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General discussion

Annoying Problem - Unable To Delete File From Desktop

Jul 10, 2010 10:36AM PDT

As the title suggests, I had this file on my desktop for at least a month that I'm unable to delete. It's an .exe file for a game that I have long since uninstalled, yet this file still remains on my desktop.

The weird thing is, the name of the fileends in ".exe.exe."

Whenever I try to move to recycle bin, either by dragging or right-click, an error message pops up:

"This is no longer located in C:\Users\Desktop"

I have tried using Unlocker as well MoveOnBoot and nothing works.

With Unlocker, you're supposed to have an option in the right-click menu to unlock the file with that program but there isn't one. However, when trying with MoveOnBoot, it says the file might be locked o.O

If anyone has any suggestions on how to remove this pesky file, I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you.

Discussion is locked

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Other ideas.
Jul 10, 2010 4:53PM PDT

1. Try SAFE MODE
2. RENAME THE FILE to deleteme.txt
3. Boot up a LIVE CD such as UBUNTU (no install!) and delete it there.
Bob

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Was it....
Jul 11, 2010 1:38AM PDT

...the original game.exe from which you installed the game ? Was it named *.exe.exe or was the name changed after you uninstalled the game ?

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Re: Was It....
Jul 11, 2010 4:02AM PDT

I really can't remember if the name was changed after uninstalling or if it was named that originally Sad

I've tried renaming it in hopes that it would let me delete it, but that doesn't work either.

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Attributes....
Jul 11, 2010 9:40AM PDT

... and other infromation about the file...[right click > properies]...is it read only ? BTW, what happens if you left click...does it start installing ?

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Re: Attributes
Jul 11, 2010 10:08AM PDT

Under Properties, it shows the size being 0 bytes; Read Only is NOT checked off and neither is Hidden. When clicking Security tab it states that The requested security information is either unavailable or can't be displayed.

When left-clicking, an Open With window pops up asking what program I would like to use to open it.

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I would now consider
Jul 11, 2010 8:46PM PDT

the options Bob suggested.

Let us know how you get on with those.

Mark

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Yes...
Jul 11, 2010 10:18PM PDT

Try Bob's suggestions, or use a command prompt... Maybe CCleaner can help too.
That file seems not doing any harm... Have you consider ignoring it ?

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One more alternative.
Jul 13, 2010 6:14PM PDT

If you don't like the idea of using an Ubuntu boot CD, boot into your Windows Vista System Recovery, and use the command prompt to delete that file. If you're not versed in command prompt commands, this might be something for a tech.

Kees

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same
Dec 14, 2010 12:30AM PST

I have the same problem as you. Any suggestions?
Mark Jalali
Fort Myers
Naples

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The old one two.
Dec 14, 2010 1:03AM PST

If the file is some avi or other such file, as explorer has it open trying to build a thumbnail and is hung up trying to do that, you need to select TWO files and then delete both.

Bob