Can't delete, rename, move etc. a file.

  • Thread starter Thread starter David F
  • Start date Start date
D

David F

Using W2K+SP4+Rollup.

I have a file, where I can't do anything with it.
When selecting the file and clicking on the 'properties',
it respond with a message:
"The properties for this item are not available".

No "access denied" or other common negative feedbacks.
It looks like some kind of corruption.
I run "chkdsk" with '/F' and it finds nothing.

Any idea on a better tool or otherwise how to tackle
this stubborn file? (short of formatting the drive...:)

Thanks,
David
 
David F said:
Using W2K+SP4+Rollup.

I have a file, where I can't do anything with it.
When selecting the file and clicking on the 'properties',
it respond with a message:
"The properties for this item are not available".

No "access denied" or other common negative feedbacks.
It looks like some kind of corruption.
I run "chkdsk" with '/F' and it finds nothing.

Any idea on a better tool or otherwise how to tackle
this stubborn file? (short of formatting the drive...:)

Thanks,
David
Click to expand...

I would boot into the Recovery Console and delete the file
from there. Remember to enable access to all folders ***prior***
to starting the Recovery Console:
- Run gpedit.msc
- Local Computer Policy / Computer Configuration / Windows Settings /
Security Settings /
Security Options / Recovery Console: Allow floppy disk access . . .
- Set this policy to "Enabled".
 
The problematic file resides on an external USB drive.
Other than that, I have 2 internal HDs and 2 DVD drives.
After starting the Recovery Console, it seems to not recognize the
USB drive's existence. Recovery Console's documentation says that it
can access "Removable media drives such as CD-ROM drives"
and in Stanek's book ("W2K Admininistrator's Pocket Consultant")
it specifies just "Removable Media".
This is somewhat vague, as it is not clear if USB drives are included.

Do you know what is the fate of USB drives in our context?

David
 
AFAIK, the Recovery Console does not provide access to
USB devices. If the file name includes a reserved name such as
LPT1 then it may be possible to delete it using some special
syntax. If not then formatting may be your easiest option.
 
Formating is easy. The big deal is copying all the data from the
the remaining folders (it is a large drive) and than copy back.
Anyway, thanks. I have learned something - I have never used or
or even was aware of the Recovery Console.

Thanks again,
David
 
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