Deleting problem...

I'm having a problem. When I download files, I download to my desktop. It encourages me to take care of files quickly, because I like a really clean desktop. I stay more organized this way.

I have a weird file now though. It exists in name on my desktop, but occupies no space, and according to windows and all programs, doesn't exist there.

So right now, I have a file I can't delete. Can't rename. And can't do anything with just sitting on my desktop. Is there any forcible way to make windows delete a placeholder sort of file such as this?

I'd appreciate the advice. This is bugging the hell out of me. I just can't believe there's nothing I can do about this.

 

does it give any message when you try to alter it..??
anyway you could try this program DelinvFile
or this.... Move on Boot

 

Do you enable the options to show hidden and system files? It will probably show itself then.

 

d/l a prog called 'Unlocker'...free prog...it will kill/stop/delete/any file

 

Strange. Are you sure that it isn't already deleted, and it's just the icon/shortcut that's still left behind?

I do the same thing you do, download a lot of temporary files to my desktop so I can take care of them later, and I've had similar stuff happen to me before but it seems like I was able to fix it rather quickly... Your problem might be different, I dunno.




Slightly off topic, but I noticed that anytime I try to put a bunch of picture files onto the desktop all at once (like say, off of a digital camera) all but a few disappear instantly off the desktop and I can only find them by going to the Users > Desktop folder. Not a real problem I guess, but an annoying bug at the least.

 

It says the file is no longer there and to try again after locating the file. What I don't get is why, if everything says it's not there, I still have any icon at all there?

I DO KNOW where the actual file is now. I don't remember the circumstances, but I do have a working copy of the file in another location (As I've said, I move the files)

Might try out that program suggested later today if I get a chance. But any other advice would still be appreciated.

 

If you don't want to use those software to delete it, you can always try booting into Safe-Mode and delete it from there. Are you using Vista or XP? Cause XP has this bug that sometimes it will create a file on the desktop with a file name "~". You can just delete it in Safe-Mode, if not, you will have to use one those special deleting software.

 

That sometimes happens to me, but it's usually resolved by restarting.

 

Or tamper with the registry and delete the desktop icon from there..
Have you tried to cleanup the registry with some registry cleaner or norton windoctor (which usually checks for invalid shortcuts)....!!

 

I've done multiple restarts and theyve been no help. BTW, I'm on Vista... that was a dumb thing to forget to mention.

 

I do not see where you say what the file name is, so, what is the file name?

 

Ok I found this, someone had the same problem as you, and finally able to delete it in cmd, just see this thread and follow the instructions:

http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108896

http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=566900&postcount=9

http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=570023&postcount=17

http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=570312&postcount=20

http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=573504&postcount=26

 

I really think that it would be best to know what the file is before advising on how to force delete it.

 

There is no system or hidden files on the desktop that cannot be deleted, even that hidden desktop.ini file can be deleted safely, it will recreate by itself when needed. In fact, there shouldn't even be any other system files on the desktop other than that hidden desktop.ini file.

 

This was far from being a system important file. It was just a torrent file. In fact, I didn't even like the file it downloaded so I've gotten rid of that as well.

In light of all these things, I decided to go with Unlocker. It got rid of it. If any problems crop up, I can blame my own rash decision making. As for everyone who offered help. Thanks bunches. It seems to be fixed...

For now.

 

I would consider your PC to be highly suspect for having malware at this time: Trojans; Viruses; Rootkits; and so forth.

 

lol stop scaring people. :twitcy:

His scenario is not unusual with Windows, it's nothing more than a corrupted registry entry most likely.

 

AKAJohnDoe puts forth the thought that a corrupted registry entry is in itself unusual with Windows.

AKAJohnDoe further recommends the OP download and run a scanner. While AKAJohndoe does not have a favorite scanner, AKAJohnDoe does have experience with both SUperAntiSpyware and CounterSpy V2 producing believable results.

AKAjohnDoe will now stop posting in the third person.