Can't delete, rename, or open a folder using XP Pro

[Megahurts]

I have a folder on the desktop that I can't do anything with. The properties shows it empty but wasn't when I put it there. When trying to delete it I get the message "access is denied". It's not in use by any program. Tried to delete with dos and get the same massage. Also tried in safe mode with same results.

As a last resort, I put the HD in another CPU as a slave and get the same message "access is denied".

Any ideas how to get rid of the folder and what caused it?

TIA

[chesterfield]

reboot and boot into safe mode, you should be able to re-name or delete any file....just press F8 a few times and you will get a list of choices, choose safe mode....then click OK when prompted...

[lordsmurf]

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

[Megahurts]

Same problem in 'Safe Mode'

Unlocker reported 'No Locking handle found' but was able to rename the folder but not delete it.

I'm still using the HD as a slave.

[redwudz]

If you can rename it, you are half way there. Did you reboot after you renamed and then try to delete it?

And this can be caused by a virus, but it doesn't really sound like that with your problem. Even so, I would do a full scan.

[Megahurts]

Unlocker says the object could not be deleted and asks if you want to delete at next reboot. Selected yes and rebooted with the same results ...access is denied..

[LJB]

Did you logon to the PC as the local (pc) administrator?
You described a user without admin rights.

[Megahurts]

Logged on as administrator on the original computer and the computer using the HD as a slave.

[bevills1]

What is meant by "The properties shows it empty?" Right click on the folder and select "Properties" should show its attributes. You need to uncheck the "Read only" box which should allow removal. However, I once found it necessary to delete a folder's files and sub folders using DOS commands from a command prompt before I could remove the folder even after unchecking the "Read only" box.

[Megahurts]

The proberties show size & size on disk = 0 bytes. Contains 0 files, 0 folders.

Attributes shows Read-only checked. Uncheck and got the message access is denied. Also shows folder not shared.

Some history of the folder might be useful. The folder was a 'shared' folder downloaded from a server as a backup. The folder contained 520 files (no sub folders) and a total of about 70 Megs. A few days ago when first trying to delete the folder, it might have deleted the contents.... I don't know.

[JohnnyMalaria]

Have you tried changing the security attributes for the folder?

Log in as an admin, right click on the folder, choose Properties and then the Security tab. If necessary, explicity take ownership and then try to delete it.

[Megahurts]

Thanks JohnnyMalaria and to all that responded.

My setup shows me as the admin for 'local user accounts' but I wasn't the admin for 'local system accounts'. So there was no security tab in the folder properties.

I booted in safe mode (seems to default to administrator) and did as JM suggested and it worked.

BTW: The folder still had all 520 files @ 66MBs.

With my XP setup there is no splash screen asking to logon. How do I logon as administrator?

[redwudz]

If you don't have to log on, you are probably the administrator. But you can use the 'Log Off', close to 'Turn Off Computer' in the same area of the Start Menu, then reboot to a different account. Or look in 'Control Panel>User Accounts' and you should see your accounts. There is usually the computer administrator and a guest account, and sometimes other limited accounts for certain programs.