Windows 7 forum: Cannot delete folder

I've ignored that issue and will for some time.

Ok, I use two methods to purge directories like that.

1. I try SAFE MODE.
2. I boot the latest UBUNTU from CD and do not install but run it off the CD and delete the dir and files there.
Bob

Sign in as administrator to delete the file. While you are administrator you may want to check your permissions and make any adjustments that will help you in the future: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/What-are-permissions.

Cheers,
Tara

Okay in basic it's because the drive you're trying to delete the folder from is formatted in NTFS and for security NTFS has "permissions" on every file and folder in it. In basic what is happening is you're telling it to delete the folder and the NTFS checks to see if your OS matches the OS that owns the folder (your old OS) and see's they don't match so it blocks you from deleting it, if you tried editing the folder or anything in it it'll do the same thing. Their are basically two ways to fix this.
1. Right click the folder and click "Properties"
Go to the "Security" tab
Click "Advanced"
Go to "Owner" tab
Click "Edit..."
In the window that comes up select your user name *AND* select "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects"
Click "Okay" and close out of all the properties and security windows then you *should* be able to delete the folder. If not then continue;

Right click the folder and click "Properties"
Go to the "Security" tab
Click "Advanced" then "Change Permissions..."
Make sure "Include inheritable permissions from this object's parent" is NOT selected, if it is selected unselect it and in the popup that comes up click "Add"
One at a time select a name from the list and click "Remove" till none are left then click "Add..." and type in your user name then click "Check Names" and "OK"
On the window that comes up check the checkbox to the right of "Full Control" under "Allow" then "OK"
Select "Replace all child object permissions with inheritable permissions from this object"
FINALLY click "Okay" then on the popup click "Yes"
Close out all those windows then try deleting the folder.

Thanks so much!

If you are having this problem follow the steps listed above! It is the best solution to this problem.

I have been trying to get rid of some files that decided to go rouge for a long time. I have tried all kinds of crazy things that people told me. Your response was the easiest and it worked!

I thought a format would have deleted all older files from the hard drive.

Mark