Cannot Delete: Access Denied

You could always boot into Safemode to delete the files. Just press F8 at the windows XP bootup screen.

ah good idea! I reinstalled it but it wouldnt even let me reinstall it in the same directory because of those files. I'll try safe-mode, but how do i get out of safemode when I'm done?

Just reboot, it should restart in normal mode.

If deleting in safe mode doesn't work, you might wan tto try something like Norton's Wipe Info or a similar utility. I've had problems with files not letting me delete them but Wipe info seems to not care and will delete them anyway.

Sometimes the files can't be deleted because they don't actually exist, and are simply showing up due to having entries in the FAT saying they exist when they don't. You should be able to delete those entries (files) from the winxp recovery console when you boot from the winxp CD.

I tried safe mode and it still wouldn't delete

here is what the error message says
The disk is HALF full and it's not in use.

What is Norton Wipe Info and where can I get it?

maybe they are actually in use (although if it wont work in safe mode then that's odd)?

start->run->"msconfig"

click on the startup tab and untick anything that looks like it's related to your game or those files, then reboot and try deleting.

otherwise something's messed.

Read my post, it'll work:=).

filthy_mcnasty: I have checked already and I know it is not running

Nic: thanks for the idea, but I dont have my xp CD right now

Originally posted by res0hncx
Nic: thanks for the idea, but I dont have my xp CD right now

Click to expand...

Use this boot floppy to delete your files ...

NTFS File Recovery Floppy Creator

Edit: I'm not sure if you can delete files from that floppy, but its worth a go.

well I have no A drive on the computer with the undeletable files...can I put the disk in my other computer and delete the files over a network? also how does this program work? where can i delete files?

Try holding down the shift key while you delete - this bypasses the Recycle Bin, and in my experience allows you to delete files that otherwise give you an Access Denied message.

This works for deleting using the Delete key on your keyboard, and also while doing a right click > delete.

nope doesnt work :*(

getting same problem, any ideas?

tired all the above suggestions no luck.

Open command prompt, run "openfiles". This lists all open files on your computer and what process is having them open.

openfiles flashed up for a second then closed, didnt have time to read it.

I just found this thread:
http://www.opentechsupport.net/forums/archive/topic/11280-1.html

I get to the following steps:

1. Right-click the folder you want to take ownership of, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Security tab, and then click OK on the Security message (if one appears).
3. Click Advanced, and then click the Owner tab.

Click to expand...

I am running xp sp1 same as he is, but there is no security tab or owner tab. :/

sorted it now, read it too fast didn't see you only get the security tab in safe mode

Change the directory names.

Sorry, Run->Msconfig doesn't work on Windows 2K or XP, they just don't have them, trust me I tried

Damned!

I guess I have been sold a Windows 98 disguised as XP since Run->msconfig sure works for me!

Originally posted by Jameson653
Sorry, Run->Msconfig doesn't work on Windows 2K or XP, they just don't have them, trust me I tried

Click to expand...

2k does not have it, but you can toss it on. XP I assure you has it, both Home and Pro versions.

I've come across this same issue several times, and this is my workaround.

Open a command prompt : Start -> Run -> cmd [enter]

navigate to the directory with the file you want to remove

Open Task Manager : [right click] Taskbar -> Task Manager

On the processes tab, select Explorer.exe, click end process

Click OK

In the command prompt, delete the files:
del *.*
cd..
rd [directory]

Back to Task Manger, Click File -> New Task
Explorer.exe

and you're done.

As daft as it may sound I have been able to delete such files by just renaming them, but I have to admit it doesn't always work.