How to delete 'mysterious' and stubborn folder in WinXP?

[nFury8]

I had absolutely no idea how it got there. The folder's name is a loooong string of weird cryptic numbers and letters with 2 subfolders named "download" and "ip". I was able to delete the contents in the root through DOS though, it was a battallion of system files that suddenly appeared out of nowhere, so it seems. But the two subfolders named "download" and "ip" are inaccessible even in DOS. Even weirder is that its not on my system/boot drive, its stubbornly entrenched in one of my data drives(got 3 drives). Anybody encountered this? How did you get rid of it? I came across a thread by searching but that thread is only for getting rid of some AVI file weirdness in XP.

Cheers

[insite]

did you recently run a windows update and not reboot? windows update creates wierd directories like 3b8a918f8zc and such at the root of your drive. they go away after you reboot and the info inside them is no longer necessary.

[nFury8]

Originally posted by insite
did you recently run a windows update and not reboot? windows update creates wierd directories like 3b8a918f8zc and such at the root of your drive. they go away after you reboot and the info inside them is no longer necessary.
To the best of my recollection, I didn't do any windows update days prior to that folder appearance. And you're right about the directory name. But even if I did update, I always do a reboot anyway. Thanks for the reply. I'm still trying to figure out how to nuke those two remaining subfolders.

[Sirber]

I had undeletable files one day. I had to go through telnet on my own computer.

The server is disabled by default. You have to start it, connect on yourself, remove the folders/files, then DISABLE the telnet service.

good luck :D

[joshyg2]

Try using the disk clean-up utility. and check all the boxes, then click clean and see if that helps.

Also disable System Restore under System settings.

[lilhobo]

get a dos boot disk and log on to dos and delete the folders or files

[nFury8]

Originally posted by joshyg2
Try using the disk clean-up utility. and check all the boxes, then click clean and see if that helps.

Also disable System Restore under System settings.
This one's a no-go. Disk Cleanup indicated that there's 0 KB to be gained. Also, System Restore has been disabled for this particular drive even before that pesky folder appeared. Appreciate your heroic and valiant attempt at helping me out though. :D

Originally posted by lilhobo
get a dos boot disk and log on to dos and delete the folders or files
This one didn't work as well. That drive is NTFS, DOS borked out even before I could say s**t. Again, appreciate your selfish and magnanimous offer to help untangle me from my little misery. :D :D

Originally posted by Sirber
I had undeletable files one day. I had to go through telnet on my own computer.

The server is disabled by default. You have to start it, connect on yourself, remove the folders/files, then DISABLE the telnet service.

good luck :D
Now this, my friend, is something I don't quite understand. What do you mean connect on yourself? Would you mind clarifying things for me? Thanks.:)

[cgrey]

Boot from your WindowsXP installation CD. When you get to the 'setup' screen, choose to go to the 'repair console' (R). This will boot you to a dos prompt, where you'll have full access to NTFS drive. You should be able to delete whatever you need to this way.

[Solo]

I have a similar problem (also all numbers/letters)but mine is a PC game. I have tried everything. Problem is mine is on my third partition which is NTFS. Even when I boot into safe mode (F8) I cannot delete. Even when I reinstall a new OS it still wont ! I can use NTFSRead to see the file from DOS but still cannot delete as you can old copy with the program.
I will try cgrey's suggestion though. Thanks.

[avih]

and while we're at XP, do u know how to replace notepad with something else? it automatically 'reverts' back to notepad whenever i delete it. i tried to disable system restore, and even added notepad to the exclusion list at system32\restore\filelist.xml. can't get it to work :(

any suggestion?
thx in advance.

[nFury8]

I have tried cgrey's suggestions using WinXP install CD's repair console. But it can't detect that 3rd disk where those folders are. It can detect the second drive and the floppy and cd-rom, except for that infested drive. I'm so close to desperation now that maybe I'll just resort to re-formatting the darn thing. I'll try one last thing. Since the drive in question is connected to an IDE PCI expansion card, I'll swap it to the primary slave connector where the 2nd drive is, this way I can probably access it from WinXP's recovery console. If that still doesn't cut it, I'll just nuke the crap out of it.

