Deleting "Access Denied" Folder

I recently installed software for my Canon Pixima MX700. One of the apps installed was called "Canon IJ Network Utilities."

Now, what I usually do when Start Menu shortcuts are created, I move them to a separate folder located in Programs Files that I create later. This helps me keep my Start Menu less cluttered.

So, as I always do, I moved the "Canon IJ Network Utilities" to a folder called "Shortcuts" I created within the C:\Program Files\Canon\Canon IJ Network Utilities directory. That's when things seemed to have gotten locked up.

Later, I realized I didn't need all of these programs and started uninstalling some of them. When I went to delete the "Canon IJ Network Utilities" folder I get the following error message:

I swear I must have spent seven hours today working on "unlocking" this folder to delete it. Here is the run down so you'll know what I've already tried:

1) Tried deleting in Safe Mode (Admin and User Account)

2) Tried using an app called "Unlocker" which also did not work (didn't work upon reboot either)

3) I tried to access the "Security" tab in Properties, just to find that I did not have one so I couldn't change the ownership that way

4) Tried disabling all start up processes in MSCONFIG (including disconnecting the printer itself) but still was unable to "Unlock" the folder

5) Lots and lots of research that didn't really provide any answers.

I know I do NOT need this folder as all I'm working with on my system at this point is my print driver itself. I use Photoshop for everything else.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

The problem is not a security or a permission thing or a user thing. The file is in use and is obviously buried in the PC and is being loaded at start up. Try running a process manager/explorer to track down and kill all the related processes. You could also boot to the recovery console (use your XP disc) and delete the file/folder from a command prompt. Here's a good process management tool:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Process_Explorer_d4566.html
And here's a good program to remove entries from many different start up locations:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Autoruns_d4686.html

Good luck!

 

This thread has many suggestions for programs to help delete files one of them may help:

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=148132&highlight=unlocker

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I would try the software solutions above before messing with enabling a security tab but here is a link http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307874

Basically when you turn off simple file sharing you gain more control over who can see files on your system but I am not sure it will be particularly effective for your current situation and is a bit complicated to figure out how to change settings for various user groups.

 

Well, I've tried a couple new things.

1) I tried using the Process Explorer to locate the app that's loading at start up and locking things up but it says nothing about Canon or Printers, so that didn't seem to provide much info.

2) In the "deleting unwanted files...uuurrrrrrggggg!!!" thread I first started off by trying Pocket Killbox, which did not work

3) Then, I installed Delete FXP but was not allowed to delete the directory because apparently that option is not available in the "demo" version (and I'll be damned if I'm going to buy a license to an app that I'm not even sure will work for what I need).

SO, it sounds like deleting through the XP recovery console may work. However, I have two concerns:

1) Booting to the recovery console will not overwrite any initial system files or things like that for XP will it? My system is configured in a way that it is paramount that nothing gets over written.

2) What commands access the "delete" screen of the recovery console (I have seen it but it's been a long while) and what command should I use to delete this specific directory?

Thanks

 

I have tried deleting this folder from the Recovery Console but I can't seem to figure it out. I try typing "DEL" and the directory path but it never works. What am I doing wrong? Is there an app that will remove the folder regardless of what's locking it up?

Sorry to bump but it's been about a week and I still have no resolution. Please help.

Thanks!

 

In Recovery Console try rd C:\Program Files\Canon\Canon IJ Network Utilities\...

rd is the command equivalent to rmdir(remove directory) in DOS.

Scroll down for list of commands available: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654

 

UPDATE:

Thanks for the help but unfortunately that didn't work either. Here's what I tried:

1) Booted from my XP disc and loaded the Recovery Console

2) At the C:\WINDOWS> prompt I input RD C:\PROGRAMFILES\CANON

3) It gives me this error message: ACCESS IS DENIED (I also tried inputting RD C:\PROGRAMFILES\CANON\CANONIJNETWORKSCANUTILITY, RD C:\PROGRAMFILES\CANON\CANONIJNETWORKSCANUTILITY\SHORTCUTS, ETC with the same results)

I decided to deleted the entire Canon directory because all my Canon software is uninstalled and this directory is now empty.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

When you used theunlocker did it show any locking handles in the window?

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I'm thinking if the error in Recovery Console is "Access Denied" maybe it is an ownership issue. Are you on XP home? Adrynalyne made an interesting reply to a post saying that on XP Home (in safe mode) simple file sharing is automatically turned off. Did you check for a security tab in safe mode?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

 

VICTORY!!!

Turns out that it was not a "locking" issues necessarily with an app at start up but a permissions issue. It was a little trail and error that I figured out how to finally fix it.

I booted into Safe Mode (XP Home Edition by the way) and pulled up Security of the folder. However, the key was NOT in the Owner's tab but in the initial Security tab itself. I noticed the other folders all had the User Name listed with its permissions below that. This folder for some reason did not. So, when I added my User Name to the dialog, BOOM, I could access the subdirectories.

However, I was still unable to delete them but by going in and checking the "Full Access" box for each, I have removed the directories.

Thanks as usual to all the helping hands of Major Geeks. Ya'll Rock! :major

 

Excellent! It's always trial and error for me when working with file permissions because I do it so infrequently.