How to delete a folder that doesn't exist. There is no easier action than how to delete a file that is not deleted

You have decided to delete files or folders on your Windows computer. When trying to uninstall, the system reported an error: "This item could not be found."

Sometimes the folder name is something like "New Folder". If you look at the end of the title, you will notice a space. If you have Windows 8, 8.1 or even 10 try to create a folder that ends with a space and you will see that it disappears automatically.

This is problem!

In previous versions of Windows from Microsoft, such as XP or Vista, the system allowed users to create a file or folder with a space at the end.

For example, you have a "New Folder" (look at the end of the name!) and decide to delete it in File Explorer. Windows will try to erase the folder (without the space), which will result in a "Could not find this item" error.

Other issues related to deleting folders on Windows/Mac

Read the correct removal of programs in the article -

Deleting Undeleted Files or Folders: The Easiest Way

So, let's see how to clean your computer of unnecessary and problematic garbage:

1. Click on the "Windows" button and select "Command Prompt" (open it with administrator rights).

   

2. Then find the folder with the files you want to delete.

   

3. Now type "cd", copy the address of the location of the folder or file, and paste it into the command prompt window as follows (just change the username): "cd C:\UsersYourUserNameDesktop". Then press the enter key.

   

4. You will then see that you are inside a folder as the path has changed. Now type "dir/x" and then press "Enter".

   

5. After that, you will see a list of files in the folder. Find the data you can't delete. In our case it is AFTERE~1.
6. Now, once you've found the file, see if it has a specific name like ABCD~1, not the actual one.
7. Enter the following line, just change the name of the file, "rmdir /q/s" and then write the name of your file. It should be similar to the one above. Press "Enter".

   

8. Finally, you have successfully deleted the folder. Go ahead and check it out.

So, you have decided to remove the hated folder from the system, but the latter, as luck would have it, reports that it cannot do it. There are several reasons for this.

The main one is the involvement of folder data in any running process.

Deleting the "screenshots" folder will not work due to the fact that one or more of its files are currently involved in the Windows system.

You probably do not know which one, so the only correct solution is to restart the device.

Important! We advise you to reboot using the "Start" button. As a result, you will save important documents that were in work. If you select a forced restart using the "Reset" option, you will lose all data.

System check

In case you don't want to restart, we recommend that you check if there is a running program in the folder.

For example, you need to get rid of Skype. However, you did this not using the control panel, but by deleting the folder with all the contents of the program.

Let's take a look at this option.

Step 1. First of all, you need to open the folder. Go to this address: "Drive C / Programm Files / Skype". As a result, the following picture will open.

Step 2 When you click "Delete", the system will report the following.

Because the program is open and running, you won't uninstall it. The system blocked this possibility. In addition, it is present in the "Task Manager", more precisely in the processes tab.

Step 3 First, close the program and remove the task. As a result, the message should not appear again.

To do this, log out of Skype, and then call the task manager using the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + Alt + Delete". Find the program and select the "End Process" option.

A window will appear asking you to confirm the action (in the latest version of the system it is not). Click on finish again. We hope this option will help you, and if not, then try running a virus scanner.

Note! The advice we have suggested will come in handy in all analog cases.

Viruses

It also happens that it is not possible to delete a folder due to the fact that the computer has been affected by a malicious program, Trojan, or dangerous code.

It is worth noting that this may not only be the fault of the Internet. The virus infects the device through a flash drive.

And what to do with a non-deleted folder on an external drive? As you might have guessed, using the full power of a virus scanner.

Run the program and select the option to check the flash drive. Then try to delete the folder. In case of failure, proceed to format the device.

Important! You should be aware that formatting will permanently erase all data from the flash drive.

This process is simple and involves the following steps:

Step 1. Open the menu by right-clicking on the drive and look for the format option.

Open the menu by right-clicking on the drive and find the option "Format ..."

Step 2 Then the settings will open:

• storage capacity;
• file system type;
• drive name;
• formatting method;
• the beginning of the process.

Pay attention to the file system type. FAT 32 is defined by default. Any device can read it, and not only those running Windows.

Come up with a name of your choice. The settings will not change.

To make the formatting process go better, use deep cleaning. Then click "Start" and wait.

