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    Deleting Unnamed Folder

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by SmoothTofu, Dec 13, 2008.

  1. SmoothTofu

    SmoothTofu Inspiron 1420 Owner

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    So one day when my friend was over, he decided to be a genius by showing me how to create a folder with a blank name (alt+255). What he didn't tell me is that I wouldn't be able to delete it, and now there's a useless folder stuck on my desktop. When I try to delete it, it seems like Windows doesn't even know it's there since no delete dialog even comes up. Is there some way I can force delete the folder?
     
    SmoothTofu, Dec 13, 2008
    #1
  2. ATG

    ATG 2x4 Super Moderator

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    Can't you rename it and then delete it?
     
    ATG, Dec 13, 2008
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  3. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

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    Hmmm. I seem to have heard something about this before. Lemme think on it. :p

    As mentioned, try renaming, and also un-hide it if necessary.

    Ah. Here's what I remember. :D
     
    pixelot, Dec 13, 2008
    #3
  4. SmoothTofu

    SmoothTofu Inspiron 1420 Owner

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    Ok, I tried to follow the Chris Pirillo suggested method of renaming the folder through command prompt, by doing the "ren "" foldername technique. Unfortunately, that only made things even worse. Apparently I renamed my whole desktop in the process, so now I get an error everytime I open up windows explorer or refresh my desktop. The thing is, I can still see the desktop folders and shortcuts fine within My username folder. What now?
     
    SmoothTofu, Dec 13, 2008
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  5. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

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    Can you go back to the command prompt and try redoing it?
     
    pixelot, Dec 13, 2008
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  6. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    System Restore ?

    And deleting the nameless folder, try using Unlocker or delete it with Eraser.
     
    Andy, Dec 13, 2008
    #6
  7. stefanp67

    stefanp67 Notebook Consultant

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    Found this post on removing alt-255 foldernames:

    http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=116981&view=findpost&p=800604

    In short:

    1. Open a command window as administrator
    2. Navigate to the folder containing the alt-255 folder
    3. Type move "alt-255" NewName
    4. Delete the NewName folder

    Type like this:

    type move
    hit spacebar
    type a quote (shift-2 on my keyboard)
    hold alt then type 255 on numerical keypad
    type a quote (shift-2 on my keyboard)
    hit spacebar
    type a new name for the folder
    hit enter
     
    stefanp67, Dec 14, 2008
    #7