What could be causing a file from 2011 to be undeletable?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mathman
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    deleted File
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a user encountering a file from 2011 that cannot be deleted or interacted with on their Windows XP system. Participants explore various potential causes and solutions, including operating system behaviors, file locking issues, and methods for deletion, such as using Safe Mode or a Linux boot disc.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the file's properties appear blank, suggesting it may not be recognized by the system despite being visible in Windows Explorer.
  • Several participants suggest using Safe Mode to delete the file, arguing that it may be locked by background processes.
  • Another participant proposes using a Linux boot disc to delete the file, claiming that Windows may not be able to handle it.
  • Some participants mention the possibility of the file being a cache or temporary file related to web browsing, which could be recreated upon restarting the browser.
  • One participant suggests creating a file with the same name to potentially confuse the OS into allowing deletion.
  • There are mentions of using system restore points as a method to resolve issues, although one participant cautions that it may not affect personal files.
  • Another participant raises the idea of scanning the disk for errors as a potential solution.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the necessity of deleting the file, suggesting it may not be causing any issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to delete the file, with multiple competing views on potential solutions and the nature of the file itself. Some express confidence in the Linux boot disc method, while others suggest alternative approaches or question the urgency of deleting the file.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the file's nature, its potential use by background processes, and the effectiveness of various proposed solutions. The discussion reflects a range of experiences with file management in Windows XP.

mathman
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Messages
8,130
Reaction score
575
Recently I discovered a file (dated Feb. 13, 2011, time 8:07 P.M. (EST)) that cannot be deleted and does not respond to any commands, such as move, rename, open, etc. I have "unlocker assistant", but it doesn't work here.

The date stamp corresponds to a time when I was surfing Physics Forum and "physics form" is part of the file name. From what I was able to deduce I was in the General Math forum at that time. I believe I was looking at a question where there was a link to another file, which had to opened by "Open Office", so I presume I was looking at the linked file. Since then, that particular question no longer appears in the forum.

Any suggestions - I just want to get rid of it.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Is this in Windows, Linux, or OS X? In general, you may be able to get rid of the file by clearing your cache (and forms, and downloaded files, etc. in whichever browser it is that you use (sorry for the broad stroke, but there's not so much to work with here!) If it persists, you may have to use the CS solution (i.e. reboot the machine, and then try again--sometimes you end up with odd sharing / file locking violations that prevent files from being touched).
 
If you're on Windows and really desperate to delete it, you could try booting up in Safe Mode. The file is probably being used by something that is always running in the background. Booting in Safe Mode will keep them from starting so that they can't grab and hold the files.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: WWGD
If you are running windows, get a LINUX boot disc, start in LINUX remove the file and then restart in windows.
 
My operating system is Windows XP. In general if a file is locked because something is using it, "unlocker assistant" will handle it. In this case, when trying to do anything with the file, the computer acts as if it is not there. For example, "properties" gives me a complete blank, including 0 file length, although windows explorer gives it a length.
 
mathman said:
My operating system is Windows XP. In general if a file is locked because something is using it, "unlocker assistant" will handle it. In this case, when trying to do anything with the file, the computer acts as if it is not there. For example, "properties" gives me a complete blank, including 0 file length, although windows explorer gives it a length.

Ah. A mystery file. Have you tried creating a file with the same name and then try to delete it? I have seen the OS get confused on a rare occasion thinking that a file is there when it isn't. The other thing that I would do is to search the registry to see if it's referenced there.
 
Try logging in as a different user and deleting the file. On my system, I have multiple hard drives, with a second instance of Windows installed on one of of the "other" hard drives. I boot into that for doing backups and if needed restores of the primary OS partitions. The second OS could also be used to delete files that the primary OS won't delete.
 
I've had this problem before. Windows can't touch it and sometimes throws up errors for it.

The only way to remove it was to boot in Linux. Even a fresh install of Windows couldn't touch it.
 
I tried safe mode and I got the same result (file can't be touched). I have no desire to do anything drastic, so if there is no relatively easy solution, I'll just leave it there.
 
  • #10
mathman said:
I tried safe mode and I got the same result (file can't be touched). I have no desire to do anything drastic, so if there is no relatively easy solution, I'll just leave it there.

Download the ubuntu image from their website (main page).

Burn it to disc and boot from it. You can try out the OS without installing it, run it from the disc.

Using this you can see your windows files and delete it.

This should take an hour tops and most of that is because of downloading (20 minutes without download time).
 
  • #11
Try system restore. Use a restore point before the problem occurred. This is effective against most viruses. I use two disc drives to prevent cross contamination of restore points. A worst case solution is to reformat your hard drive. Again, you need a second hard drive to make it less painful. Copy your non-system files you wish to save to the other drive. i have yet to hear of a bug that can't be killed that way, but, you need a second drive for this fix.
 
Last edited:
  • #12
Chronos said:
This is effective against most viruses.

Unless the virus implants itself in there, which a lot of the new ones do.

Also, system restore doesn't affect your personal files. So it probably wouldn't touch this folder.
 
  • #13
File has path C:\Documents and Settings\Herb\Local Settings\Temp\(file name)

I'm Herb
 
  • #14
mathman said:
File has path C:\Documents and Settings\Herb\Local Settings\Temp\(file name)

I'm Herb

The file path is meaningless to us. You really need to try some of the solutions offered.