It seems that you have easily dealt with the problem and will no longer deal with unwanted files or folders that cannot be deleted.

Video - How to delete a folder if it is not deleted

Almost every active user of a personal computer at least once encountered a problem that is the impossibility of deleting a certain folder or file in the standard way.

In the article, I will tell you in detail about the reasons why the PC refuses to remove non-removable programs.

Let's start with the fact that undeletable files do not exist in principle. There is data that cannot be removed. Any file or folder can be "thrown away" from a PC.

So, the file that is not deleted?

Let's analyze the reasons:

Computer virus attack.

Delete access denied.

The data to be deleted is being used by some program.

The folder to be deleted contains an open file.

The data is necessary for the operation of the system (located in the "Windows" folder).

Elimination Methods:

Due to a PC virus attack, most often it is not possible to uninstall programs. For a solution, try to scan your computer with any antivirus program and add the found files to quarantine or cure. After rebooting, the process of uninstalling non-removable programs should succeed.

If you deny access, you just need to open it with the help of the folder and with an active administrator account.

Sometimes the user tries to delete the folder in which the launch shortcut is currently open. To delete such a folder, close the program.

The operating system will not let you delete the files and folders that are necessary for its stable operation.

Consider one of the causes of the problem, how to delete a file that is not deleted. It lies in the fact that the deleted data is occupied in some process.

If, when trying to get rid of a document, you see the following message on the monitor screen: “The operation cannot be completed or performed because the file or folder is being used by the program”, then you simply need to end all active processes in which given file/folder and try again.

There are situations when the user simply does not know and cannot visually trace the active process that prevents something from being deleted. For these cases, there are programs for deleting "unremovable" files.

unlocker. A small free utility for download and subsequent use on home computers. She knows exactly the answer to the question: "How to delete a file that is not deleted?". After installation, Unlocker will be built into and help not only to terminate active processes that interfere with deletion, but also to rename or move locked data. The program is characterized by a multilingual interface, support for operating systems Windows XP, 7, 2000 and Vista. Its consumption of RAM is minimal, there are no special requirements for PC hardware, the occupied space is 200 Kb.

Wise free. As such this program serves to filter out unnecessary or incorrect information. When launched, the utility will certainly enable the user to create a backup copy of the registry, which will insure against deleting the necessary files. This utility differs in that it has the ability to divide the found registry errors into absolutely harmless and potentially dangerous. Safe errors can be safely removed, but getting rid of potentially dangerous ones can lead to instability or failure in the operating system processes. The utility works in automatic mode, i.e. it starts, eliminates errors, and shuts down without user intervention.

What program to use? Any! These are the simplest, most useful and easy-to-use utilities.

I think that, most likely, after installing any of them, the question of how to delete a file that is not deleted will be closed! All the best!

In the life of every user of a personal computer, sooner or later the question arises: how to delete an indelible folder or file? There are times when you really need to remove an item, and Windows does not allow you to do this, reporting problems. This may be an unknown folder, an unnecessary, obsolete or memory-consuming object - the only important thing is that the operating system for one reason or another prohibits deleting this element. What matters in this case are the ways and methods of getting rid of such folders and files, and not the reason for the ban.

Causes of problems when deleting files

One of the main causes of the problem is the participation of the file in other processes.

The file that cannot be deleted may be involved in other processes

But there are exceptions when the element is not deleted even after the corresponding program is closed. An example is files that are locked due to misuse. Such files are stored on the hard disk and fill up the memory.

File deletion is not possible due to failures during its installation or recording, resulting in the item being partially preserved. In this case, the operating system restricts access for security reasons.

Thus, the main causes of this problem include the following:

• the file was blocked by antivirus. For example, when an item is placed in quarantine or delayed treatment;
• the file is being used by another program;
• the user does not have administrator rights, so deleting the item is not possible;
• the element can be used by another person through the local network;
• use of the file by the system;
• write protection of the device, for example, a memory card;
• an empty folder may contain hidden files or the user has limited access;
• some viruses can disguise themselves as a dll file.

Methods for deleting undeletable files

There are many ways and methods to help solve the problem of files and folders that cannot be deleted.

Reboot

The essence of the method is to restart the personal computer and try again to remove the unnecessary element.

