Windows can’t seem to shake off its legacy. After evolving to a point where it looks very modern and unlike the funny Windows XP or super stoic Windows 7, there are still some things that won’t leave Windows 10 alone. Corrupted files are just one of them.
Don’t smash the keyboard if you can’t delete a file
I have seen some users encounter error messages when deleting unwanted files on their system. The files claim that they are ‘In use’ while apparently nothing is open on the user’s system. How can you get rid of such undeletable files? No need to google, we are here to make your life easier.
Good tip for Windows 10 users: The Digital Citizen Blog has an interesting article comparing browsers to see which saves battery on Windows 10
1. Try to complete the quest
I speak of Window’s legacy for a reason. Sure, it has its downsides, but it also has its advantages. One great thing I’ve always liked about Windows is the awesome Task Manager. Not only does this give you an idea of how to run applications and services at any time on your computer, but you can also use it to get rid of services that might be preventing you from deleting certain items. certain file.
So, for example, if you can recognize the file type yourself (such as Excel), then find the locked file or process in a Task Manager window and right-click it. Then, click End Task. Don’t worry here, if it’s a system based quest you won’t be able to kill it. Even if you have admin access.
2. Delete files with a third-party tool
Admin access denied? Do not worry. There is a neat 3rd party solution that can help get rid of files and even folders that Windows doesn’t allow you to delete. It’s called Unlocker and once you’ve downloaded and installed it all you have to do is right click on the file/folder then select Unlocker.
Here you can get a list of processes associated with a certain file or directory. Click Unlock them all and this will free the file/folder to be deleted. If it doesn’t work, try killing process.
3. Delete files with Command Prompt
This option is for those who have some experience with the Microsoft Windows command prompt. Go to the Start menu or press the Windows button on your keyboard and go to Run or just press Win + R. A small box will appear in the lower right corner of your screen.
Here, type Cmd and press Enter to open the command prompt. Now you will see a black window, enter the command line del /f filename there. Make sure ‘filename’ is the name of the file you want to delete. You can also force delete multiple files, which you can specify with commas.
You can also delete a folder using the command prompt. Follow the steps above until you find the command window and type in the command line RD /S /Q . Here, the file path will be what the address bar on windows explorer shows when you go to the folder you want to delete. For example: RD /S /QC:\Users\XXX\Premium\Folder X.
4. Secure boot if failure
If nothing works, the Secure Boot is the ultimate savior. Only do this step if you’ve tried all the other steps and haven’t had any luck. There are many ways to enter Safe Mode, but the way I like best if by typing msconfig in the Windows 10 search box and then go to start up tab of the pop-up window.
Here, select Safe boot option and once you click Apply you will be prompted to restart the system.
It will now automatically take you to Safe Mode, where you can delete files. To go back to normal mode, go back to the MSCONFIG window and uncheck Secure Boot from the boot menu and the PC will reboot to a normal state.
Any alternatives?
These are the best options for deleting files/folders that will fail. However, if you have better alternatives, we’d love to get feedback. Join us in our forums for discussion.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
