Removing Xxx.asf File

I downloaded a video file that I decompressed and stored under "VIDEOS" (Win 7).

Couldn't open it nor delete it. Windows Explorer goes into a loop trying to find file length, estimate time to "recycle", etc. and it never ends. I finally have to re-boot to get Windows Explorer back working.

I've tried changing the extension. I tried "drop & drag" to recycle bin. No joy!

Can anyone help me? I just want to get rid of the stupid file (84 Mb).

Thanks

 

You may need to be running without Windows loaded to be rid of it. You could do that with command prompt when booted to a Win 7 installation or repair disk, or you could use a Linux live CD such as Puppy. But your question also raises the possibility that the file was infected. Did you scan it before and after decompressing it? Have you run a system scan?

 

I scanned the file with Avast! No viruses or malware.

You suggested - "You could do that with command prompt when booted to a Win 7 installation or repair disk,..."

1. All (4) of my lenovo systems (2 -Win 7 & 2 - XP) come loaded with the O/S and I don't get any repair discs.
2. How do I get to a Command line prompt mode and what should the Command be that I key in on that line?

Thanks,

 

To create a Win 7 system repair disc insert a blank CD-R and type system repair disc into Start. Boot to the disc and and use command prompt to navigate to the folder containing the file you want deleted. Then type del <filename>, including the filename extension. If you are unfamiliar with command line commands you only need dir to list the child folders accessible directly from your current folder and cd <foldername> to change to any of those folders. cd.. moves you into the parent of your current folder. It's fiddly but should do the job.

 

It's been a while (like decades) since using those commands but they are familiar. Thanks for the instructions.

I'll get on it tonight (EST) and let you know if I'm successful.

Rock on,

 

Yes, please do. A Puppy cd is a heck of a lot easier though, and very easy to create.

 

x&!* Windows 7 strikes again.

Did everything and got myself to a command prompt C:\> and after being told the path I entered could not be found, I did a dir and determined that the folder "Libraries" didn't exist. The file is in the Libraries\Videos folder (according to Windows Explorer). I would move the file to a folder listed on the dir list, but I can't move or delete that file.

So, I am at a loss to be able to find a path to the file in ordr to del it!

 

I just ran my repair disc to see where you might be going wrong, and the first problem was that on this system the disks/partitions didn't have the same drive letters as they have in Windows. So typing c: <Enter>, d: e: etc eventually got me to the root of the drive containing my data and then typing dir enabled me quickly to move down to the folder I wanted. If you only have the one partition you may not need to do that, so the first folder you want is Users and the next your username and then it should be obvious. Type dir after each move to make it easier. As you have already discovered, Libraries are not real folders, they are just shortcuts.

 

Yes! The file is gone.

I had discovered (by trial and error) "the disks/partitions didn't have the same drive letters as they have in Windows." And I went through the entire alphabet looking for the folder/file. No joy. The solution was knowing that "Libraries are not real folders, they are just shortcuts." as you said. Once I got on to that, it was a piece a cake.

Earthling, many thanks for your expert help. Major Geeks has saved the day once again.

I'll save my rant of Windoze for later. I keep getting this offer for free Win 10. They claim 110 Million have taken the pledge. I wonder how many million will ever be heard from again.

BTW, is there any way for me to keep them from sending that stupid pop-up?

Cheers,

 

plodr's got a simple way of killing it. Maybe she will pop in later. I uninstalled a load of Win 10 related updates on the other machines and don't get bothered any more but plodr's way is quicker I believe. I'm using Win 10 on this laptop though and it's fine.

 

Great! Can you let me know what that is? I've got three (3) PCs (Win 7) that get that pop-up at least twice a day.

 

Here you go -

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/gwx_control_panel.html

 

Thanks much. "Fixed" PC#1 and proceeding to #2 & #3.

I'll probably pass this great little program to my friends (both of them).