Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of MaryKim
MaryKim

asked on

Cannot delete file because "Cannot find the specified file"

I have a few files that, even though they are displayed in the Windows 2000 search window, and I put the cursor on the name and highlight it, I cannot delete the file because I get an error message saying "Cannot delete filename. Cannot find the specified file. Make sure you specify the correct path and file name."

This is different than the sharing violation question I see someone has asked, I believe.

Thank you.

Avatar of sirbounty
sirbounty
Flag of United States of America image

Greetings again MaryKim...

What happens if you hit F5 to refresh the window?  Is it still there?
I'm wondering if it has just been recently deleted...
Hi MaryKim,

go to the path where the file is located and check if you can delete there ..
Also check these links

These are for xp mostly might work for u

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421&sd=tech

HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308418 

You Cannot Delete a File or a Folder
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;320081

http://www.theeldergeek.com/delete_undeletable_file.htm

Delete "Unremovable" File .
http://www.xs4all.nl/~laar2002/tweak/delete-unremovable-file.html


Thanks
Avatar of JamesDS
JamesDS

MaryKim

You have a lost cluster or two

Right click on the dirve letter, select tools and select check this drive for errors. Select fix errors and if it wants to reboot, let it.

When the check has completed, you should be able to delete those pesky files!

Cheers

JamesDS
Hi MarkKim - would you mind posting what it turned out to be?
Was it just that you needed to take ownership?
Avatar of MaryKim

ASKER

Dear sirbounty (and other helpers),

Actually, no solution that I have tried so far has worked for me. Here's status:

1) taking ownership instructions did not work for me because I got the message "the properties for this item are not available."
2) configuring folder permissions ran into the same dead end
3) going to the command prompt window, changing to the pertinent directory, and deleting the file with the 'del' command also did not work. I got the message "file not found" even though the 'dir' command lists it in the directory.
4) I have not yet tried to remove lost clusters because it seems I remember someone once telling me that is potentially risky. Do you think that's what I should try next, however?

I'll increase points and remain,
your damsel in directory distress


ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of sirbounty
sirbounty
Flag of United States of America image

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
SOLUTION
Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
Avatar of MaryKim

ASKER

Ok. I will try chkdsk and write back with results tomorrow. Thanks, both.
I had the same problemand nothing shown was a quick or easy fix. I did some googling and I found the following.

http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/#download

The unlocker software took care of my folder I couldnot delete and I could have saved myself all those steps...lol

regards