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Question

Hidden Files Removal

May 21, 2011 5:27AM PDT

It drives me crazy when scanning or backing-up and an item appears:

C:\Recycler\NProtect\ . . . ( deleted files )

I had twice used the Norton Removal Tool, with no success, trying to delete these files forever. They have followed me from PC to PC.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Just checking
May 21, 2011 5:29AM PDT

Do you have any Norton Security installed?

I'm guessing that C:\Recycler\NProtect\ . . . is something to do with Norton.

Mark

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Answer
Have you tried the other old fashioned delete?
May 21, 2011 5:39AM PDT

The (no install) boot an UBUNTU CD, click around and delete this, then reboot fix?
Bob

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Just a thought though
May 21, 2011 5:44AM PDT
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Answer
That's the Norton Protected Recycle Bin.
May 21, 2011 5:44AM PDT

One of the features of Systemworks. Like the Windows recycle bin it contains deleted files.

The Norton Removal tool only removes the Norton programs, not these files. As long as you have Systemworks installed you should be able to delete them via that program.

If you uninstalled that program, things you can try:
1. Delete from Windows Explorer
2. Delete from the command prompt (you might use attrib command to change hidden or system or read-only attributes)
3. Take ownership in Safe Mode, then repeat 1 and 2.
4. Use the cacls utility (OS dependent details) to give you even more access rights (that's the same tool to grant you access to the System Volume Information folder)
5. Delete from the recovery console (that's XP) or the equivalent in your OS
6. Delete from a Linux Live CD.

Kees

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Norton SW Hidden Recycler
May 22, 2011 4:06AM PDT

You the MAN/WOMAN! Thank you, thank you. Since I had both Norton Internet Security & NSW I thought Norton Removal Tool would clean everything.

Spent a couple hours dithering around with ( XP ) Admin tools, no luck, and considered whether to reinstall NSW -- but original registry entries long gone.

Windows Explorer had "show hidden folders" checked, which I thought was adequate, BUT tried Folder Options\view: Unchecked "hide protected files" and OPEN SESAME! There the folder was, ripe for deleting (after a minor change: Properties\uncheck "read only"), etc. One more of life's little snags removed! Then child's play to delete remaining Recycle folders from 2010.

Thank you, thank you, all good people who helped.