Deleting files and directories

[Jomapil]

Hi, everyone.

I want to delete a file named WINDOWS from a previous installation. But the OS doesn't accept that.
How can I erase these type of files?

Thank you and good bye.

[hech54]

http://www.diskcleaners.com/#deletedr

[leghorn]

If you have a 64bit OS running, there's a 64bit version of Unlocker. I've found it very helpful so far. 32bit app is also available.

[Jomapil]

I made a mistake. It's not a file but a directory.

deletedr - is only for files!

unlocker - I don't succeed to do its download, because it appears other programs to download and not the unlocker.

Thanks. I continue waiting your help.

[lacywest]

If you delete a directory or a folder called ... Windows ... you will be very sorry ... especially when you reboot and try to start Windows ... it will be totally ... FUBAR

[Jomapil]

Dear Lacywest

I had ( during over a year ) two OS installed, one in the disk C: and the other one in the disk D:

The installation on C: is the principal and the only I use. The installation on D: was for an emergency. In one year I used it only two or three times. But now it doesn't function anymore and, for this, I want erase it ( without format that disk ). ( I know many people advises not to install more than ONE OS in a PC.)

So, how can I delete those directories?

I hope anyone understand now the problem.

Ciao and till the next.

[hech54]

I made a mistake. It's not a file but a directory.

deletedr - is only for files!

Wrong.

[El Heggunte]

I had ( during over a year ) two OS installed, one in the disk C: and the other one in the disk D:

The installation on C: is the principal and the only I use. The installation on D: was for an emergency. In one year I used it only two or three times. But now it doesn't function anymore and, for this, I want erase it ( without format that disk ). ( I know many people advises not to install more than ONE OS in a PC.)

So, how can I delete those directories?

If the D: unit uses NTFS, then this is the probable "root of all evil"

Under Windows XP, you'll have to logon with an Admin account, and (IIRC) make the entire disk (root directory, folders and files) "shared".
Under Windows Vista or Windows 7, probably you also will have to "take ownership" of the disk contents or something.

+++ UPDATE +++

"How to take ownership of a file or a folder in Windows XP":

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

As always, Microsoft simply loves to complicate everything

[jollyjohn]

Bad post.

[jollyjohn]

http://www.diskcleaners.com/#deletedr

Mate, thanks for this.

[Ethlred]

Get a linux live disc. Ubuntu will do quite well, Knoppix will not as they don't like you writing to an NTSF drive without figureing out how to get root first and they make that a pain too.

Boot off the linux disc.

Open the drive in question.

Delete the folder.

Exit the Linux.

See whether you screwed your install of XP or not. Do be sure which drive you want to do this to before deleting.

I have used Ubuntu to both delete similar folders and to replace corrupted system files. I have done it with Knoppix as well but it was bloody pain to figure out how to give myself permission to do so.

Ethelred

[Nelson37]

First thing you want to do is disconnect that D: and make sure that the PC will boot without access to the directory you want to delete. This may depend on the configuration of the PC when the second OS was installed.