[cgrey]

Originally posted by nFury8
I have tried cgrey's suggestions using WinXP install CD's repair console. But it can't detect that 3rd disk where those folders are. It can detect the second drive and the floppy and cd-rom, except for that infested drive. I'm so close to desperation now that maybe I'll just resort to re-formatting the darn thing. I'll try one last thing. Since the drive in question is connected to an IDE PCI expansion card, I'll swap it to the primary slave connector where the 2nd drive is, this way I can probably access it from WinXP's recovery console. If that still doesn't cut it, I'll just nuke the crap out of it.

If you move the drive temporarily to your primary controller to do this, that should work. Otherise, you could also load the drivers for your PCI controller, by holding the F6 key when the setup program starts - watch the white status bar at the bottom for when it says 'Press F6 to install a third party RAID or SCSI controller'. Honestly though, if you're comfortable enough inside your PC, it would probably be quicker to just move the drive temporarily like you suggested.

[Solo]

@avih

To delete notepad you have to delete it in your Windows directory AND your Windows\System32\dllcache folder as it is a protected file. Dllcache is a super hidden one so you have to deselect hide protected operating system files under Folder Options.

To disable Windows file protection you gotta use Regedit:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Software
Microsoft
WindowsNT
Current Version
Winlogon

Change SFCDisable to REG_DWORD 'ffffff9d' (Hex) and reboot.

[avih]

thx solo. will deleting it from the dllcache make it return when i re-enable windows file protection? or should i leave file-protection disabled as long as i want my notpad-replacement?

isn't there an easier method to disable the file-protection?? not that i find editing the registry hard or anything, it just that the common user will NEVER make it..

anyway, thx, i will try it.

[Solo]

I haven't done it myself but it shouldn't return with renabling the protection as the "backup" in dllcache is gone as well. I don't know if you will get error messages. I must try. Dllcahe contains backup of all NB files. Including screensavers ect. By disabling Windows file protection is won't restore any NB files if you delete from what I understand.

You could probably do it from Safe Mode or from a bootable stiffy / CD as well if you don't wanna mess with registry.

[Solo]

Originally posted by cgrey
Boot from your WindowsXP installation CD. When you get to the 'setup' screen, choose to go to the 'repair console' (R). This will boot you to a dos prompt, where you'll have full access to NTFS drive. You should be able to delete whatever you need to this way.

I cannot belive this. I just tried this and I still get access denied :angry: How on earth is this possible ? I'm checked the contents of the folder using NTFSRead and even though there is a SP2 folder under that directory is it a game that I once had on my PC. This is also about the third time I have installed Windows on my PC. This folder is on my second drive as well. How on earth can it still be Access Denied - This folder may be in use. Damn it. Last time this happened I had to copy all stuff off the drive and format it finally killing the folder. I cannot do that now as my first drive is not big enough to backup the 100 Gigs (of divX movies)... oh joy. Thanks Bill Gates :devil:

[avih]

solo, i managed to replace notepad. thx.

here's what i did.
1. (some days ago, don't know if it had any effect) added notepad to the exclusion list of system32\restore\filelist.xml

at this stage, whenever i renamed/deleted notepad.exe from c:\windows it got restored.

2. deleted notepad from windows\system32\dllcache. got a message that i'm messing with a windows component, might have compatibility issues, etc. ok to restore from the cd, or cancel to keep going. i chose cancel. i then put my replacement at dllcache.

3. replaced windows\notepad.exe with my replacement. went fine.

4. right-clicked a batch file -> edit -> notepad was ran(!!) wtf.

i ran process explorer from systeminternals.com. saw that notepad.exe was running from windows\system32\notepad.exe.

5. replaced the other instance of noepad with my replacement. got the "about to remove windows component" message again. clicked cancel again. went fine.

6. right click on a batch file -> edit -> notepad again (now that's a sticky ;) )

7. reboot, right click batch file -> edit -> my replacement! :)

damn long process, but it worked. didn't open regedit.

fyi, i replaced notepad with metapad. very nice light and feature rich notepad replacement.

thx again ;).

