Unable to delete zero byte file

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bob and Shauna
  • Start date Start date
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Bob and Shauna

I have a folder in the "My Documents" folder that is listed as zero bytes.
The has file never contained any more than documents and photos, no
executables or program files. I have tried to delete it with no success.
If I try to open the file I get a message stating the file/folder is not
accessible, access is denied. If I try to open the file I receive a message
stating Access is denied . Make sure the disk is not full or write protected
and that the file is not currently in use.

I have tried going into Safe Mode and using the DOS commands to delete it
with no success. There must be a simple solution to this issue. How can I
delete the folder? I do not want to go to the worst case scenario of just
making the folder hidden, I really want it gone.

Thanks, Bob
 
Try this free utility: http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

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Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/


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:

| I have a folder in the "My Documents" folder that is listed as zero bytes.
| The has file never contained any more than documents and photos, no
| executables or program files. I have tried to delete it with no success.
| If I try to open the file I get a message stating the file/folder is not
| accessible, access is denied. If I try to open the file I receive a message
| stating Access is denied . Make sure the disk is not full or write protected
| and that the file is not currently in use.
|
| I have tried going into Safe Mode and using the DOS commands to delete it
| with no success. There must be a simple solution to this issue. How can I
| delete the folder? I do not want to go to the worst case scenario of just
| making the folder hidden, I really want it gone.
|
| Thanks, Bob
 
Bob and Shauna said:
I have a folder in the "My Documents" folder that is listed
as zero bytes. The has file never contained any more than
documents and photos, no executables or program files. I
have tried to delete it with no success. If I try to open
the file I get a message stating the file/folder is not
accessible, access is denied. If I try to open the file I
receive a message stating Access is denied . Make sure the
disk is not full or write protected and that the file is not
currently in use.
I have tried going into Safe Mode and using the DOS commands
to delete it with no success. There must be a simple
solution to this issue. How can I delete the folder? I do
not want to go to the worst case scenario of just making the
folder hidden, I really want it gone.
Thanks, Bob
Click to expand...

See if taking ownership of the folder allows you to give
yourself Full Control permissions. That my allow you to delete
the folder. Take a look at these articles for more info:

How to disable simplified sharing and set permissions on a
shared folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307874/

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

"Access is Denied" Error Message When You Try to Open a Folder
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881

Note: If you are running Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, you
must start the computer in safe mode, and then log on with an
account that has Administrative rights to have access to the
Security tab. To start in Safe Mode, reboot your computer and
start tapping the F8 key as soon as you see anything displayed
on the screen. Keep hitting F8 until the Advanced Startup
Options menu appears. Use the up and down arrow keys on your
keyboard to select Safe Mode. Hit Enter.

Good luck

Nepatsfan
 
The "Unlocker", suggested by Carey, would not allow me to delete the folder,
even on reboot, but it did allow me to rename the folder, something that was
previously prevented. Sooo I moved on to Nepatsfan's suggestions. The
Microsoft article mentioned "Start-My Computer-Tools-Folder Options-View"
then "Advanced Settings" sections, there did not appear to be a "Advanced
Settings" section. So I went to the folder in question, right clicked, the
opened the "Sharing" tab. In the "local Sharing and security" area I
clicked in the box for "Make this folder private". By doing that I had no
further access to that box in any folder. BUT, I was able to delete the
folder in question.

Thanks for all your help. Bob
 
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