Force deleting files

Tom0 · 17 Feb 2011 at 18:04

Recently upgraded to Win 7 from XP, but have files remaining on my external hard drive from windows XP updates.
Trying to delete them is just not happening.

I've tried the command in prompt;

del drive:\path

Doesn't delete it. I've tried file removing software that deletes locked/in use files but it tells me the files aren't locked or in use...

Tried fiddling with file permissions, nope..

Googled many things and no solutions pop up that work...

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

SourChipmunk · 17 Feb 2011 at 18:40

If you're sure they're not locked or in use, try:

attrib -h -r -s [filename | wildcards]

Then try deleting after.

You might have a trailing space in the path somewhere, also. That will really mess you up.

For that, try:

del "\\?\c:\path_to_file_that contains a trailing space.txt "

whitecrook · 17 Feb 2011 at 18:42

rmdir /q /s

Tom0 · 17 Feb 2011 at 19:12

Raist said:
If you're sure they're not locked or in use, try:

attrib -h -r -s [filename | wildcards]

Then try deleting after.

You might have a trailing space in the path somewhere, also. That will really mess you up.

For that, try:

del "\\?\c:\path_to_file_that contains a trailing space.txt "

Nom nom, that worked.

Much love.

SourChipmunk · 17 Feb 2011 at 20:16

Tom0 said:
Nom nom, that worked.

Much love.

Which part? Attributes or trailing space?

Glad to help.

Tom0 · 17 Feb 2011 at 22:02

Raist said:
Which part? Attributes or trailing space?

Glad to help.

Attributes.