[nFury8]

Originally posted by Solo
I cannot belive this. I just tried this and I still get access denied :angry: How on earth is this possible ? I'm checked the contents of the folder using NTFSRead and even though there is a SP2 folder under that directory is it a game that I once had on my PC. This is also about the third time I have installed Windows on my PC. This folder is on my second drive as well. How on earth can it still be Access Denied - This folder may be in use. Damn it. Last time this happened I had to copy all stuff off the drive and format it finally killing the folder. I cannot do that now as my first drive is not big enough to backup the 100 Gigs (of divX movies)... oh joy. Thanks Bill Gates :devil:

Argh! If that's the case I expect the same to happen to me then. But I'll give it a try when I get home later, I'm still at the office when I read your post. I'll try it tonight and confirm if it is really that screwed up. Looks like the 'F' word (format :) ) is my only recourse then.

[cgrey]

Originally posted by Solo
I cannot belive this. I just tried this and I still get access denied :angry: How on earth is this possible ? I'm checked the contents of the folder using NTFSRead and even though there is a SP2 folder under that directory is it a game that I once had on my PC. This is also about the third time I have installed Windows on my PC. This folder is on my second drive as well. How on earth can it still be Access Denied - This folder may be in use. Damn it. Last time this happened I had to copy all stuff off the drive and format it finally killing the folder. I cannot do that now as my first drive is not big enough to backup the 100 Gigs (of divX movies)... oh joy. Thanks Bill Gates :devil:

Make sure the file(s) inside of these folders are not read only. From that recovery console command line, go to that directory, and:

attrib -r -s -h *.*

That will set all the files in that folder to be not read-only, system, or hidden. Then, try deleting the files themselves first, then the top-level folders.

[Solo]

Ok - avih
Glad that worked out. Didn't understand exactly how you did it the first time I read it but I'm gonna try Metapad as well for the hell of it. I did try deleting Notepad in Windows folder and dllcache in Windows but it still started again ? Notepad is a funny one. I know you can uninstall Wordpad though.
Thanks

nFury8
Funny thing is I can rename the folder to whatever I want but still no delete.

cgrey
I already removed the Read Only status in Windows and when it asked if I want to apply it to all the subfolders and files I said yes. But I shall try again. It's now just personal :angry: I will delete that folder. Probably also has something to do with NTFS and ownership. In which case this might work:
To reclaim NTFS permissions:
right click on the folder, go to properties.
click on security tab
advanced
click owner tab
select yourself or administrators (you must be an administrator)
check the box that says "replace owner on subobjects"
and hit apply.
You now own the file, and can do anything to it (like reset the permissions).
in the security tab, make sure your user has permissions (when in doubt, click on the advanced button, and in the permissions tab, check the "allow inheritable permissions" checkbox, and the "reset permissions on subobjects", then apply.

That will reset the permissions to the same as the folder that it's in.


Thanks again.

[nFury8]

Originally posted by cgrey
Make sure the file(s) inside of these folders are not read only. From that recovery console command line, go to that directory, and:

attrib -r -s -h *.*

That will set all the files in that folder to be not read-only, system, or hidden. Then, try deleting the files themselves first, then the top-level folders.

Okay, I was able to access that troublesome drive via recovery console by swapping it with my 2nd drive's IDE connection. But WTF??? I can't even get inside the damned folder. It says ACCESS DENIED? Even when in DOS mode. How on earth am I able to set the attribute if I can't even get inside it? :angry::angry: That's it fellas. I'm declaring TOTAL WAR on that evil folder!!! I'm beyond my wits end now. This is fu***ng war. I will not take any prisoners!!! But first I must acknowledge all those who tried to help in their own way. Thanks guys. I'm going nuclear now. Let this serve as a warning to all the evil M$ folders out there: "You can goddamn sneak up on my drives at will, but you can't reside forever. I will strike you down with all my wrath, you have sown stupid files on my drive, so you will reap the rage of a vengeful master, then you will know I own you." And that is IT!!!

[avih]

how about using linux with ntfs write enabled kernel? iirc the latest knoppix doesn't have this feature, but perhaps one of it's derivatives does?

[insite]

recovery console won't let you into most folders unless you set up the registry ahead of time to do so. try rebooting in safe mode with command prompt and deleting from there.

