Often, users have to deal with such an unpleasant phenomenon as “non-removable” folders and files. The reasons for their appearance can be very diverse, from a program error to the purposeful action of a virus, but their essence boils down to one thing - being retained by some visible or hidden process.
In some cases, a simple reboot of the system is quite sufficient to eliminate such a problem, but it also happens that a file or folder stubbornly does not want under any circumstances.
An attempt to delete an object by standard means fails. In this case, the user can receive different messages, for example, that the file is being used by another application. But, for example, such messages can cause attempts to delete folders with reserved DOS names.
Of course, if you are an expert and perfectly understand how the Windows operating system works, you may be able to quickly find the right solution, but what to do for simple and completely unprepared users?
The way out, as always, is simple - use special utilities to remove blocked objects.
Unlocker
Unlocker is perhaps the most famous Russian-language utility for removing "non-removable" folders and files. Lightweight, free and extremely easy to use, Unlocker handles even the most complex objects with ease. The utility allows you to delete, move and rename folders and files locked by system processes. The program will be useful in cases where the object is used by another application, with access restrictions, sharing violations and other common errors.
In especially difficult situations, when the file cannot be deleted immediately, Unlocker will offer to delete it at the next system reboot. The utility functions are controlled from the Explorer context menu. When installing the program, third-party modules can be integrated into the system, for example, QuickStores bar, so be careful, uncheck the corresponding checkboxes in the installation wizard. Download Unlocker: www.emptyloop.com
Any File Remover
Any File Remover is a free utility for removing locked objects. Unlike Unlocker Any File Remover does not move or rename files, it just deletes them. The utility works quickly, cleanly and without rebooting the system. Supports the creation of a list of deleted objects, manual configuration of the overwrite method. Among the shortcomings, we can note the lack of integration into the Explorer context menu, the inability to select an entire folder for deletion and the absence of the Russian language, although during installation the user is prompted to select the Russian language.
MoveOnBoot
Free program to remove, rename locked folders, etc. MoveOnBoot has a colorful graphical interface with support for changing skins and a rich set of additional functions. It can be used to remove faulty applications and even viruses that the antivirus program could not remove.
The application has a built-in Uninstall Wizard, supports work with the system registry. Removing, renaming and moving locked folders and files in MoveOnBoot is possible only with a subsequent reboot of the system, which is actually the main drawback of this program. The low popularity of MoveOnBoot was also facilitated by the large weight, the lack of the Russian language and integration into the Explorer context menu.
File governor
File Governor is a simple, convenient and free program for removing "intractable" folders and files, a good analogue of Unlocker. “Indications for use” are the use of the object to be deleted by the user or another application, access violations, and some other deletion errors.
File Governor also supports Explorer integration, copying a file to a specified directory, searching for locked files in selected directories, force terminating processes, maintaining logs, unlocking selected files.
The utility has the simplest interface, is lightweight, and works with most versions. There is no Russian language.
FileASSASSIN
A very lightweight, simple and free program from the well-known company Malwarebytes. In terms of capabilities, it is comparable to the Unlocker utility. Several methods can be used to open access to a file.
When embedded in the Explorer context menu, FileASSASSIN creates two separate items: Delete file using FileASSASSIN and Unlock file using FileASSASSIN. You can also schedule file deletion at the next Windows restart. The main disadvantage of the utility is the absence of the Russian language.
Conclusion
The utilities presented in this review are far from unique. There are many other, both simple and completely exotic, tools and methods for solving the problem of "non-removable" folders and files.
Here's just one example.
The usual ones with a built-in file manager will help you get full access to the file system, and that means deleting anything you want.
Having booted from such a disk, you can easily delete, move or rename any file or folder without any problems.
Deleting files and folders in Windows is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. Yes, indeed, in most cases there are no problems with their removal, but very often you can observe situations when it is impossible to remove any component. Now we will look at the main methods of correcting this situation, as well as some programs for removing unrecoverable locked folders and files. Such advice, I think, will be useful to many users of modern computer systems.
The main problems with deleting files
Before we describe any program for deleting folders that are not deleted, or locked files, let us consider the reasons for situations when the operating system itself blocks them, displaying a message stating that deletion is impossible.
As is already clear, there can be quite a few reasons. This primarily includes the use of attributes that block access to a particular component, lack of access rights, the use of files and folders by some process at the moment, the presence of residual files after uninstalling applications that should be removed only after a complete system reboot, deletion already made, etc.
Now we will briefly dwell on each situation, and then see which "program" for deleting non-removable files or folders is best for each case. In addition, we will consider options for removing some components using standard Windows tools without using third-party software.
Using attributes
Let's start with the parameters of the files installed in the Windows OS. So, we have a problem, how to delete a folder or file that is not deleted.
