Windows server 2008 Cannot Delete a file.

Eric
Eric used Ask the Experts™
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We have a file and a folder that cannot be deleted.   The security tab shows the following message.  The requested security information is either unavailable or can't be displayed.
   We believe the issue happened when we tried to do a selective backup but cannot be sure.

We tried to manually delete the files.  Rename the files.  Reboot the server.  We cannot try to change ownership because we cannot get there.  

Any help would be appreciated we cannot perform incremental backups because of this.
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Datacenter platform engineer Lindows
Commented:
Hi

Boot in safe mode, pretty sure you can delete it there.
JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)
Most Valuable Expert 2012
Expert of the Year 2018
Commented:
I use Unlocker when I need to delete stubborn file.

Unlocker for Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista and 7 both 32 and 64 bits.
Copyright (C) 2005-2011 Cedrick Collomb / Empty Loop
unlocker.emptyloop.com
Scott CSenior Engineer
Commented:
If John's suggestion doesn't work, try booting with a "live" version of Linux such as Knoppix.

http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html

You will then be able to go delete the file you want to.
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Shaun VermaakTechnical Specialist
Awarded 2017
Distinguished Expert 2018
Commented:
Open CMD.exe as Admin
Run
icacls C:\ThePathThatDoesntDelete /grant Administrators:F

Open in new window

Security Tab will show again
CompProbSolv

Commented:
"We cannot try to change ownership because we cannot get there."  Exactly where can't you get?  You should be able to change ownership if you are an admin.
Shaun VermaakTechnical Specialist
Awarded 2017
Distinguished Expert 2018

Commented:
This is what OP is getting
securitytabmissing.jpg
CompProbSolv

Commented:
And there are no clickable options on the property screen?
EricIT Admin

Author

Commented:
Hi Shaun we ran your command to delete the file.   We received a message that the system could not find the specified file.
EricIT Admin

Author

Commented:
Sorry not delete the file but the command  icacls C:\ThePathThatDoesntDelete /grant Administrators:F
JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)
Most Valuable Expert 2012
Expert of the Year 2018

Commented:
You are saying you cannot find the file you want to delete?
Scott CSenior Engineer

Commented:
Did you try John's or my suggestions?
Shaun VermaakTechnical Specialist
Awarded 2017
Distinguished Expert 2018

Commented:
To what did you change C:\ThePathThatDoesntDelete?
Shaun VermaakTechnical Specialist
Awarded 2017
Distinguished Expert 2018

Commented:
I had the same issue and it was identified that RSA APT caused this. Anything similar can be the cause
JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)
Most Valuable Expert 2012
Expert of the Year 2018

Commented:
Good solutions for deleting a file provided

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