Again, I recommend you try the Linux boot disc method.
 
  • #15
mathman said:
File has path C:\Documents and Settings\Herb\Local Settings\Temp\(file name)

I'm Herb

Just curious. What's the filename? Have you Googled it?
 
  • #16
mathman said:
File has path C:\Documents and Settings\Herb\Local Settings\Temp\(file name)
In that case, logging on as another admistrator user should allow you to delete any files related to "Herb".
 
  • #17
Have you tried using disk clean up? It should have an option to clean the Temp folder. If it doesn't need it in there, it will delete it. Is there any particular reason you need to delete it?

It may be the internet cache for that user, you could clear the cache in the browser and that may delete all the content of the file/folder.
 
  • #18
rcgldr said:
In that case, logging on as another admistrator user should allow you to delete any files related to "Herb".
When I tried the safe mode, I said I was the administrator, but it didn't do any good.
 
  • #19
mathman said:
When I tried the safe mode, I said I was the administrator, but it didn't do any good.

Seriously, have you tried the boot disc? If the boot disc for Linux can't get rid of it you'll have to format it.
 
  • #20
jarednjames said:
Seriously, have you tried the boot disc? If the boot disc for Linux can't get rid of it you'll have to format it.

Or he could just forget about the file and go skiing or something. As far as I can tell from reading the thread, the file isn't causing any trouble. If it ain't broke, yada yada...
 
  • #21
Scan the disk for errors.
 
  • #22
caffenta said:
Or he could just forget about the file and go skiing or something. As far as I can tell from reading the thread, the file isn't causing any trouble. If it ain't broke, yada yada...

If it's there and can't be deleted, it most certainly is broke (assuming he's gone down the usual routes to check it isn't being used - which I doubt seeing as he doesn't seem to be trying the solutions posted).
 
  • #23
I would point out that the most likely reason that he can't delete the file is that it is being used by a program from boot. If he uses a boot-drive to kill it which is almost guaranteed to work, if it hasn't been carved into his hard disk by tiny chisel wielding gnomes, there is the possibility he will stop something from working.

Since it is located in his TEMP folder, that leads me to think that it is the cache for something. Most likely the web-browser. If he should delete that then it will just create a new one when he starts up the browser again.
 
  • #24
Pattonias said:
Since it is located in his TEMP folder, that leads me to think that it is the cache for something. Most likely the web-browser. If he should delete that then it will just create a new one when he starts up the browser again.

That's actually why I'm not bothered about it being deleted via a more 'forceful' method.

Any other location outside the TEMP folder I'd be concerned.
 
  • #25
Good point. Do you have an XP PC jared?

I tried following the string on W7, but it doesn't relate. You would think it would still work on most windows machines since they usually don't change up the structure that much between upgrades. Could you find a similar location on your own PC?
 
  • #26
I use Ubuntu.

It's a hidden folder, so you may need to check for that.

I used Windows 7 for a while and if I remember correctly the equivalent on it would be something like: "C:\Users\Herb\Appdata\Local"

Follow that path and it should point you in the right direction. Still hidden though so enable that.

XP does have the folder indicated by the OP (the local settings one that is), so that in itself isn't a problem.
 
  • #27
I managed to find one of my Temp folders in the way you described, I was just hoping to find it using the same path. Maybe I can find it that way on a school machine. I figured if I could find it, I may be able to determine which programs are using that temp folder.

On my machine at home, my temp folder has been moved to a RAM disk and I generally direct all my temp files/folders to that one drive.
 
  • #28
jarednjames said:
If it's there and can't be deleted, it most certainly is broke (assuming he's gone down the usual routes to check it isn't being used - which I doubt seeing as he doesn't seem to be trying the solutions posted).
Just to clarify some things. The file is date and time stamped, so I know exactly when it happened and what I was doing (I was in the math forum of physicsforum). I did try safe mode, which didn't work. I don't have Linux and I am wary of starting with another operating system. I am also very reluctant to do a complete cleanup of my disk.

I have a program called unlocker assistant, which will in all cases (except this one) point out when a file is in use by another program so that it can't be deleted. However unlocker assistant can delete it when I want to. For the particular file under discussion, unlocker assistant doesn't respond at all.
 
  • #29
Why are you worried about booting another OS? Linux runs straight from the CD so you don't have to install it.

Put it in, remove the file, shut down, job done.
 
  • #30
I agree, the Linux method is guaranteed to fix it, and you don't have to wipe your drive. I think on the boot screen it will say "try out linux" or something to that effect and you can run it without installing it on your hard disk.
 

Similar threads

What Can You Discover from a USB Stick Found in the Grass?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Fixing Error: (vlog-7) Failed to Open Design Unit File
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
Could a Mac be useful for a physics student?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Can't read parameters from file
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Comp Sci Java Program Input from file, output to file(s)
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
12K
What could be causing slow browsing in Firefox 8.0.1 and how can it be improved?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Where can I find publicly accessible data from observatories in Europe?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Online videos may be conduits for viruses
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
What could be causing my child processes to not exit properly?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Photo Contest - Magnetism (3/2-3/8)
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K