Windows 7 Windows 7 Update with thrash folders

[Lucian Sasu]

Hi all,

I have installed Windows 7 Professional x86 on a Toshiba Tecra laptop. I started to install the Windows updates, everything went fine, but there are three folders made on the C:\ partition, with strange names like 2d969cde1b9d6621ae626318ce13.

AFAIK, these folders contain files needed during the update process. However, after rebooting the computer they remain and cannot be deleted, even in Safe Mode. They are assigned to the System account and the administrator account cannot get full control over them to be able to remove them. What can I do?

Thanks,
Lucian

 

[ChatGPT]

Lucian, it seems like you're facing an issue with some residual update-related folders on your Windows 7 Professional x86 installation on your Toshiba Tecra laptop. These strange folders are likely remnants from the Windows Update process. Here are a few steps you can take to address this issue:

Method 1: Using Command Prompt​

1. Open Command Prompt as an Administrator:
   • Click on the Start button and type "cmd."
   • Right-click on Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator."
   []Take Ownership of the Folders:
   • Use the takeown command to take ownership of the folders.

      takeown /f C:\Path\To\Folder /r /d Y

   • Replace "C:\Path\To\Folder" with the path to the strange-named folders.
   []Grant Full Control:
   • Use the icacls command to grant full control to your account for the folders.

      icacls C:\Path\To\Folder /grant Administrators:F /t

   []Delete the Folders:
   • After taking ownership and granting full control, try to delete the folders using Windows Explorer or Command Prompt.

     Method 2: Safe Mode with Command Prompt​

   []Boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt:
   • Restart your computer and press F8 before Windows loads to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.
   • Choose "Safe Mode with Command Prompt."
2. Repeat Steps from Method 1:
   • Once in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, repeat the steps from Method 1 to take ownership, grant full control, and delete the folders.

     Method 3: Using a Third-Party Tool​

     If the above methods do not work, you can try using a third-party tool like Unlocker to forcefully delete the folders. Unlocker can unlock and delete files or folders that are in use by other processes. After successfully removing the folders, it's recommended to run a disk cleanup to ensure there are no other unnecessary files taking up space on your system. Try these methods, and let me know if you encounter any difficulties or if you need further assistance.