Windows 8 Can't delete two files in a folder nor move them. Win 8.1

Longone

Senior Member
Hallo all. :)

Never had this problem before and i need some assistances.

I have two files in an otherwise empty folder but there are no extensions after the file name. I can't add an extension to the files. I can't rename them or move them or delete them. Every time i try any of these things i am being told that: "the element wasn't found. It is no longer located in (insert name here) control the elements place and try again" o_O

I Have no idea what that even means. I even tried to delete them from the cmd...

Anyone got a trick or suggestion that might do it?

Thank in advance. Jakob
 
It may be that the the files no longer exist. Try clearing the icon cache:

Go to c:\Users\<your user name>\Appdata\Local\

Delete the file IconCache.db

Reboot your machine.

If problem persists try a freeware program called "Move on Boot" free download from here:

http://emcosoftware.com/move-on-boot/download
 
Hi

When I run into the Windows won't let you do that syndrome I boot my computer to a Ubuntu DVD and delete the file from there.
It's very easy to make a bootable disk, you can do the whole thing a few minutes.

Download the Ubuntu .ISO file.
Write it to a DVD using Imgburn that's it.

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop

Select the 64 or 32 bit version.

Skip the form and select "Not now take me to the download" at the bottom.

http://imgburn.com/index.php?act=download

Install Imgburn and select, Write Image File to Disk.

In a few minutes you will have a disk that will boot your computer if Windows fails to start, or in cases where Windows is blocking you from doing things. Just be careful to not delete system files etc.

It's really a good idea to have one of these disks laying around, if you have to do a restore because Windows won't start, you can back up all your data using this disk.

Mike
 
And if that doesn't work, there may be a problem with the drive / partition that the files reside on. Either orphaned files or a problem with the volume bitmap showing free space marked as used.
Try running Check Disk on the volume where the problem files reside and see if that helps with the issue.
Administrative Command Prompt
and type
chkdsk x: /R (where x: is the volume letter where the files reside.) Example: chkdsk C: /R
if the volume letter is also hosting your Operating System you'll get a prompt just respond by typing a Y and then type exit and then reboot.
If it is a large volume it may take hours for this to complete all five stages.... be patient and let the process complete
 
Hi

When I run into the Windows won't let you do that syndrome I boot my computer to a Ubuntu DVD and delete the file from there.
It's very easy to make a bootable disk, you can do the whole thing a few minutes.

Download the Ubuntu .ISO file.
Write it to a DVD using Imgburn that's it.

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop

Select the 64 or 32 bit version.

Skip the form and select "Not now take me to the download" at the bottom.

http://imgburn.com/index.php?act=download

Install Imgburn and select, Write Image File to Disk.

In a few minutes you will have a disk that will boot your computer if Windows fails to start, or in cases where Windows is blocking you from doing things. Just be careful to not delete system files etc.

It's really a good idea to have one of these disks laying around, if you have to do a restore because Windows won't start, you can back up all your data using this disk.

Mike

Thanks for the answer, but that is way more than i want to do for a cuple of files. :p I'll rather move 0.5 TB and just format the drive if that's whats needed. :)
 
And if that doesn't work, there may be a problem with the drive / partition that the files reside on. Either orphaned files or a problem with the volume bitmap showing free space marked as used.
Try running Check Disk on the volume where the problem files reside and see if that helps with the issue.
Administrative Command Prompt
and type
chkdsk x: /R (where x: is the volume letter where the files reside.) Example: chkdsk C: /R
if the volume letter is also hosting your Operating System you'll get a prompt just respond by typing a Y and then type exit and then reboot.
If it is a large volume it may take hours for this to complete all five stages.... be patient and let the process complete

Thanks. I'm running it now and it'll be done in about 3 hours... o_O Will see what happens. As i said above. If this dosn't work i'll move the 0.5 TB on that drive and format it.
 
OK.... keep us updated.
If the drive is your OS drive you may not get to see the actual results as it completes and reboots rather fast at the end upon displaying the results.
You can always find the results in the Event Viewer after the fact. Pay particular attention to any KBs in Bad Sectors as this may be indicative of more serious issues.
Regards
Randy
 
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