[Solo]

He He - nFury8

I know exactly how you feel. It's like someone moving into your house and not being able to get rid of them :mad:

Well I've tried attrib -r -s -h *.* and I've tried safe mode and what do I get ? "Access Is Denied".

I did read about recovery console and editing registry. I have it in a PC magazine at home actually. Just never got around to finding that mag.

These NFTS read type programs that let you read and recover files on NTFS partitions from DOS ... anyone know of one that allows you to DELTE files because the only options I get are to copy them not delete.

BTW my stuborn folder is also "SP2".

[nFury8]

Im getting ready to transfer all my files (mostly dvd-rips) from that infested drive to my other 2 drives. I will just reformat that drive to end this little misery. I'm so tired of trying to be gentle and patient with it.

[insite]

as another future item (and i know some of the things i've written are basic; they usually solve the problem) go to run->mmc. add the security config & analysis snap-in. open the secedit template (not the secedit db) in sysroot\security\templates. run a security analysis and look at the folders under file system. hidden permissions, if there are any, will be marked. change them and apply the template. reboot. Another thing that works is renaming the secedit db to secedit.old, moving all your logs, and then loading the template i mentioned in the beginning of this article. save the template as secedit.sdb in the security/db folder. ignore the access denied errors and reboot. alas, you've probalby reformatted by now....

[frnchy]

having problems trying to delete a folder. the hole folder deleted but one file which is .DLL file, it says access denied. I have tried XP Smoker and tried to delete it in safe mode but nothing seems to work. Could someone please help me out.

[foxyshadis]

I miss win95 and 98, where you could delete system files willy-nilly and boot back into DOS to replace the ones you really needed after all. :p To have your fun in newer systems, you need process explorer. Once you open it, follow these steps:

Open find handle or dll in the find menu, and type the dll name. Kill any processes that it shows up as a 'DLL' in (click the entry, it'll highlight the process, right click to kill). Close anything listed as a handle (click the entry, right click the highlight in the lower pane and close). Beware of doing this to system processes and drivers! Doing so will bluescreen the system.

Alternately, you can make a bartpe or linux livecd and delete it that way, or attach the hard drive to another system. That's what you do if you need more extensive plumbing or cleaning.

[Pookie]

This individual writes some very nice console apps which allow you to delete files in use. You'll have to reboot for the changes to take effect, but the offending files should be gone.

http://www.csc.calpoly.edu/~bfriesen/software/console.shtml

[Sharktooth]

having problems trying to delete a folder. the hole folder deleted but one file which is .DLL file, it says access denied. I have tried XP Smoker and tried to delete it in safe mode but nothing seems to work. Could someone please help me out.

Did you try Unlocker?
http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

[linx05]

I miss win95 and 98, where you could delete system files willy-nilly and boot back into DOS to replace the ones you really needed after all. :p
That's one of the biggest things I missed in the old win95/98 era. I did that a few times, learning through trial and error I called it. Except the error wasn't on purpose.

Unlocker is best free programs out there for this sort of stuff.

[Carpo]

open up a command window (dos prompt) and make sure task manager is running, kill explorer.exe, then in dos box del the folder/exe/dll thats giving you issues, then in task manager selct new task goto C:\Windows and select explore.exe

what i tend to do when i have a file thats always in use :)

[Nick Less]

errrrm, can't believe noone mentioned Unlocker (http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/) :confused:

EDIT: Ooops, didn't read the second page :blush:

[Solo]

LOL had a friend over today. I mentioned I had this darn folder again that wouldn't delete. He went into Folder Options and enabled simple file sharing then took ownerships of the folder and proceeded to delete it. So simple .... hehe.

[Shinigami-Sama]

I was just going to say go into your local security policies and giving yourself login as system privalges

but you managed it yourself so meh

though that seems like a bit of cheap cop out :\

[Gerard V]

@Solo - thats so much more effective than my "trick". I had taken to creating a temp folder with a single txt file in it and then using micro$ofts robocopy to mirror the "offending" folder with an exact copy of my temp folder. This did the trick but was way cumbersome. Somehow robocopy could make an exact copy, including the deletion of a file I had apparently no access rights to.