I'm trying to delete a folder within C:/ProgramData, but each time I try, I get an error message saying:
'You need permission to perform this action. You require permission from administrators to make changes to this folder.'
I've tried - unsuccessfully - to take ownership (using the Properties/Security/Advanced etc method), which has always worked for me before.
I also logged into the hidden Administrator account, and get the same message saying 'You need permission' etc.
Don't know what else I can try. Does anyone know how to get around this? Thanks.
Update: I found the issue was that the folder had been created by MalwareBytes - running their removal tool solved the issue.
Alex
AlexAlex
2 Answers
When you cannot delete a file or folder in Windows, there are usually four problems:
- Its NTFS permissions are preventing you. (You are saying you have tried this one, so I won't elaborate.)
- It is open in another app. Windows sometimes tells you which. Other times, you must find out for yourself, using third-party utilities like Process Explorer and Process Hacker. In order to find out:
- Download, install and run either. Run with administrative privileges.
- Press CTRL+F.
- Type the name of the file or folder you are looking for and pressEnter.
- Look for entries whose 'Type' column reads 'File'. If there are positive matches, either close the process locking the file or folder, or visit the process's entry and close the handle to the file or folder.In Process Explorer, clicking on the entry takes you to the handle. You can then right-click and select 'Close Handle'. In Process Hacker, though, you must right-click and choose 'Go to owning process'. Then right-click on the process's name, select 'Properties' and find the handle there.
In addition, instead of Process Explorer and Process Hacker, you can boot your system into Repair Mode (a copy of Windows RE) and delete the file there, where the intervening app is not open! - The file or folder name is using illegal characters, making it impossible for the file system to delete it. Try deleting them with Far Manager.
- (This one doesn't apply to you, but I include it for completeness.) The disk might be write-protected. No just deliberately by the user; some USB flash drives sometimes malfunction and .. oh, well, long story. Never mind.
user477799
What is the exact path of the folder you're trying to delete?
Your unsuccessful attempts to take ownership sounds like it might be a permissions issue, but some folders also have symbolic links or junction points under them that cause odd scenarios that Windows has a hard time dealing with causing it to show you invalid error messages. In these circumstances I usually have better luck with the command line.
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Maybe trying one of the following from an administrative command prompt and posting the results (if it doesn't work) would help us diagnose your problem.
Or create an empty folder somewhere and then use RoboCopy to empty out the folder you want to delete first before deleting it.
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David WoodwardDavid Woodward
protected by Community♦Nov 14 '17 at 14:07
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I had synced my documents and desktop to iCloud on my MacBook Pro some time ago. Later, I deselected Desktop and Documents Folders in the iCloud options (in system preferences). Now in Finder, when I select the Documents folder on the hard drive, it says 'Documents - Local (same for Desktop). I see the Desktop folder in iCloud, but not the Documents folder. I'm not able to delete the Desktop. I would like to confirm that my stuff is no longer on the cloud. Any suggestions are appreciated.
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015), macOS Sierra (10.12.3)
Posted on
Hello i'm new ubuntu user so here my problem,i can't delete file and folder from my desktop there is no option for that.'Move to trash' is not optional on list when i press right click.
Danilo IvanovicDanilo Ivanovic
2 Answers
I really wanted to write this as a comment but I don't have enough rep, mods and others be merciful
In ubuntu the concept of 'delete' from windows is 'Move to Trash' as far as the desktop is concerned.
This can also be achieved by just highlighting the item you want gone and hitting the delete key. If you want it permanently gone and not hang around in the trash folder use Shift + delete.
Is the Move To Trash not even in the options list? what happens when you hit the delete key ?
SriniSrini
Type
sudo nautilus
in your terminal and hit Enter
type your passwordyou can delete the file through that fileExplorer
ArUnArUn
Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged filesdirectorydelete or ask your own question.
PART 1. Windows Prompt When You Can’t Delete Folder in Windows 10
As a matter of fact, there are several circumstances that Windows prompt when your unwanted folder won’t be deleted in Windows 10 desktop or notebook, which are: How to install mods on sfv pc.
Case 1. Folder Access Denied
“When I try to delete the remaining folder after uninstalling a software in Program Files I get a message:
‘You need permission to perform this action.
You require permission from SYSTEM to make changes to this folder.’
although I'm the administrator. Please help me to fix this problem.”
‘You need permission to perform this action.
You require permission from SYSTEM to make changes to this folder.’
although I'm the administrator. Please help me to fix this problem.”
