Double Trouble

windows xp home edition is OS

somehow when downloading a proram, I set a duplicate folder up in C: drive. both folders having the same name (pro grams). I did this when i downloaded a new program into the 2nd (new folder). it can be read in windows explorer.

i have deleted the download program file, then renamed, resorted, rebooted, recussed, and still it will not delete the empty folder. the original folder has a great deal of downloaded programs, so it is important to delete the new one, if i can.

it says cannot read from source file or disk.

i can still add and subtract to this folder, but cannot delete.

would like to get rid of it to eliminate and further confusion.

 

In Windows Explorer, right click on the folder and click properties. See if the folder is marked as Read Only. Clear the box if it is and try again.
If you can't clear the box, use an account with Admin privileges.

 

sorry, neglected to add that i have already done that. still will not allow.

 

Boot in Safe Mode and delete it, it's possible it's being used by something else and sometimes it's tricky to find out what. But booting in Safe mode will most likely stop whatever is using it.

 

booted safe mode. when attempting to delete the following message is
displayed. this is also displayed when i try to delete in normal mode.

"cannot delete file: cannot read from the source file of disk"

 

Ok, I've never had that fail lol.

Have you cleaned your PC using something like Ccleaner or Advanced System Care?

Or what about Cut and paste the folder to a new folder? Will it let you do that?
Or drag it to a new folder?

Also where did this folder come from? I assume from your post that you created it?
Are you certain it's empty?

Goto on top bar of Explorer:
Tools
Folder Options
View (tab)
Show Hidden Files and Folders

 

While you're at it, you could also try some of these from MS...

You cannot delete a file or a folder on an NTFS file system volume
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320081

See: Invalid File Names here...
How to locate and correct disk space problems on NTFS volumes in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315688

How to Remove Files with Reserved Names in Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/120716

How to Remove Files with Reserved Names in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315226

It's a bit weird that you have two folders with the same name in the same location, as you have no doubt observed. Are they definitely the same - same number of spaces even?
If nothing else works, maybe you could try copying everything in the good folder to another folder, then, with both folders empty, try deleting either or both. Perhaps they would both disappear together, now that they are both empty.
If they still won't go, you could try the Remove Directory command at a command prompt (at C:\>), as follows:

rd pro grams (hit enter)

You wouldn't want to try this before emptying the good folder, as it might remove the wrong one.

Another option might be to move everything from the good folder into the other one, then see if you can delete the good one.

 

followed post thoroughly. one folder is deleted and one remains. i don't know which folder is left, but i am set.

thanks for your help


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