Can't delete files. Please help.

Question

Dell Dimension 2300 Windows XP Home Edition File System:NTFS I can't delete these files. I receive this message. C:\DOCUME~1\Owner\LOCALS~1\TempFile Name:AAWTMP Error Deleting File or Folder Can not delete BC1E4 The directory is not empty What is the directory? Thank you very much. MARK

mjl9085 · Answer

I have. The Temp file is empty except for the data file.  My scans using Adware-SE, Trend Micro, Panda Software, Mcafee, Symantec, and Microsoft Windows Defender have reported my computer free any malware and/or adware.  The problem still exists. Thank you for your valued reply.

hdhassle · Answer

it should be here: C:\documents and settings\owner\local settings	emp but I wouldn't delete the folder just those adware files inside, then scan for and delete all adware/spyware.   hope this helps, Shawn

hdhassle · Answer

Note: turning off Systyem Restore will cause ALL restore points to be removed, you may want to use System Restore to try to solve your problem before trying the solution mentioned below.   when  you open up the Temp file in windows explorer, up at the top of the window click on Tools then Folder Options then View then click on the Show hidden files and folders option and click OK the close the window and see if the AAWTMP file in the Temp folder.(it probably won't be)   If the file is still not in the Temp folder for you to delete, do this: Update the programs you mentioned in the previous post(if you haven't already). Scan your puter with them again. Turn off System Restore( http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;%5BLN%5D;310405) then clear your browsers cache( Open up an  Internet Explorer window and click on Tools then Internet Options then click the Delete Files button) then reboot your puter and re-scan to see if the AAWTMP problem is gone, it should be. Make sure to use the link above to turn System restore back on.

mjl9085 · Answer

hdhassle I have followed your directions verbatim. The issue still remains. I did gain 3 GB whenever I turned off system restore as a plus.   The AAWTMP file in the TEMP has 0 bytes and many sub folders, yet it can't be deleted. What is the directory?    I have even run scans in safe mode with networking.   The system comes up clean.   Thank you. MARK

hdhassle · Answer

I still don't think its a corruption problem. Hit ctrl+alt+del and close down a program and try to delete it and keep doin that until you can successfully delete it.

mjl9085 · Answer

I have. I've even run the msconfig function and unchecked all startup programs. I rebooted the computer, and the problem unfortunately still exists. I hope the trial and error method works. There has to be a logical explanation for a solution. I sincerely appreciate your responses.

hdhassle · Answer

Then perhaps it is corrupt, try renaming or moving the file. Trial and error always get to the problem, in the past the previous solutions usually have it put to rest by now though. And its no trouble at all.

mjl9085 · Answer

I found this information doing a google search. Everything is the same except I have 22 empty folders. It describes my problem exactly. The problem's origin is defined ,and I'm working on the solution. I have the message pasted below:

Thank you for your kind help. MARK

"Ad-Aware is creating these folders temporarily, as Cheeseball81 said in his 1/30 post, "to unpack and examine files while running.....The solution to the problem is to either turn off your antivirus resident protection while running Ad-Aware, as otherwise that file gets locked and neither Ad-Aware or your antivirus can delete it....Or make a note of the file name at the end of the long list and then after the scan has been done search for that file and delete it manually." The 28 folders had already accumulated by that time and the scans were back to running normally even with AVG running so his first solution didn't apply, I thought. I wasn't sure what he meant by "the long list" and the list of files scrolling by as the scan proceeds goes by so fast during a scan that I can't identify any single one. I asked him how to do that but I never heard back.
I know the process of opening the folder is true because I have watched this folder open in the TEMP folder during an Ad-Aware scan and close after the scan was over and I clicked out of the program.
This process has operated normally for the past several years that I've used Ad-Aware along with resident anti-virus programs like both Norton's and now, AVG and I had no reason to think I needed to close my AV program while running an anti-spyware program. The accumulation of folders started about 2 months ago and after 28 folders I stopped running Ad-Aware scans.
I have been writing Lavasoft since 1/25 but have only recently gotten past their reluctance to give any support to their free product. My most recent email from them, today 2/1, advised me to deselect "Search for negligible risk entries" and run a full scan. Following their instrutions, I ran my first Ad-Aware scan in several weeks this morning and the result was 4 additional AAWTMP folders that are undeleteable. I how have 32.... I wrote them back today advising them of this and asking for help but haven't heard from them yet.
Sorry so long winded...just trying to get all the facts out to help you to help me....tks for your help."

Storage, Drives & Media

Can't delete files. Please help.

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