[idar]

I've got a Sony desktop with ME on it. Oddest thing has happened, I've got a file stuck in my recycle folder that I cannot get rid of. When I try to empty the recycle bin, it tells me it cannot delete this file. I can delete everything else in the recycle bin, just not this one file. Any suggestions?
thanks

[Blue Zee]

CCleaner should do that with a click only:

www.ccleaner.com

I recommend the slim version, English only, no toolbar, that you can get here:

http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds.aspx

Download, install and launch.

By default it will open the Cleaner section.

Tick all items under the Windows and Applications tabs and hit the "Run Cleaner" button.

When it finishes cleaning reboot IMMEDIATELY.

Good luck.

Zee

[idar]

Bummer!
I downloaded the Cleaner and ran it. While it was running I got the same old popup

Cannot delete (file name) Cannot find the specific file. Make sure you specify the correct path and filename.

It's like its NOT there, but I can see it there.
It's not like it is a BIG deal. Just that I can't empty my Recycle Bin with it there.

Any other suggestions?

[Blue Zee]

Start your PC with a boot or startup floppy.

At the A:\ prompt type:

C: (press Enter)

At the C:\ prompt type:

CD RECYCLED (press Enter)

Then type

ATTRIB INFO2 -H (press Enter)

Then again type

DEL INFO2 (press Enter)

Restart the PC in Normal Mode and test.

Zee

[Goku]

Have you tried emptying your recycle bin in Safe Mode. If you have not done so yet, then please try it and report back here. Good Luck.

[idar]

Zee, am still trying to find startup floppy...

Goku, tried emptying recycle bin in safe mode. Got the same message.

[Blue Zee]

You can create one in Add/Remove Programs > Startup disk.

Just follow the prompts.

Or download a boot floppy here:

http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm

Download this file:

http://pesona.mmu.edu.my/~panzheng/bootup/bootme.exe

Put a freshly formatted floppy in the drive and double click the bootme.exe file you downloaded.

When the process finishes, restart with the floppy in the drive.

Good luck.

Zee

[idar]

Originally Posted by Blue Zee

Start your PC with a boot or startup floppy.

At the A:\ prompt type:

C: (press Enter)

At the C:\ prompt type:

CD RECYCLED (press Enter)

Then type

ATTRIB INFO2 -H (press Enter)

Then again type

DEL INFO2 (press Enter)

Restart the PC in Normal Mode and test.

Zee

Did this, then tried to empty Recycle Bin and got the same old error:

Cannot delete *file name*. Cannot find the specified file.
Make sure you specify the correct path and filename.


It's not like this is a MAJOR deal, but is slightly annoying when I try to empty recycle bin.

Thanks,
Idar

[Blue Zee]

Start your PC with the startup floppy.

At the A:\ prompt type:

deltree c:\recycled

If that works without errors, restart the PC without the floppy and test.

Zee

[idar]

Would it help to know that what I am trying to delete is a shortcut to a webpage that I don't think even exists any more. It is in a folder. Right now I have 'restored' it to my D drive. (and renamed to folder 'trash') I cannot take the shortcut out of the folder or renamle it, or delete it from the folder. If I try to do ANYTHING with the shortcut itself, I get the error message:
Cannot delete (or rename or whatever) file: Windows is unable to find the file. This item mighr have already been deleted or moved. Press F5 to refresh the view of this folder.

Of course, nothing happens when I press F5.

[Blue Zee]

Try putting it back in the Recycle Bin and use the deltree command from DOS.

If that doesn't work, we will have to try different tools, but I believe that will not be necessary.

Zee

[idar]

Originally Posted by Blue Zee

Start your PC with the startup floppy.

At the A:\ prompt type:

deltree c:\recycled

If that works without errors, restart the PC without the floppy and test.

Zee

It is asking : Delete directory "c:\RECYCLED" and all its subdirectories? yes or no?

[Blue Zee]

Originally Posted by idar

...yes or no?

Yes.

[idar]

Okay, did that, but still getting same message. I have to get back to work, so I'll try any other suggestions later tonight or tomorrow. Thanks so much for your help Zee

[Blue Zee]

And there were no errors after the deltree command...???

You restarted and the weird shortcut was there....??

Thats a first for me and a bit weird.

Try Pocket KillBox:

http://www.downloads.subratam.org/KillBox.zip

Usage Information:
Download this file, extract it, and run the killbox.exe file. When it loads type the full path to the file you would like to delete in the field and press the Delete File button (looks like a red circle with a white X). It will prompt you to reboot, allow it to do so, and hopefully your file will now be deleted.

Zee