Deleting "undeletable" Files

[Pooky]

So I am trying to delete files from my old Windows installation which are on a seperate hard drive. My computer won't let me delete them, it either says they're in use or I'm not allowed to delete them. I have tried using a file shredder but it can't delete them either.

How can I get rid of these folders? (eg. the windows folder, and user folders.)

I can't format my hard drive as there is nowhere to put the stuff that I need.

Thanks.

 

[Sackboy]

There are a few steps.
First terminate any that are in use. Check the processes by using Ctrl-Alt-Delete (WinXP).
Then you need to ensure that the permission allow delete.

Look at the attributes if the file by right clicking and checking properties of the file/folder and change them to Read/Write.

If that doesn't work, then try and use the command line with some DOS commands. Use help to figure them out. 'remdir' is delete directory in DOS.

 

[Pooky]

I know none of them should be in use cause it's an old windows installation.

 

[Stokstert]

Try using this app:

Unlocker at:

http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

 

[Pooky]

"drive access denied" with unlocker.

 

[chickenbeef]

Try gipo move on boot

 

[bekdik]

OPen the drive e.g. x: in explorer, right click on the root folder (x:\), propertirs, security,, permissions, advanced, owner then change your account to owner

 

[remybfg10k]

DOS ftw

 

[charlie_82]

DOS ftw

+1
If you have an old Win98 disc lying around, boot up into DOS with that and try deleting the files/folders that way. Even a Win98 start up disc will work:
http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm

 

[remybfg10k]

deltree ftw

 

[Claymore]

DOS ftw

+1
If you have an old Win98 disc lying around, boot up into DOS with that and try deleting the files/folders that way. Even a Win98 start up disc will work:
http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm

You guys do know that DOS and Win98 can't read NTFS filesystems, right?

 

[remybfg10k]

a) NTFS reader for DOS - free - http://www.ntfs.com/products.htm

b) No one mentioned NTFS

 

[charlie_82]

NTFS Bootdisks And Bootable CDs are available on the bootdisk website
http://www.bootdisk.com/ntfs.htm

 

[Claymore]

a) NTFS reader for DOS - free - http://www.ntfs.com/products.htm

b) No one mentioned NTFS

An NTFS Reader is going to help in deleting files?

It's a fair assumption that it's NTFS; it's pretty unusual to find Win2K or later running on FAT, and if it's Win9x, then there wouldn't be a problem deleting the file.

 

[thriel]

just get yourself bartcd or even better erd commander. boot into windows from cd and delete what you want to.

 

[remybfg10k]

Good point, now do you have any suggestions for the OP?

 

[daveza]

Unlocker - never failed me.

 

[Claymore]

Good point, now do you have any suggestions for the OP?

Sometimes it can be an ownership/permissions issue, in which case you need to take control of the folder.

On other occasions, I've used Universal Boot CD for Windows to boot off CD and delete from there.