Case 2. Folder in Use
“I saw some empty folders in my C:Program Files. Programs previously located in these folders have been uninstalled, but when I tried to remove these folders, error message occurred:
‘This action can’t be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program.
Close the folder or file and try again.’
How to clean this thing up? Thanks.”
‘This action can’t be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program.
Close the folder or file and try again.’
How to clean this thing up? Thanks.”
Case 3. Interrupted Action
“I have a folder on one of my memory sticks which is empty. When I try to delete the folder It says:
‘An unexpected error is keeping you from deleting the folder. If you continue to receive this error, you can use the error code to search for help with this problem.
Error 0x80070091: The directory is not empty'
any ideas guys?”
‘An unexpected error is keeping you from deleting the folder. If you continue to receive this error, you can use the error code to search for help with this problem.
Error 0x80070091: The directory is not empty'
any ideas guys?”
Case 4. Item Not Found
“I have an empty folder on my computer that I want to delete but when I click it says:
‘Could not find this item.
This is no longer located in F:Temp Videos. Verify the item’s location and try again.’
and it tell me I can't delete it. Please help.”
‘Could not find this item.
This is no longer located in F:Temp Videos. Verify the item’s location and try again.’
and it tell me I can't delete it. Please help.”
PART 2. How to Fix Can’t Eliminate Folder Error in Windows 10
Aiming at the different situations, there are some approaches you can use to handle with your stubborn folder can’t be deleted issue.
Scenario 1. Reboot Windows 10 System
This is an omnipotent and common way once Windows get some errors. Depending on the programs, there may be drivers loads and starts with OS, and your folder is referenced by them. Therefore, manage to restart Windows 10 operating system yet and delete the folder again. If this error message persists, try other methods.
Scenario 2. Check Antivirus Program
You had better scan this folder with antivirus software to check whether it or your computer is free from virus infection or not. If the folder is affected with virus, then it might get deleted with the help of antivirus thoroughly. The familiar antivirus programs are BitDefender, Kaspersky, F-Secure, ESET NOD32, McAfee, Norton, AVG, CA, etc.
Scenario 3. Rename Folder
This way is collected from a user on Windows forum. It the cause is that the path and file name is too long, try to rename the unwanted, useless or empty folder by appending a shorter one on the end of the folder’s name, then right click on the folder, select “delete”, finally the folder will disappear.
Scenario 4. View Hidden Files
Open that folder, navigate to “View” and then click “Hidden items”. Then to see if there are any files in your folder. It yes, remove them and then delete the folder.
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Scenario 5. Check Folder Properties
If that is a permission issue, then you can right click on the unwanted folder and then click “Properties”, select “Security” tab, hit “Advanced” and then make your username permission and authorize full control. Click “OK”. Now you are able to delete the folder without problems.
Scenario 6. Delete Containing Folder
Can’t delete folder Windows 10 could not find this item? If you couldn’t delete an unusual folder, try to delete the folder that contains it. Certainly, you have to make sure that other significant files are moved to another path before doing this, otherwise, you are going to delete more
Delete New Folder On Desktop
Scenario 7. Search Empty Folders
This option is based on empty folder search on the system level. Just open “This PC” -> “Search” tab -> “Search” menu, set up the size filter to “Empty(0KB)”, make sure that “All subfolder” feature is chosen. After finishing the search, it will show all the files and folders that don’t occupy memory space. Select your target folder and delete it.
Can T Delete Folder On Desktop Windows 7
Scenario 8. Use Command Prompt
Can’t delete empty folder open in another program? The command prompt may help. The command prompt for folder deletion is more efficient at times, so you should try definitely.
Press Win + R in your PC and then type “cmd”, then open Command Prompt as administrator. Type this command line “RD /S /Q %SystemDrive%windows.old”(replace windows.old with your older name) and then press Enter. Now you are force deleting it successfully.
Scenario 9. Use Free Utility
If you can’t delete a certain folder on account of it is in use, try to take advantage of free utility, such as Free File Unlocker and Remove Empty Directories software, which are frequently mentioned in most of the related forums.
As stated above, these are the cases and possible solutions when you can’t remove empty folder in Windows 10. Have you diagnosed your issue and got around from them? I hope so. Moreover, if the problem is on can’t delete files or icons, you are able to resolve it with the same tricks as well. By the way, if you encounter other computer system maintenance and optimization problems in Windows OS, Windows Care Genius is the best and maximum performance tool. It’s our pleasure to be of great assistance.