Can't erase files from vista program filex86

Hi Jeffcp

Like MarkT not 100% clear on what you wish to do, but just one thing stood out to me in you using the title Program Filex86 is that are you using Vista x64 (64bit) version?

If so DO NOT delete anything from that folder unless you have used Add/Remove to remove the application first then delete any redundant application folders as this folder is needed as its the compatability Program Files folder for x86 (32bit) software, as 64bit Windows has two Program Files folders

Program Files ~ is for fully 64bit applications
Program Files (x86) ~ is for applications that are not full 64bit so they install as 32bit apps in this folder.

To delete any files once they have been uninstalled via Add/remove you would need to be in the admin account and at a Folder Access Denied message click continue to provide admin rights.

BUT as MarkT mentions dont delete from any folder unless you know what the files are that you are deleting, so some more info on what you're trying to do and what application/files you're trying to delete are?

 

Hi

Gotcha on the files, try if not logging on as Admin and deleting as you may as mentioned get a Folder Access Denied message but click continue past the message.

Could turn UAC off and try deleting, to turn UAC off goto Control Panel > User Accounts and Family Safety > User Accounts and click Turn User Account Control On or Off and reboot. If you can delete the files this way, once deleted just repeat steps to turn on UAC.

Or boot to Safe Mode (F8 at boot) and try deleting, as its likely whatever application created those files could still have ownership of them and this is wheer unlocker below may also help.

Or use one of the below from both Normal Mode and Safe Mode

1. Pocket Killbox
2. MoveOnBoot this one, once you dragNdrop the file or browse for its location, deletes the file on reboot, so any applications that have locked the file are not running so cannot lock it before deletion.. my fav!
3. Unlocker