Jul222012

How do I delete a locked folder on Windows 7?

Nathan Jones asks:

Windows 7 was upgrading and my comper stopped and turned off (I can’t recall if I turned it off or if it crashed). When I got back on I see a big folder called “C:/daaf221c64ce5b126f0c67″. I can’t get into the folder and nor can I delete it. When I try, Windows says “you require permission from (my user name/Owner) to make changes to this folder”.

I have tried to edit the owner and take ownership of the folder (that usually helps when I try to delete a file) but I still can’t delete or see what is in the folder. What can i do?

Browser: Explorer 9
System: Windows
Tagged: delete folder, permissions, windows tips

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8 Answers -

0 votes

Bruce Epper

July 22, 2012

Boot into safe mode and log in with the administrator account. You should be able to delete the folder from here.

0 votes

Rahul Kumaar

July 22, 2012

You may try one of these methods-

1-Download and install Unlocker from this link and use it to delete the folder

http://download.cnet.com/Unlocker/3000-2248_4-10493998.html

2-Alternatively, you may download Malwarebytes. In Malwarebytes, go to More Tools, and use File Assasin to delete the locked folder.

Also check Task Manager for any unknown process that might be running and using the folder.

0 votes

Vrancken René

July 22, 2012

perhaps you find some inspiration here http://technicallyeasy.net/2011/05/how-to-delete-locked-files-in-microsoft-windows/

0 votes

Shakirah Faleh Lai

July 22, 2012

Try sofwares mentioned here
http://expertester.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/how-to-delete-locked-filefolder-in-windows-7/

or follow this step
http://expertester.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/how-to-delete-locked-filefolder-in-windows-7/

0 votes

nanaowusu4

July 24, 2012

1. Right click the folder and select “open as administrator”. then try deleting the individual files in the folder. after the folder is empty, u can then delete the empty folder as well. tried this a few times and it worked.

2. boot into safe mode and u can do it there,

Good Luck

0 votes

Paul Klapwyk

July 24, 2012

A simple trick that I have used successfully in the past is to cut (do NOT copy) and paste the folder onto a USB key. From there I just format the USB key and it should be gone. This doesn’t necessarily work with every secured file/folder, but it might work.

Suman Acharya

lovely trick!!!

July 28, 2012