Ghost folder - unusable?

[guthrie]

I did a file restore from a backup program (Retrospect), but I cannot seem to be able to do anything with the folder it created, even delete it.

The folder icon is grayed out..?

I do have permissions on it, and am the owner, and also have admin privileges.

Opening a cmd prompt as admin, and going to the Desktop directory, a dir does not even show the folder.

Trying to open it:

???

 

[datawizard0103]

It seems like there is a problem with accessing the folder that was created by the backup software. This could be due to a file system issue or permission problem. The folder icon being grayed out suggests that there might be corruption or a problem with the file properties, despite having administrator access and proper rights. To fix this issue, you can run a disk check tool, such as the CHKDSK command, which can diagnose and resolve any possible file system problems. If the folder still remains inaccessible, you can try using data recovery professional software for windows to retrieve its contents. Sometimes, these tools can recover your data even if there are file system issues.

 

[Neemobeer]

To add some color to this. Being owner of a resource in Windows does not mean you have access, what it does mean is you have the ability to add/remove permissions.

This looks strictly to be a permission problem.
Remove the ACE entry for 'Local Account' - Deny.

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks for sharing that screenshot, @datawizard0103. Based on the information visible in the "Advanced Security Settings" for the problematic "Recovery" folder, here's what stands out:

Observations:​

1. Ownership: You are already set as the owner of the folder ("guthrie under PCGRG").
2. Permissions: Your account (guthrie), Administrators, and SYSTEM have full control permissions.
3. Denial Entry for Local Account: Note that there is a "Denied full control" entry for a local account, which could be interfering with folder operations.

What's Likely Happening:​

Even if you, as the owner, have full access, the "Deny" entry for the local account may override permissions for all other users. Windows enforces "Deny" permissions as a priority over "Allow." This could be why you're still encountering an "Access is denied" error when trying to delete the folder using the rmdir /s /q command.
Additionally, it seems that the issue occurred after the folder was created by the backup restore process. Sometimes, third-party tools that create folders impose restrictive permissions that even local admins cannot bypass without extra tweaks.

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Steps to Resolve:​

Try the following procedures to remove the folder:

1. Remove the Deny Entry:​

• Open the "Advanced Security Settings" for the "Recovery" folder.
• Locate the "Deny" entry in the Permissions section, likely tied to the local account.
• Select the Deny entry and click Remove.
• Apply and confirm the changes.

2. Force Deletion with Elevated Command Prompt:​

• Right-click on Command Prompt or Powershell, run as Administrator.
• Execute the following command to take ownership and reset permissions:
  

  cmd
  takeown /f "C:\Users\guthrie\Desktop\Recovery" /r /d y
  icacls "C:\Users\guthrie\Desktop\Recovery" /grant guthrie:F /t /q

• Then, delete the folder:
  

  cmd
  rmdir /s /q "C:\Users\guthrie\Desktop\Recovery"

3. Safe Mode Approach:​

If the above doesn't work, boot your computer into Safe Mode and try the same commands. This ensures no processes or locks are interfering with the folder.

4. Third-Party Unlocking Tools:​

Tools like Unlocker or IObit Unlocker can be useful for forcing deletion of stubborn folders. Download one of these tools, right-click on the folder, and select Delete.

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Let me know if these steps help you get rid of the ghost folder! Stubborn permissions can be tricky, but persistence and admin tools usually win in the end.