Cannot delete folder

[mystvearn]

I want to delete a folder, just a normal folder, nothing to do with the system, or drivers in XP, the problem is everytime I try to delete, a box message comes out saying the folder is in use, and I cannot delete it. The problem is there is nothing in the folder, so how come I could not delete it. Help

[GaryRouth]

You'll want to be logged in with Adminstrative rights (or simply as Administrator, if you didn't change that User name), and then try a few ideas from this Knowledge Base link http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;320081

Sometimes you need to take ownership of the folder, sometimes you need to stop a process that's using a file in that folder [and realize that possibly once you delete the folder and its files, that process might not function anymore], sometimes you have to use special utilities to change attributes and delete the folder. It's all in the MS article.

Best of luck
. . . Gary

[P.S. ...there's also a procedure over on theeldergeek website that sometimes works for files, not sure if it would work for folders http://www.theeldergeek.com/delete_undeletable_file.htm ...I haven't tried that one. Oh - and either file corruption, or malware infection can cause this same trouble]

[mystvearn]

I am the administrator. There is nothing in the folder, no hidden files, just an empty folder. Whatever I do it does not want to be deleted.

[glc]

Have you tried Safe Mode?

[mystvearn]

Not yet, I will try using it.

[Bacon Diet]

open a command prompt.
End task: explorer.exe
navigate to the directories parent directory
(empty the directory if necessary)

If yes: deltree [directory name] /y
if no: rd [directory name]


restart the shell or reboot

if this fails try it again in safe mode

[mystvearn]

Thanks, finally able to move it after end task explorer and just normal delete without using comand prompt. Command prompt did not recognize/could not locate the file