasn't deleted. I then attempted to check the security permissions on some of the files that couldn't be deleted and was told:
"You must have Read permissions to view the properties of this object. Click Advanced to continue." Clicking the Advanced button generates the same message but offers the Continue button to "attempt the operation with administrative privileges." Clicking that button generates the message: "You do not have permission to view or edit this object's permission settings." On the previous screen the Owner is shown as "Unable to display current owner." and the Change link just generates the "You do not have permission..." message above.
I find this situation intolerable - updates to installed applications should go through without a hiccup. At this point I am stymied. If anyone has an idea of what to do, I would appreciate your letting me know. This has occurred twice for me now, although the other time I was able to remove the install folder without a problem.
Paul.