How to delete a folder which is protected by the administrator?

The error 'Cannot remove directory' might be connected with access permissions. In such cases, the operating system asks you for the administrator’s password or just informs that you have no rights to perform this action. To get round this restriction, you’ll have to enter the required password immediately, or log in as administrator and then remove that folder.

Why can’t a file or folder be removed? What are the most common causes?

There are a few things that make it impossible to remove an item from the computer: It is currently used by another application or process; It is used by a network user; The access to it is blocked since you don’t have administrator privileges; It is write-protected.

Can I use third-party applications to unlock and remove files or folders?

There are many tools that can unlock and delete files and folders. Among other software designed to unlock files, Unlocker seems to be the most popular. It’s free and easy to use.

How can I remove a file with the command prompt (CMD)?

Open the Command Prompt (CMD) with administrator rights and use the command: Del /F /Q /S [File path] Where: /F – force delete the files marked as read-only. /Q– do not ask to confirm the delete operation. /S – delete subfolders and any files inside them.

An antivirus blocks file/folder delete operation, but why?

If a suspicious file was placed into the quarantine or is awaiting scheduled treatment, an antivirus may prevent you from deleting it.

Delete Stubborn Files: Write-Protected or Inaccessible

Author: Vladimir Artiukh
Editor: Oleg Afonin
Updated: 3.05.2024 10:51

Struggling with Stubborn Files? Learn How to Delete Them Today! Have you ever encountered a file or folder on your computer that simply refuses to be deleted, whether due to write-protection or accessibility issues? This article is your definitive guide on how to delete these stubborn files and folders effectively. We’ll cover a variety of methods, from simple tricks to advanced techniques, ensuring you can tackle any file deletion challenge on your PC. Whether it’s unlocking write-protected files or gaining access to previously inaccessible folders, our step-by-step tutorial will help you clear up space and keep your system organized.

Delete Stubborn Files: Write-Protected or Inaccessible

Contents

The disk is write-protected

If you try to delete a file or folder from a pen drive, memory card or a hard disk and see the message saying The disk is write-protected, it means some sort of protection against writing data is set up for such disk.

Could not find this item

If you get this kind of message when deleting a file or folder: Could not find this item. Verify the item’s location and try again, there might be several causes behind this problem:

A system error (a glitch concerning rights to the file or folder which you are trying to delete; a problem with the name of such file or folder: it might be either too long or contain certain symbols which cause a conflict when the operating system tries to remove the item etc).
The computer could be infected by a virus.

In such a situation, try deleting the problem-plagued file or folder with the following utilities:

Total Commander;
Far;

If using the programs that we listed above couldn’t help you, boot the computer in the safe mode and try removing the file or folder in such a way. If the cause of file blocking is a virus, in most cases you can delete the files without any additional actions.

You have no rights to modify files

If Windows says you don’t have the necessary rights to modify files, then you need to use the administrator’s account to be able to delete or edit the file. Sign in with the administrator’s rights. There is no other way to do it…

A file or folder cannot be deleted because it is opened in another program

If Windows displays a message that a file or folder cannot be deleted because it is opened in another program, remember the name of such program and do the following:

Press the key shortcut Windows + r.
In the Run window, type in “resmon.exe” and press Enter.
In the tab “Overview” find the program that prevents you from deleting the file or folder, right-click on it and select End process. Repeat this step, if the name of the program is shown several times in the tab “Overview.”
Try deleting the files again.