cannot delete files - help !

[gasman]

Hello..

my sony walkman has dumped about 200 files, each within its own folder, on my C: drive.
I can't delete them or change name in the normal way (I can move them) because it says:

Cannot delete file: cannot read from the source file or disk

I can delete the files individually but not the folders. I can't delete the files en masse in the search window.

I have tried doing it via dos (cmd), I have rebooted, I have uninstalled the sony software, I have tried deleting in Safe Mode. No joy.
Any ideas ?
TIA
Peter

 

[themadprofessor]

Are the files named oddly. and what is the extension?

Perhaps if you post a couple of sample names....

There are issues if file names start with certain characters, where Windows and DOS (command prompt) cannot delete the file because as far they are concerned they can't "see" it. Can't remember what these so called "reserved" characters are off hand, but a quick Google should point you in the right direction. Sounds like the Sony programme is bypasssing the usual Windows file handling routines!!

Chris

 

[themadprofessor]

Just remembered. One is definitely where the file name starts in a space character. Windows can "see" it but you cannot delete it.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=320081{/URL] Look at this article!

 

[cookie]

dr delete

 

[gasman]

thanks for suggestions.
The files are oddly named eg
4 - H_M_S_ Pinafore - Act II Pt 2_Trial by Jury.oma
but I can delete the files themselves manually (about 400 of them now), but not the folders. And I can't rename them to make the names compliant 8.3 names.
Will look at Dr Delete, cheers

 

[gasman]

Alas no luck.
Can't delete the folders with Dr Delete, only files. Oh well. Now where's my hammer ?

 

[Deleted account W]

Craete a new folder and call it "Crap" then put all the empty folders in it.

Then ignore it for ever

 

[cookie]

Craete a new folder and call it "Crap" then put all the empty folders in it.

Then ignore it for ever

brilliant

i expect you can delete the folders from a DOS prompt. i never bothered to learn how though.

 

[gasman]

Craete a new folder and call it "Crap" then put all the empty folders in it.

yeh that's what I'll end up doing... ! The folder is called 'My F**king Music' at the moment, but it's got about 400 individual folders in it, each with one music file inside, all taking up about 1.5GB on my hard disk

 

[Deleted account W]

yeh that's what I'll end up doing... ! The folder is called 'My F**king Music' at the moment,

You too?

 

[finglonga]

yeh that's what I'll end up doing... ! The folder is called 'My F**king Music' at the moment, but it's got about 400 individual folders in it, each with one music file inside, all taking up about 1.5GB on my hard disk

Just a thought, its not the backup of the walkmans playlist is it? The one that if the walkman is accidentaly formated then Connect replaces the missing data.

 

[gasman]

I think it might be, cos it appeared to be files being transferred from the walkman to the PC..

 

[gasman]

Hey, what about a new thread "Show us your (computer) desktop" !!

 

[simonm]

Unlocker

Try this
Adds an extra option to your R-click menu

 

[gasman]

Booger me ! It worked !!!!
A thousand thanks !