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How do I force-delete a file in Vista?

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    How do I force-delete a file in Vista?

    There was a great programme called Unlocker but apparently it doesn't work in Vista. Anyone know of a way of forcing my poxy piece of crap computer to delete a file?

    #2
    Tried deleting it in safemode?

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      #3
      Easier way than that.

      Make a note of where the file or folder is located, i.e C:\program files\etc

      Open a Command Prompt window (Start - Run then type cmd in the box) and leave it open.

      Close all open programs. Click Start, Run and enter TASKMGR.EXE

      Go to the Processes tab and End Process on Explorer.exe. Your windows taskbar and GUI will disappear. Leave Task Manager open.

      Go back to the Command Prompt window and type in the location of the file\folder you want to delete. I.e: C:\>del c:\whatever\whatever file

      Go back to Task Manager, click File, New Task and type EXPLORER.EXE to restart the windows GUI.

      Close Task Manager.


      Navigate back to where the folder was and if it still there you should now be able to delete it from within windows

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        #4
        Thanks Nemesis, I'll give that a go and let you know how I get on. I really appreciate the help!

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          #5
          Nemesis, on this delete, it's telling me that the system can't find the file or folder but I'm pretty sure that the path is correct which leaves me wondering if I have typed it in wrong in the command prompt. Is there a different convention for folders or should it just be 'del C:\Program Files\TheFolder' exactly like that?

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            #6
            Hi, assuming you have gone through the process of opening a dos window and closing explorer. If you want to delete a file or folder at example location C:\Test\test

            At the command prompt in the dos window type:

            del c:\test\test

            so it would look like

            C:\>del C:\test\test

            It may not actually delete the folder or file but when you go back into windows, you should be able to delete it as it has been marked as a deleted file by circumventing the OS.

            I have just checked it on mine and it works fine

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              #7
              Ah, got it now. Thanks. Not sure what I was doing wrong the first time. Thanks!

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