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Discover methods to remove files or folders when access rights are problematic.

Discover methods to remove files or folders when access rights are problematic.

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hyrumcoop
Junior Member
48
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM
#1
I attempted to use Macrium Reflect to generate a bootable recovery disk. It appears the files and folders were removed, though it doesn't display them in File Explorer. Using WinDirStat revealed a hidden .found000 folder that couldn't be deleted, occupying no space. I consider this a viable workaround. If you wish to try it, download Macrium Reflect for free and use a bootable USB drive of at least 1GB. Within the software, create a "rescue media" by selecting your USB and starting the build process. Note that this won't format the drive, so ensure any existing bootable content is backed up first. After setup, wait for completion, restart your computer, and boot from the USB. On the taskbar, locate the My Computer icon and proceed from there, as it functions similarly to File Explorer. If a deleted file or folder causes an error but disappears, it may reappear. As long as it doesn't appear in regular Explorer or shows no space usage per WinDirStat, you can safely disregard it. Original issue: persistent folders remain despite changing permissions, using Linux, or other methods. Deleting with Shift+Delete or dragging doesn't help; simply emptying the Recycle Bin leaves nothing. Attempting to remove the folders themselves triggers this warning message. Overall, it seems they persist regardless of adjustments.
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hyrumcoop
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM #1

I attempted to use Macrium Reflect to generate a bootable recovery disk. It appears the files and folders were removed, though it doesn't display them in File Explorer. Using WinDirStat revealed a hidden .found000 folder that couldn't be deleted, occupying no space. I consider this a viable workaround. If you wish to try it, download Macrium Reflect for free and use a bootable USB drive of at least 1GB. Within the software, create a "rescue media" by selecting your USB and starting the build process. Note that this won't format the drive, so ensure any existing bootable content is backed up first. After setup, wait for completion, restart your computer, and boot from the USB. On the taskbar, locate the My Computer icon and proceed from there, as it functions similarly to File Explorer. If a deleted file or folder causes an error but disappears, it may reappear. As long as it doesn't appear in regular Explorer or shows no space usage per WinDirStat, you can safely disregard it. Original issue: persistent folders remain despite changing permissions, using Linux, or other methods. Deleting with Shift+Delete or dragging doesn't help; simply emptying the Recycle Bin leaves nothing. Attempting to remove the folders themselves triggers this warning message. Overall, it seems they persist regardless of adjustments.

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foxiflaimeur
Member
110
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM
#2
Sure, you can store them in a folder. Otherwise, I think you're just looking for a shortcut. If the folder is saved in your profile, you could create a new user to avoid the issue. Also, were these folders linked to any specific software?
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foxiflaimeur
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM #2

Sure, you can store them in a folder. Otherwise, I think you're just looking for a shortcut. If the folder is saved in your profile, you could create a new user to avoid the issue. Also, were these folders linked to any specific software?

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Silvinha10
Senior Member
694
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM
#3
Power on the Linux live USB and erase the storage device.
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Silvinha10
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM #3

Power on the Linux live USB and erase the storage device.

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Way2Meke
Member
235
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM
#4
Check the folder permissions and ensure Windows recognizes it as empty. You can try repairing permissions, performing disk checks, and then attempting to delete the file. Booting into Safe Mode might help eliminate it. Using Windows PowerShell could also resolve the issue.
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Way2Meke
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM #4

Check the folder permissions and ensure Windows recognizes it as empty. You can try repairing permissions, performing disk checks, and then attempting to delete the file. Booting into Safe Mode might help eliminate it. Using Windows PowerShell could also resolve the issue.

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peep314
Junior Member
2
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM
#5
I’d also consider starting in Windows Repair mode, then open the command console and try to remove the files.
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peep314
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM #5

I’d also consider starting in Windows Repair mode, then open the command console and try to remove the files.

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DrummerBS
Member
185
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM
#6
Verify your disk is likely suffering from file system errors. Run chkdsk /f to repair it, then restart if needed. Move files into a folder named Windows.old in C:\ and apply the cleanup disk utility. It will remove outdated versions, including protected ones, as a workaround.
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DrummerBS
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM #6

Verify your disk is likely suffering from file system errors. Run chkdsk /f to repair it, then restart if needed. Move files into a folder named Windows.old in C:\ and apply the cleanup disk utility. It will remove outdated versions, including protected ones, as a workaround.

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Bartekdwarf
Posting Freak
791
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM
#7
The folders you mentioned are in a subfolder called "folder" on the root drive, which isn<|pad|>, not the boot disk. You can verify this by checking the screenshots. Since you already attempted a solution without backing up most of your data, I’d appreciate a practical fix that avoids that step.
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Bartekdwarf
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM #7

The folders you mentioned are in a subfolder called "folder" on the root drive, which isn<|pad|>, not the boot disk. You can verify this by checking the screenshots. Since you already attempted a solution without backing up most of your data, I’d appreciate a practical fix that avoids that step.

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FistMeAway
Member
225
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM
#8
I can attempt using chkdsk, but I can't relocate the folder away from the source drive, so that method won't work. I'll keep this in mind if I need to delete files from the boot drive later.
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FistMeAway
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM #8

I can attempt using chkdsk, but I can't relocate the folder away from the source drive, so that method won't work. I'll keep this in mind if I need to delete files from the boot drive later.

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SpookLordBab
Junior Member
17
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM
#9
Attempt to try again later; it might vanish after running chkdsk /F on IT
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SpookLordBab
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM #9

Attempt to try again later; it might vanish after running chkdsk /F on IT

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_F1ex_
Junior Member
15
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM
#10
I followed the link provided and reviewed the findings. Someone recommended a chkdsk scan, but the errors weren't related to the main problem and I'm still stuck on deleting those folders. I plan to adjust permissions more carefully, though I'm unsure it will help. I also attempted rmdir via PowerShell without success. Could you share more details about PowerShell and how it works?
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_F1ex_
06-03-2021, 06:41 AM #10

I followed the link provided and reviewed the findings. Someone recommended a chkdsk scan, but the errors weren't related to the main problem and I'm still stuck on deleting those folders. I plan to adjust permissions more carefully, though I'm unsure it will help. I also attempted rmdir via PowerShell without success. Could you share more details about PowerShell and how it works?

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