For commonly used text files and Microsoft Office documents, you can preview the so-called attributes. The fact is that some users, creating their documents, simply want to either restrict access to them, or avoid attempts to edit by third-party users. In this case, they simply set the "Read only" attribute in the document properties.
It is clear that with this approach, the file can be opened, but changes cannot be made. In some cases, this also applies to attempted deletion. How do I delete a folder or file that is not being deleted in this case? Everything is simple here. You just need to uncheck the corresponding field, after which the deletion will take place without problems.
Closing problem processes
No less common is the situation when even a program for deleting folders that are not deleted may not work only because at the moment, some or several files in them are busy with some process.
Let's take the simplest case. Let's say we have some kind of folder containing an executable EXE file that is responsible for starting the program. It is clear that if the program is currently running, you will not be able to delete this folder. The system will display a message that the file is in use by such and such a process and will require you to close the application and then try again. But this is the simplest case.
If a file or folder is used by system processes, it is highly discouraged to terminate them even in the "Task Manager", as this can lead to the most dire consequences. This will be discussed a little later.
File permissions
Another situation where it can be problematic to delete files or folders is the lack of access rights. The simplest example is the creation of a document with administrator access rights.
Naturally, another user in his session, if there are local sessions of the administrator and several other users on the same computer terminal (or in a networked environment), having restrictions in rights, will not be able to remove such components. The solution to the problem will be either obtaining the appropriate extended rights, or logging into the system as an administrator.
Residual files after uninstalling programs
It also happens that when you uninstall some programs, you get messages that some residual files and folders will be deleted after a reboot. Here the situation is such that they seem to still exist in the system (usually the user can see them even in the "Explorer"), but in fact they are absent, or rather placed in another area of the hard drive that is inaccessible to the user. So it turns out that when you try to remove such components immediately, without waiting for a reboot, the system displays a message that the removal has already been performed.
Basically, if it is clearly indicated that you need to delete files or folders manually, but they are not deleted for some reason, you just need to reboot the system and try again.
IObit Unistaller
In general, to uninstall programs, it is better to use powerful utilities such as iObit Uninstaller, which allow you to completely remove not only the program itself, but also the computer debris remaining after it, and even registry entries and keys.
When it comes to residual garbage (most often hidden from the user), such software packages will become a universal solution.
Using optimizers
In some cases, you can use optimization programs such as Advanced System Care, CCleaner, etc.
Such applications are able not only to optimize the system performance, but also to remove garbage, which is impossible to get rid of using standard methods. For example, CCleaner, "sharpened" for the Android OS, in combination with Root-rights, quite simply removes "native" applications installed on a smartphone or tablet. The same applies to the complete removal of some components in Windows, because it is clear that some applications behave quite cunningly, and it is impossible to find them in the standard list of programs and components, not to mention their location in the system, when all components can be scattered across the entire hard disk or logical partitions.
Unlocker program for deleting non-removable files
Now let's look at a universal tool for unlocking files and folders that are supposed to be deleted. In fact, Unlocker is a "program" for deleting non-removable files and folders that even have the system attribute.
Its advantage is that the main command for unblocking access is built into the context menu, for example, "Explorer". To unblock it, just call it by right-clicking on the file and activate the corresponding line, after which you can remove any component completely calmly. Most interestingly, this application is included in Windows 7. If for some reason the program is missing, you can download it from the Internet. Honestly, you won't regret it.
The best programs for deleting files that cannot be deleted
It is also worth paying attention to some third-party utilities that are no less interesting and powerful than Unlocker (or maybe even superior).
Let's start with the most basic utilities. File ASSASSIN is a simple Unlocker-style program for deleting non-deleting folders (and files in them), embedding its own commands in the Windows menu. It works, I must say, no less effective.
Another similar utility functions according to the same principle. This is iObit Unlocker. As it is already clear, it is based on the same principles.
But, perhaps, the most powerful and somewhat non-standard utility is a program for deleting folders that are not deleted and related files called LockHunter. What's so unusual about her? And the fact that, unlike many similar utilities, it has a two-level removal system, similar to how Windows operates in such cases.
During normal deletion, the selected (by the way, unlocked along the way) files and folders are placed in the so-called system trash can, from which they can either be restored or permanently deleted. This approach allows you to avoid a situation with the accidental removal of any system components by inexperienced users, which, in turn, can lead to a complete "crash" of the entire system.
Conclusion
Of course, the list of programs is endless. But what to use as the main tool, each sieve user himself, since all applications have their own subtleties.
I present to your attention a program that will help you very quickly delete a folder with all its subfolders and files.
It is good because it deletes everything very quickly, regardless of the size and number of files and subfolders inside. Whether it's a 100 GB folder containing more than 100 thousand files, the program will delete them within a couple of seconds. And in the standard way, this can take much longer.
