Delete Empty Folder with "Permanent" Read Only Attribute

  • Thread starter Thread starter David Parker
  • Start date Start date
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David Parker

(Sorry for the spurious posting, above)

I'm looking for help deleting a folder that was left on my XP desktop after
an aborted restore from a backup cd. The folder contains other folders. All
of the folders have zero bytes. All of the folders have their Read Only
attribute boxes checked. The cd backup was created prior to a complete
system install.

I am the sys admin but I can neither remove the Read Only attributes nor (of
course) delete the folders. They don't seem to be causing any computer
problems and I can move them to other locations in my file structure with no
apparent problems. I've tried many of the fixes found in the Microsoft
knowledge base for common problems encountered when deleting files, but I
can't find an instance that relates to a permanently-set Read-Only
attribute.

My best guess of the problem is either an error or an inconsistency in the
folder ownership (ACL?). However, since the files are Read-Only, I can't
modify anything.

Any suggestions, please?

Thanks, Dave
 
Hi Dave,

Being read-only would not affect the ability to delete it. See this from MVP
Kelly:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_d.htm#del

It should help.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone
 
(Sorry for the spurious posting, above)

I'm looking for help deleting a folder that was left on my XP desktop after
an aborted restore from a backup cd. The folder contains other folders. All
of the folders have zero bytes. All of the folders have their Read Only
attribute boxes checked. The cd backup was created prior to a complete
system install.

I am the sys admin but I can neither remove the Read Only attributes nor (of
course) delete the folders. They don't seem to be causing any computer
problems and I can move them to other locations in my file structure with no
apparent problems. I've tried many of the fixes found in the Microsoft
knowledge base for common problems encountered when deleting files, but I
can't find an instance that relates to a permanently-set Read-Only
attribute.

My best guess of the problem is either an error or an inconsistency in the
folder ownership (ACL?). However, since the files are Read-Only, I can't
modify anything.

Any suggestions, please?
Click to expand...

The read only attribute is a red herring. Have run into situations where
Explorer refuses to delete a folder with nested subfolders after an
uninstall of a program and a restart of the system. By drilling down to the
deepest level, deleting. Moving up a level, deleting and repeat until at
top level, I have been able to work around this roadblock.
 
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