Deleting a file that can not read from the source file or disk

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of deleting a shortcut to a file that has been partially downloaded and is now showing as 0 bytes on the desktop. Participants explore various methods to remove the shortcut, including command line techniques, safe mode, and third-party tools, while addressing potential underlying issues with the file system.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the problem of a non-deletable shortcut to a 0-byte file and seeks solutions.
  • Another suggests checking the file properties to see if it is marked as read-only before attempting deletion.
  • A participant proposes using the command shell to delete the file, asking for guidance on how to navigate to the desktop.
  • It is recommended to run a filesystem-consistency check (chkdsk) to address potential file system issues.
  • Some participants speculate that the file may have hidden characters in its name or that the file system could be corrupted.
  • There are suggestions to use a tool that can mark the file for deletion on the next boot, with a specific program mentioned.
  • One participant mentions the possibility that the file could be linked to a running process, suggesting checking the task manager to end any related processes.
  • A later reply confirms that a suggested program successfully deleted the file without needing to reboot.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various methods and theories regarding the issue, with no consensus on a single solution. Multiple approaches are discussed, and some participants share their experiences with different tools and techniques.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the potential for file system corruption and hidden characters, but do not reach a definitive conclusion on the underlying cause of the issue. The discussion includes various troubleshooting steps that may or may not be effective depending on the specific circumstances.

only_huce
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Deleting a file that "can not read from the source file or disk"

I downloaded a torrent file the other day and half way through the download i decided i didn't want to finish downloading so i deleted the file using a command prompt on bittorrent. Now the file (which is on my desktop) is deleted since it's at 0 bytes but the shortcut is still there, it's just a blank shortcut with no specified program and no matter what I've done so far I cannot get it to delete without the computer claiming that it "can not delete file: can not read from the source file or disk."

I've tried restarting in safe mode, running disk defragmenter along with various clean up programs, and system restore is not an option because i usually never create a restore point to save drive space. So basically I'm all out of ideas and I have this nasty shortcut sitting on my desktop that will not go away.

Does anyone have any ideas on what to do?
 
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Right-click on the shortcut, then choose "Properties" and see if the file is read-only. If so, uncheck that and delete it.

Note: I am assuming that you have tried to drag the file to the trash bin.
 


Can you delete it from the command shell (cmd.exe)?

You might try booting with a linux livecd (like Knoppix) and deleting the file. [You may have to mount the drive and make it writable.]
 


oh actually i haven't tried deleting it with a command shell. I'm not very familiar with cmd prompt so idk how to take it to my desktop to delete it
 


Start -> Run -> cmd.exe

cd Desktop
del YourFile
You may be able to the Tab-key to complete the filename after your start it off.
 


You may need to run a filesystem-consistency check, like chkdsk.

- Warren
 


Another tip is to start up in safe mode.
 


Tried safe mode, unfortunately it didn't work. And I used the command prompt (thanks robphy) and it showed the file when i hit tab but when i went to delete it I got could not find "File Name".
 


It's possible that the file has either hidden characters in the name, or the file system has become corrupted (is this ntfs?)
If you tried safe mode it's unlikely that the file is in use.

You need a tool to flag a file as 'delete on next boot', your virus scanner should be able to do this, otherwise look at http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11


It's very possible that the item you're trying to delete is currently running as a process; You can't delete things that are currently running. What you can do is press ctrl+alt+del, click on processes, find the process which fits your file, end the process, then you can delete the file.

Some viruses have weird process names, different than that of the file you're trying to delete, so you need to find which process it is.

Or, you can boot into safe mode. In safe mode no personal processes should be running and you should be free to delete.
 
  • #12


only_huce said:
Tried safe mode, unfortunately it didn't work. And I used the command prompt (thanks robphy) and it showed the file when i hit tab but when i went to delete it I got could not find "File Name".

Check task manager, it might be linked to an app that's running at startup.
 
  • #13


only_huce said:
Now the file (which is on my desktop) is deleted since it's at 0 bytes

If it is at 0 bytes it is not deleted, it is just an empty file of zero length. As such it can be linked to. Not that the file existence should interfere with the link deletion.
 
  • #14


mgb_phys said:
It's possible that the file has either hidden characters in the name, or the file system has become corrupted (is this ntfs?)
If you tried safe mode it's unlikely that the file is in use.

You need a tool to flag a file as 'delete on next boot', your virus scanner should be able to do this, otherwise look at http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

Wow, the unlocker program you linked me too worked like a charm. It deleted it without even rebooting. I had previously tried other programs which supposedly do the same thing and none of them proved successful.

Thanks to everyone who posted on this thread for helping me out with this, I really appreciate it.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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