How to forum: delete read only file

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Answer Best answer as chosen by user luvdared

If you have tried formatting then the

by mrmacfixit - 9/9/12 6:41 AM

In Reply to: delete read only file by luvdared

file must have gone away.

Assuming you did actually format the stick.

Go back and re-format that stick and see if it works this time. ALL the data on the stick will be erased in a format.

Stop using CCleaner

P

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I also tried using the format process through Explorer

by luvdared - 9/9/12 9:13 PM

In Reply to: If you have tried formatting then the by mrmacfixit

Mrmacfixit, in reply 1. the file has not gone away
2. 'Assuming' ; the device WILL NOT format
3. can you tell me why, I should 'stop using CCleaner'; Perhaps you would care to share this advice?

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CCleaner

by evti87 - 9/9/12 10:40 PM

In Reply to: I also tried using the format process through Explorer by luvdared

I am also curious as to why one should stop using CCleaner.

Also, what does it do when you try and format? Does it give an error?

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CCleaner

by mrmacfixit - 9/10/12 5:00 AM

In Reply to: I also tried using the format process through Explorer by luvdared

Deletes files that "you no longer need"

Really? This piece of software can decide what files you no longer need, what files your system no longer needs and delete them?

A quick browse of the internet will give you thousands of posts telling how CCleaner "killed", or otherwise maimed, the users computer.

Likewise, a quick search of these forums will show the same thing.

Allowing any "registry cleaner" free rein over your machine is fraught with danger.

If you have a problem, find the cause, not treat the symptoms; which is what CCleaner does

P

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Not CCleaner but MacKeeper

by willymac88 - 9/11/12 1:53 PM

In Reply to: CCleaner by mrmacfixit

I understand about not using ccleaner - how about MacKeeper for Apple desk computer?

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Not Applicapple

by TheAncient - 9/11/12 4:17 PM

In Reply to: Not CCleaner but MacKeeper by willymac88

The OP tried to delete a file using a Windows 7 machine. I believe MacKeeper doesn't work too well in that environment.

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Malware?

by TheAncient - 9/11/12 4:24 PM

In Reply to: Not CCleaner but MacKeeper by willymac88

A discussion at https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3691 describes MacKeeper as "highly invasive malware". I am not familiar with MacKeeper but I would definitely do some more research before installing it.

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Step away from MacKeeper

by mrmacfixit - 9/11/12 5:18 PM

In Reply to: Not CCleaner but MacKeeper by willymac88

See the post by TheAncient below.

Although OS X does not have a registry as such, MacKeeper is quite capable of deleting files that "you no longer need" and subsequently preventing you from booting your machine.

Onyx or Cocktail should be all you need, and then only sparingly

P

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(NT) oops, TheAncient post is above, not below

by mrmacfixit - 9/11/12 5:19 PM

In Reply to: Step away from MacKeeper by mrmacfixit

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Answer Best answer as chosen by user luvdared

Flash drive format issue(s)

by pgc3 - 9/9/12 7:32 AM

In Reply to: delete read only file by luvdared

Some flash drives have a locking switch as do some storage chips, first thing to check. If this particular FD doesn't have a switch try doing the format from another system (computer) if you haven't already.

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NO LUCK: yet

by luvdared - 9/9/12 9:49 PM

In Reply to: Flash drive format issue(s) by pgc3

I have tried using a different computer, it still won't format and wouldn't delete nor would it allow removal of attributes.
I have used it and two other sticks i.e. same size same brand and none of them had a locking switch
I used to have a tool (app.) which removed these stubborn RO files I got it via Emule, but somehow I have lost it, the tool/app.
So I'm still stuck with this damned file ahhhhhhhh:(

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Answer Best answer as chosen by user luvdared

You tried formatting.

by Kees_B - 9/9/12 8:23 AM

In Reply to: delete read only file by luvdared

Trying is not enough. Doing it is. Why did you only try it and not actually do it?

Kees

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If it would format

by luvdared - 9/9/12 9:20 PM

In Reply to: You tried formatting. by Kees_B

If it would format, the file would be deleted; the device will not format not with Explorer nor CCleaner. You are right doing it would be the solution, however; it won't format! BTW with this file on the stick/drive it can't be used i.e. nothing can be written to the drive. If it was only the drive, I wouldn't be so annoyed but it's the principle:- one should be able to remove the damned file. CHEERS

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Re: the device will not format.

by Kees_B - 9/10/12 12:28 AM

In Reply to: If it would format by luvdared

Ok, so you boot into safe mode, go into command prompt and type format e: (or whatever drive letter that stick had, of course). Now either it does, or it gives an error message. What error message does it give?

Kees

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Answer Best answer as chosen by user luvdared

Let's hear more about this USB STICK.

by R. Proffitt - 9/10/12 10:58 AM

In Reply to: delete read only file by luvdared

At a trade show we handed out sticks with files in ROM. Later our support lines started to get calls about our sticks that folk could not delete files or format.

All that was not funny since we don't make USB STICKS or sell any so the support folk had no answer and folk were calling in for support. Later they came up with some canned reply about the free sticks were not formattable and the files could not be erased.

You can bet a few callers said they would never buy our sticks again. Which was the funny part since the stick was a freebie.
Bob

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Answer Best answer as chosen by user luvdared

Utilities

by TheAncient - 9/11/12 12:19 PM

In Reply to: delete read only file by luvdared

This is a long shot but: have you tried utilities like "Move-on-boot" (http://emcosoftware.com/move-on-boot) or Unlocker (http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/)?

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Answer Best answer as chosen by user luvdared

Can't delete a read-only file - try Unlocker?

by rj_at_boronia - 9/11/12 6:12 PM

In Reply to: delete read only file by luvdared

I have had similar problems, although normally with files on the h/disk not a USB stick, or sometimes Windows says a file is in use by another program when it isn't. I have found an excellent free program through CNET called "Unlocker". It's got me out of trouble a number of times and I've got a feeling it may help u too. Download it from cnet.com using the Download tab (put Unlocker into the Search box). Ignore Cnet's comment about lack of docum'n - it is obvious even to a dill like me. Just install it. If a problem like yours ever occurs you don't have to do anything (it just sits in the background) and 5 or 10 secs after the problem occurs it comes up with 4 options: No Action, Delete, Rename or Move. Choose Delete. Always worked for me so good luck! Dick J.

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unlocker is the one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I tried so many suggestions

by luvdared - 9/14/12 3:28 PM

In Reply to: Can't delete a read-only file - try Unlocker? by rj_at_boronia

Everyone having this problem GET ONTO "UNLOCKER" it is the ducks nuts

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