Windows 8 Cannot delete folder, cannot change permissions

usermn · May 22, 2017

I use Windows 8.1 64-bit and Firefox 53.0.3. I'm the sole user and administrator on the computer.

There is a directory

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<8-digit alphanumeric code>.default\features\<15-digit numeric code>

I tried to delete the folder. It says

You need permission to perform this action. You require permission from the computer's administrator to make changes to this folder.

I tried to move the folder to another folder. It says

You'll need to provide administrator permission to move this folder.

I clicked Continue. It says

You need permission to perform this action. You require permission from the computer's administrator to make changes to this folder.

Advanced Security Settings says

Owner: Unable to display current owner.

I clicked Change. It says

You do not have permission to view or edit this object's permission settings.

Under the Permissions tab, it says

You must have Read permissions to view the properties of this object. Click Continue to attempt the operation with administrative permissions.

I clicked Continue. It says

You do not have permission to view or edit this object's permission settings.

Under the Auditing tab, it says

You must be an administrator or have been given the appropriate priviledges to view the auditing properties of this object. Do you want to continue?

I clicked Continue. It says

You do not have permission to view or edit this object's permission settings.

Under the Effective Access tab, it says

You must have Read permissions to view the properties of this object. Click Continue to attempt the operation with administrative permissions.

I clicked Continue. It says

You do not have permission to view or edit this object's permission settings.

I ran cmd as administrator and tried to run this:

TAKEOWN /F C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\<8-digit alphanumeric code>.default\features\<15-digit numeric code>

It says:

ERROR: Access is denied.

How do I get rid of the folder?

kemical · May 22, 2017

Just deleting folders can cause other programs to stop working especially in the Pro
I would first make sure you create a restore point or have a back. you will need to take ownership of the actual folder. This web page will explain how:
How to Take Ownership of Files and Folders in Windows

Or

Have you tried booting into Link Removed? You might be able to move it then?

kemical · May 22, 2017

Just deleting folders can cause other programs to stop working especially in the Pro
I would first make sure you create a restore point or have a back. you will need to take ownership of the actual folder. This web page will explain how:
How to Take Ownership of Files and Folders in Windows

Or

Have you tried booting into Link Removed? You might be able to move it then?

usermn · May 22, 2017

I was able to remove the directory in Safe Mode. Thank you.

I wonder why Safe Mode was needed. Previously I have been able to remove Firefox profile files without trouble.

kemical · May 23, 2017

usermn said:
I was able to remove the directory in Safe Mode. Thank you.

I wonder why Safe Mode was needed. Previously I have been able to remove Firefox profile files without trouble.

There may have been a portion of the files still in use or similar. Glad to see you got it sorted tho'

Windows 8 Cannot delete folder, cannot change permissions

usermn

Senior Member

kemical

kemical

Windows Forum Admin

usermn

Senior Member

kemical

Windows Forum Admin

Similar threads