The step-by-step process of restarting the PC consists of a few clicks

Task Manager

Consider the option of deleting files by deleting the folder with the contents of the program (using Skype as an example).

The method can be used for all similar situations.

Safe mode

If any object on the PC is infected with a virus, then it will not function in safe mode. To activate the mode when loading the PC, you must often press (do not hold down) F8 on the keyboard. After that, a menu will appear in which you will need to select "Safe Mode". Now you need to find the undeletable element and delete it. Restart your computer.

There is another way to enter safe mode:

Program Unlocker

Unlocker is a simple, safe and free utility to unlock files used in Windows. The program reflects the processes that lock the element and has the ability to delete, move or rename the file that is locked. Installation does not take much time and does not differ from the process of installing other software.

Unlock the file with Unlocker

Consider step-by-step instructions for using the program using the example of uninstalling Skype.

If the message "Folder is not empty" appears, you can create a new folder on the same drive, move non-removable items to a new location, and delete the corresponding folder using Unlocker.

DeadLock is a similar program that can unlock and remove unwanted item from PC.

Delete a file using the Deadlock program

If, when deleting a file, a message pops up that it is impossible to delete it, then the corresponding element is added to the list through the "File" menu. With the right mouse button, the object can be unlocked, moved or deleted.

Deleting undeletable folders and files can be done with the Deadlock program

File managers

Total Commander is one of the most famous and used file managers that is able to bypass certain Windows restrictions. To delete files:

1. Launch file manager.
2. Find the corresponding file in the list of directories.
3. Delete it.

In the case of a folder that cannot be deleted, you need to go into it through the program and see the problem. When a hidden element is found, you need to launch the task manager (Ctrl + Esc + Shift), go to "Processes", find the file you are looking for and end it.

Video: how to use Total Commander

Formatting

In certain situations, deleting files is not possible because the PC is infected with viruses that can get in from the Internet or external drives. To remove a supposedly infected item on a flash drive, you need to scan it with an antivirus program. If unsuccessful, formatting the memory card is recommended.

Formatting a memory card to remove an infected element

Autoload

To apply the method, you need:

If it is not in the list, then you need to disable everything and click "Apply". Reboot the PC and try again to eliminate the undeletable file.

Access level

The method is suitable for a network directory, that is, for PCs connected via a local network. The administrator creates some shared folders to store information. Access rights are limited to prevent unauthorized deletion.

To obtain full rights, you must follow the following path:

When checking the two delete boxes, the local user does not delete the folder or the objects it contains.

Selecting the sub-item "Delete subfolders and files" does not delete either the folder or the objects in it

System Restore

To perform a system restore:

1. In the Start menu, hover over All Programs.
2. Click on "Standard" - "Utilities" - "System Restore".
3. In the "Restore system files and settings" window that opens, click "Next".
4. In the list of restore points, select the point with the date when the file we want to delete was not yet on the computer. Click "Next" and "Yes".

Video: How to roll back the system in Windows 7

Using a different OS

To apply the method:

1. Try booting from a removable drive with a different operating system.
2. Delete the file/folder.

moving

In some cases, a rather primitive method saves - drag the folder onto a blank memory card and clear it.

Transfer file to memory card

Removing an unwanted item using the command line

The command line can be opened in the following ways:

• the keyboard shortcut Win + R opens a window in which we enter "cmd";
• Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt.

The first way is as follows:

1. The combination chkdsk c: / f / r is typed in the line and Enter is pressed. Combined with: is the hard drive that needs to be checked. If you want to check another disk, then change the letter (name of the disk).
2. A message will appear about checking the disk on reboot - you must enter Y and press Enter. If another disk is being checked, the process starts immediately.
3. Now the unwanted element can be removed.
4. If drive C is checked, then you need to restart the PC and delete the object.

The second way is to use short names if the element contains invalid characters:

1. You need to go to the storage location of the object and find out the short name. To do this, use the command "DIR / X" or "DIR / X / N", which will reflect the short names of the elements in the folder.
2. After that, you can use the "DEL" or "RDMIR" command to eliminate the unwanted object.

Video: How to Remove Unwanted Items Using the Command Line

The above methods are suitable for any version of Windows 7.