Also, another advantage of the program is that it removes everything. I mean she deletes like hidden, systemic, under password and in general any files and folders. So you won't have any problems with deleting.
But it also has a couple of drawbacks - it has not been translated into Russian. Another disadvantage could be that it has a paid version, but free and in English is enough to quickly remove unnecessary.
So, download the free version of the program Fast Folder Eraser With :
It is less than 1 MB in size.
Install as usual.
After installation, we agree to the license agreement:
The main window of the program looks like this. In it you need to press a button ... to select a folder:
in the window that appears:
then click on Delete and any folder is deleted without any questions and within a couple of seconds.
Precautionary measures:
The program requires administrator rights to perform operations, and this is no coincidence, because you can delete the files necessary for the system. Be careful with the folder selection.
Sometimes you have to face a situation when a file cannot be deleted .
- The file is in use by another program and cannot be deleted..
- In another situation, the system protection of the file system is triggered, then access to the given file is denied.
Before you ask the question - how to delete a file that cannot be deleted, you should think, are the correct actions performed for the operation of deleting a file?
Wrong Windows 10 file deletion
How to delete non-removable files Windows 10
Before deleting system files, you need to make sure in safety deleting such files. Deleting files necessary for Windows to work will lead to a complete system crash.
To remove system files, you must have administrator rights... These rights allow you to exercise control over the file system at the administrator level and be responsible for deleting most Windows 10 files .
How to check administrator rights on Windows 10
START menu and Change account settings. records 
There should be an inscription under your account name Administrator 
If the first option for deleting files did not help, then the following options are suitable for removing remnants (garbage) of incorrectly removed programs or applications. Using these methods, you can delete a file that cannot be deleted without rebooting the system.
All ways to delete files from your computer
- Rename the deleted file after a system restart, it will be possible to delete the file, since Windows 10 will no longer protect it from deletion, since we renamed it.
- Remove all additional attributes. Open the properties of the selected object through the context menu, uncheck the checkboxes from its additional attributes, in particular, by removing the “read-only” and “system” properties, repeat the deletion procedure;
- Open the file in a suitable program. If the object is typical (for example, a text file with the appropriate extension), try to open it in the appropriate program, then change the content and re-save by making a second pass of deletion;
- Check the dates. If the file properties indicate clearly incorrect creation and modification dates (differing by decades or more), try changing them to realistic ones using the "Additional Properties" tab Perform a classic restart of Windows 10 through the Start menu, while holding Shift - after its implementation, you will be shown a screen for selecting parameters, where you need to sequentially go to the sections "Troubleshooting", "Additional options", "Boot options", after then press the "Restart" button. Wait for the process to complete and press F4 when the list of parameters appears. In loaded safe mode, try to delete the file in the normal way;
- Using a resuscitator or LiveCD / Flash. Boot from any available LiveCD / DVD or flash drive, regardless of the system installed on it (Windows, Linux, etc.) - the main thing is that your OS on the hard disk does not participate in the process. Try to delete the file;
- Connecting the hard drive as a storage device to another PC. In the absence of a LiveCD / Flash, you can simply connect your hard drive to another PC through an external "pocket" or a direct connection to the SATA (or another interface that your hard drive uses) cable, and then repeat the original operation with the file.
How to delete non-removable files. The most frequent question that I get asked both on the blog and in real life. And for all that this question, in other ways, like the answer, can be called classic. In this post I will explain again how this can be done.
How to delete files that cannot be deleted
This can be done in 2 ways - manual and software. I'll start with the first one.
You can try from safe mode. To do this, while restarting the computer, press the F8 key, use the arrows on the keyboard to select "Safe Mode" and press "Enter". Next, we find the desired document or folder and delete it from the computer.
File deletion program
This is the second way. Download the Unlocker program... The best way to do this is from the official website.
Having correctly selected the version of the utility, according to the bitness of the installed operating system, we download it to the computer.
We install, while in the process do not forget to uncheck the boxes, so as not to install anything superfluous. For example Toolbar, as in my case. If, nevertheless, it was installed, I recommend uninstalling it. All information is contained in this article - How to remove toolbars, adware, etc.
We are waiting for completion. Click "Finish", "Close" or "Close". Who, what will appear;)
Now we find the document or folder we need, hover over it with the mouse and right-click. In the context menu that opens, click Unlocker. As shown in the screenshot below.
A window will appear with a notification that "No blocking handle was found" and you can select the action we need: Delete, Rename, Move or do nothing.
In our case, we select the first one and press the "Ok" button.
If the result is positive, the following information will appear.
This method works not only on hard drives, but also on other removable devices and flash drives.
Technologies do not stand still and, perhaps, new applications and methods have already been released on this issue. If you, dear reader, have information - share it!
Not only me, but all blog readers will find it useful to know!
To the entry "The secret of deleting non-removable files and folders" 4 comments
