Unwanted files.

[Uglybloke]

Hi all,

I have a problem with deleting unwanted files from my documents. They are marked at the moment with normal icon for Word but without the smaller `W` at the top left corner. They can be changed to open in any type of file under `Properties`, that is Acrobat, Int.Expl. or XML Ed. etc. and the file icon changes to whichever I pick. However I can`t delete them, move them or even email them to my worst enemy.

They are marked File Type: File but each time I try to move, delete I have a screen which says ` cannot delete file: cannot read read from the source or disk`. They contain 0 bytes, so obviously saved in error by me, but I don`t know how I managed it!!

Any ideas to get rid of them please?

[ACtheTROLL]

odd
this generally works though

shift all the files you do want out of the folder
move up 1 level - and try dragging the folder into the wastebin.

if not - open a command line - this is the easiest way
http://download.microsoft.com/download/whistle r/Install/2/WXP/EN-US/CmdHerePowertoySetup.exe

right click on the rogue folder | command prompt here
check the files are the right ones
type
dir
then enter
if ok type
del *.*
then enter

if still no joy

dwnload and install
http://www.explorerxp.com/

[Uglybloke]

Hi AC,
I`ve downloaded both, one at a time. The first, I wasn`t sure what you meant, `move up 1 level` and `command prompt`, but could not drag and dump in recycle, it went back to where it was and screen said `cannot delete file etc`.

The second (explorerxp) I downloaded and opened and found and tried 1 file first, but right-clicking produces nothing, and left clicking obviously screen says` cannot open etc`.

[terambulan]

Have u been trying to move Word (the full program) around? It seems u have - or its breeding in My docs. Klik & Open one...is it the full program?

If above is the case then open My docs/Edit/Select all. Press delete key to erase. Then clear Recycle.

[Uglybloke]

No I haven`t moved it around (not on purpose anyway). I`ve opened docs. but there isn`t any mention of Word. I only downloaded it three weeks ago (leaving Works in place) and it is obviously something to do with that (I didn`t know until you told me!!) But I can only find it in control panel and in programmes.

[terambulan]

I dont think you can get free Word download. What happens when you 'select all' and delete

[terambulan]

If you open Word.....top left hand says 'word' document (till you give it a file name).

[ACtheTROLL]

I'm not certain what you've done with explorexp
it's a file manager - you open it
select the file ... and then single left click the big red cross

if not
big guns
http://www.softpedia.com/downloadTag/Force+Del ete

but be careful - there is no undo

[Uglybloke]

Hi Teram

When I select `delete all` it says `can`t delete..... can`t find the file`, and no you can`t download it I `borrowed` it. I tried the top left , and it still wouldn`t go.

AC I managed to open explorexp and selected as you said, got the command box, clicked the red cross and nothing happened. Tried the first download again (powertoy) but there was no `command line` so typed on the black screen (is this a command line?) and entered dir, then del** and again nothing happened. As you`ve probably guessed I`m not computer friendly!!

[Uglybloke]

Hi again AC,

I tried again on explorerxp and when I entered del** it said `is not recognised as an internal or external command, operable prog. or batch file`

[terambulan]

Try this....
1.Open a new folder and name it "My docx".
2.Drag Word files to new My docx folder.
3. Close My docx folder.
4. delete My docx

[Uglybloke]

Teram,

I tried that before posting here but after creating the new folder, I tried moving them in, but screen then says `cannot move file, cannot find file` etc.

[WhiteBear]

hi handsomebloke :)

are the doc saved to a different drive?? or have u recently changed the name of to ur harddrive, i.e. ext harddrive etc??

if u right click the file, click properties,it should locate where your document is? x
oh and inthe properties... is there two options at the bottom one to say unblock etc?? sometimes if u moved one doc to a new drive u need to unblock the file before it allows u to do any changes! xx

[Uglybloke]

Now I`m blushing!!
Hi White Bear,

Nope, I wouldn`t know how to save in a different drive anyway! But in Properties it just says Type of File : File.... the 0 bytes.
There`s no unblock option. and when I try to archive them (anywhere will do!) it says ` file is empty so cannot be moved to archive, then trying to put into zipped file, it saya `file is empty so Compressed file cannot add it.` Under `change` I can alter them all (8) to`open` in any one of Adobe, Word and XML but they won`t open as it says `cannot find file` etc.

[ChuckFickens]

Run a checkdisk

Open my computer, right click on the drive the files are on (probably C) and select properties and then click on the tools tab, and then under error checking click check now.

[WhiteBear]

ohh handsome bloke.

it sounds like u have some kinda curruption ... i wish i can see what it is doing. i can normally diagnose it if i can isee it infront of me.

why do u want to delete the file? if it contains zero bytes then best just leave it? x

[WhiteBear]

can u open the document??

[terambulan]

To delete the whole My Docs folder (only alternative I can see) go to My Computer/Cdrive and search (Ctrl F) for My documents folder......delete.

[ChuckFickens]

Deleting the entire my docs' folder is a bad idea!!

And it probably wouldn't let you either!

[Uglybloke]

Hi CF

I tried that, checked all the boxes etc. shut down as instructed and no errors reported.

WB `cos they`re there, and annoying!! (there`s 8 of them) and I can`t open them, delete, archive, or zip and I can`t send them to anybody I dislike either!

[Uglybloke]

CF did the checkdisk I mean, not delete the docs folder entirely.