File that I can't delete

[tim123]

I've somehow got a file that I can't delete (or rename).

I get "cannot read from source file or disk".

I've tried a scandisk but no errors were found.

I got this file from a Firefox download that crashed part way through. So it's in "My Documents/Download" if that's important.

I can't find any references to the file in the registry

I'm still on XP

Anyone any ideas?

tim

[xoggoth]

Can't see it explains that particular error message but in past have found undeletable files to be about ownership. Log in as admin, right click/properties/security/advanced/owner and set owner as you. Properties might give you some clue anyway.

(Or it's some sort of virtual pointy thing to a deceased file, in which case you need an exorcist to lead it into the light)

[gadgetman]

Try unlocker here

Also try here - I contributed one of the solutions!

[eliquant]

What I do is log into XP in 'safe mode' and then traverse the directories via the MS-DOS prompt and then delete.

Hold down 'F8' during your PC boot up for Safe Mode, should work.

[xoggoth]

Remove that link gadgetman? Site reported as unsafe.

[tim123]

What I do is log into XP in 'safe mode' and then traverse the directories via the MS-DOS prompt and then delete.

Hold down 'F8' during your PC boot up for Safe Mode, should work.

No difference. I get "file cound not be found - filename"

And to the other replies. This is not a problem of the file being "locked" to a task. Firstly the error mesage is wrong and secondly these linkages are cleared on a reboot.

Thanks anyway. Looks like I am stuck with it

tim

[lilelvis2000]

Could it be a wonky file name? Read this
http://blog.dotsmart.net/2008/06/12/...-file-or-disk/

[Platypus]

And to the other replies. This is not a problem of the file being "locked" to a task.

Nevertheless, the unlocker I use has a simple 'delete file' option which works on files which I've otherwise struggled to get rid of.

http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

EDIT: Gadgetman already posted the link. Therefore best I can do is to second his recommendation.

[b0redom]

WinPE / Knoppix bootable CD?

[xoggoth]

Possibly a pointer to a file that was sheduled for a failed copy to a CD or other drive? Pity you can't rename it. There is no file problem that cannot be sorted by renaming a file @rse.