In every personal computer, sooner or later there are objects that are not deleted in the usual way. However, there are ways to get rid of unwanted files, after studying which the user will have every chance to eliminate indelible items from the PC on their own.

If you do not have time to delve into the situation, just restart your computer. In many cases, after restarting, the problematic folder can be deleted in the usual way.

If, when you try to delete Windows, it reports that it cannot find the item to be deleted, the archiver can help you. 7Zip, WinRAR or a similar program will do. Run it and archive the problematic folder, having previously checked the option "Delete files after compression". The program should automatically delete the directory, and you will only have to delete the created archive.

3. Delete the folder via administrator account

The inability to delete a directory may be related to permissions. In such cases, the system requires a password from the administrator account or simply reports the lack of necessary rights. To get around this limitation, you will either have to enter the requested password immediately, or log in as an administrator and only then delete the folder.

Viruses and other malware can also prevent the folder from being deleted. using an antivirus, then try to get rid of the directory again.

5. Check that there are no locked files inside the folder

Often, deleting a folder does not work due to the fact that the files attached to it are used by certain programs. Checking if there is such a conflict is very easy: open the directory, select the internal files and try to delete them. If the system refuses to delete one or more objects, using system tools or third-party programs. Then delete the folder itself.

If the standard explorer refuses to delete the object, try doing it in a third-party file manager. For example, in Total Commander (Windows) or Commander One (macOS).

7. Delete folder in safe mode

If other methods do not help, find the problematic directory and delete it.

If you do not know how to delete a folder that cannot be deleted, then our material will help you figure it out.

Everyone periodically deals with "undeletable" folders on the PC.

It is foolish to blame anyone for this, even the system, which tells us that this directory is currently occupied by some process.

As a result, all liquidation manipulations end in a fiasco. Getting to the main topic: how to delete a folder that is not deleted on (win8)?

There are 5 options for solving the problem:

System check;

Viruses;

Folder settings;

Third party utilities.

Let's try to deal with the situation.

Reboot

So, you intend to delete the ill-fated directory, but the system claims that it cannot do this for one reason or another.

The main reason is the use of files in any application or process running at the moment.

The example shows that it is not possible to eliminate the “screenshots” folder, since one or more files are currently being used by one of the Windows programs.

Since most do not know which one, they have no choice but to restart the machine.

Click "Start" (1), then click on the small square (2) near the "shutdown" button. Select the item with reboot (3).

System check

If you do not want to restart, but decide to get to the bottom of the truth, check if the currently running application is in the folder.

Let's say you decide to get rid of Skype for some reason, not only by uninstalling, but by barbaric deletion of the folder in which all the contents of the program are located.

Let's consider this option.

Let's open the folder first. We follow the path: Drive C - Programm Files - Skype.

We see such a picture.

And this is what the system gives out if you press "Delete" on the keyboard.

Firstly, the program is running, so the ability to uninstall is blocked by the system. Secondly, it "hangs" in the task manager, namely in processes.

You need to close the program and, just in case, “kill” the process so that the notification does not appear again.

How to delete a folder that is not deleted from the flash drive? That's right, by pre-checking with an antivirus.

Open the antivirus and scan the drive. Then we try to delete the folder. If it doesn't work, you will have to format the flash drive.

The procedure is the following. Right click on the drive and select Format.

Before us is a menu with settings.

1. flash drive capacity;
2. File system;
3. Volume label (drive name);
4. formatting method;
5. Starting a process.

The focus is on the file system. FAT 32 should be selected by default. So the contents of the drive can be "read" by any PC.

Any name can be given as it does not affect any parameter.

But for better formatting, it is better to uncheck the “quick cleanup” box. Click "start" and wait.

Folder settings

This technique is good for network directories. In other words, several PCs are combined into a single subnet.

The administrator creates one or more public folders where various information can be dumped. So that no one inadvertently deletes it, it sets access rights.

This is done in the following way. First, open the properties of the folder with the right button.

Go to the "security" section and click "advanced".

We select a group or user to whom we "cut the rights".

Select the group again, and now set the access level.

If you check the boxes for the two items related to deletion, the user over the network will not be able to delete either the folder or its contents.

In all other cases, everyone will have full access to the data.