cannot delete empty folder, suggestions?

[reaction]

hey,

well, after i did a fresh install of windows xp home edition, i noticed there were two empty folders in program files that had not been erased during the reformat. i tried to delete them, move them, rename them etc. but i keep getting the error message of "access is denied make sure the disk is blah blah blah make sure the file is not in use". i know for a fact that the folders are completely empty, no programs use them to run and im the only one that uses this computer (so theres no other accounts that might use them). ive tried deleting them through safe mode but that doesn't work and ive closed every task/application and tried, again with no success, this isnt a major issue but its annoying, if anyone knows a solution please post it. thanks.

 

[VBN]

If you had reformated there wouldnt be any files. Either you didnt reformat or they are part of some install program. You could try doing it through a dos prompt.

 

[reaction]

um i did reformat lol...from the windows xp cd, i deleted the entire partition on my c drive and did a compelete reinstall of xp...

 

[Noodlygod]

Are you sure there aren't any hidden files in the folders?

edit: And what are the folders called?

 

[staddydaddy]

I'm in the same situation, but I haven't reformated. My old Morpheus directory (which I don't use anymore) won't allow me to delete it.

 

[reaction]

the folders are called "microsoft frontpage" and "xerox" both of which are completely empty, however, on another forum, ive been told that these are random system folders that xp uses, is that true?

 

[nsxownzme]

Yes. But I have the problem, today I downloaded a CD album and now I can't rename or delete the files. ****, someone help...! I even booted in safe mode, and nothing!!

 

[VBN]

Remove Close all open apps. Open a command prompt and navigate to the directory with the offending files. Then open the Task Manager and click on the Processes tab. select "explorer.exe" under Image Name. Click "End Process". Now you will only have the command prompt and the task manager. In the Command Prompt, DEL the offending files (DEL *.mpg, DEL mus*.avi, DEL test.wmv, etc.) The files should now delete without a problem. Now go back to the task manager and click on the Applications tab. Click the "New Task..." button. in the dialog, type explorer.exe and click OK.

 

[Noodlygod]

I don't know if the xerox one is but the frontpage directory probably is. What VBN suggested will probably work as well but to remove a directory use rmdir. (So rmdir xerox should remove the xerox directory.)

edit: The filenames are probably too long, you can do what VBN said or you can try renaming the files and then deleting them. (You might have to rename them in dos with the ren command. ) Good luck!