How Do You Delete A File Which Isn't There?

h4rm0ny said:
You can temporarily "install" Linux on your computer and then just mount the drive as if it were any old ordinary external drive. Delete the file that's bugging you and then go back to Windows.

Of course you're not actually installing Linux. What you're doing is booting from a DVD or USB drive with Linux on. Your computer will then be running Linux without having messed around with Windows at all. And it will be gone next time you boot.

Try Mint - it's pretty easy.

http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

These are disc images. You'll need a blank DVD. If you don't have those (or don't have a drive), you can use a USB stick instead. Boot from whichever you use and you'll be in a whole new world. Click on the hard drive and find the file in question, delete it, and then reboot the computer without the DVD / USB stick. You should be good to go.

EDIT: Well, looks like you don't need to go to such lengths after all. That's good. But at least now you understand what was suggested. ;)
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Thanks, I may have a tinker one day. I've never used linux before, but I've sure noticed a lot of people around here mention it. :)
 
Out of interest did you try deleting from a command (DOS-Style) prompt? That's worked for me in the past with things like this.
 
Narj said:
Out of interest did you try deleting from a command (DOS-Style) prompt? That's worked for me in the past with things like this.
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I did have a quick go, yes, after following a guide I found online, but if truth be told I'm not sure I followed the procedure correctly.
 
arc@css said:
Thanks, I may have a tinker one day. I've never used linux before, but I've sure noticed a lot of people around here mention it. :)
Click to expand...

There are a lot of different distributions of GNU/Linux. From something you'd only ever use for professional purposes like CentOS, to ones that are actually fairly good for home use like Mint. If you do try, make sure you pick a distro that suits your needs or you're going to get a poor first impression.

Alll that said, Windows is a fine operating system ever since 7 came out. They re-vamped the security model and added a LOT of subtle improvements at that point. I switched from using GNU/Linux for my main OS to Windows when they brought out 8 and I've been enjoying the change a lot.

Worth trying GNU/Linux some time and seeing if you like it. I'm thinking of going back since MS went full-Google in Windows 10.
 
If you install 7zip,the file manager that comes with it can often delete files that Explorer doesn't like. it can also browse very long folder paths.
 
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