Can't delete Read-Only files

00_Agent_Kid · Cadet Joined: May 16, 2004 Posts: 4 Location: USA

Okay, I have this folder that's marked read-only. I try to delete it, and it won't let me. So I open the folder properties and uncheck "Read Only". I try deleting again, and the same error occurs. The folder keeps resetting back to read-only. How do I delete files/folders of this nature?

talisair · Posted: Sun May 16, 2004 9:22 pm Post subject:

Could we have some more information about the file you are trying to delete?

Have you tried dragging it from explorer into the recycle bin?

One, rather stupid, way I removed something once ... was to move it and then delete it ... it seemed the action of moving it changed something fundamental that enabled me to delete it.

Opiston · Cadet Joined: May 16, 2004 Posts: 2 Location: USA

Hi
I could not delete a folder once, so I tried to delete the content inside. Strangely it worked. However, I still couldn't remove the folder until I reboot my computer.
Well, our difference is that, I am not sure if my folder is "read-only"

Good Luck Wink

00_Agent_Kid · Cadet Joined: May 16, 2004 Posts: 4 Location: USA

The folder is the WinTools folder, located in C:\Program Files\Common Files". HijackThis got rid of all of the files inside of it, but there's a folder inside of WinTools called "temp", which I can't even view (I get an "access denied" error). Anyway, that folder is, along with WinTools, read-only. What can I do to delete it. I am running on Windows XP.

talisair · Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 11:08 am Post subject:

Have you tried moving it, either by cut and paste or by dragging, and then attempting to delete it? It sounds silly, I know, but it has worked for me in that past.

00_Agent_Kid · Cadet Joined: May 16, 2004 Posts: 4 Location: USA

I tried moving WinTools to a different location and deleting it. That didn't work. I tried moving the temp folder out of it, but I cannot because it gives me an "access denied" error. My account on Windows XP is that of an administrator, so I shouldn't be having this problem usually. Any other suggestions?

00_Agent_Kid · Cadet Joined: May 16, 2004 Posts: 4 Location: USA

Okay, I've found a solution. I booted up the computer in Safe Mode. When I was in this mode, I tried to delete 'temp'. It said "access denied" again. But this time I was able to go into the Properties. I clicked on the "Security" tab. It warned me with "You do not have access to change this file's security permissions, but you can overrite them." Well, it said that the athoritative user was unknown, so I changed it to my user (I'm an Admin.) It said "This will override all security changes for this folder. Okay?" I clicked Yes. Then I was able to delete both 'temp' and 'WinTools' successfully. I also deleted a CoolWebSearch folder that I was unable to do in the past, but didn't remember about.
Thanks for your help, everyone.

talisair · Posted: Mon May 24, 2004 9:38 pm Post subject:

Glad you are sorted Agent Kid ... sorry, I have been away for a few days so had not read your previous message - University life keeps me busy! Very Happy

IFalkon · Cadet Joined: May 25, 2004 Posts: 1 Location: USA

My first post, be gentle.

My curser is constantly showing the hourglass. So I checked my Windows Task Manager (cont/alt/dele) and apparently a file called WToolA is using up up to 100% of my CPU. I used "The Cleaner" and found several Trojans but the problem continued. I attempted to stop and then to erase WToolA with no success.

Is WToolA part of my WindowsXP, can I safely erase it?

What is it?

Any other info?

Type slowly, I am not computer friendly. Smile

Thank you.

Falkon

talisair · Posted: Mon May 31, 2004 3:30 pm Post subject:

Hi Falkon ... you need to start your own thread rather than tagging onto the bottom of someone elses, especially as this thread has a completely different topic ... as this is your first post, you're forgiven Smile

Before you start a new thread have a look at this one to see if it can offer you any help ... if not then go ahead with your new posting ...

http://computercops.biz/postt43927.html

ZachSettle · Cadet Joined: Jun 07, 2004 Posts: 1 Location: USA

I have a similar situation, however 00_agent_Kid's solution did not work for me.

I have about 19.8 GB (4,013 Files) that I need to delete. Embarassed

This all started when I was "backing up" my music collection from an old 40Gb HD. I used Max Blast or something to do a disk to disk copy. The files copied from one drive to the other. However, they are set at read only and will not play in winamp/WMP.

I've decided to just go ahead and rebuild my collection, and delete the 19.8 GB of useless space. Except that I can't because I get the same error as 00_Agent_Kid. Any help would be lovely.

I can give as much info as you need, just ask.

Running: Win XP Pro, 1.46Ghz AMD, 512DDRram


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