Solved Can't delete empty folder on my desktop.

paulo27

Member
Member
Messages
46
Yesterday I was making a bunch of videos for Youtube and my editor throws each video into a diferent folder, after that I just move all the videos into the same folder and delete the empty folder, but, for some reason, there was this one folder that would not delete, and still doesn't, it says something along the lines of:
"It was not possible to find this item. The item is no longer present in C:\user\desktop. Verify the item's location."
And just doesn't allow me to delete it, I can put things inside of it, but I can't move it to any other folder, some people suggested me to cut it and refresh, or cut and paste on another folder, but no luck, I can also delete new folders just fine.
Obviously it's not a big problem, at least I don't think, but it's still there and I can't do anything about it.
Thanks.

I rebooted, ran CCleaner and ran it's registry fixer, no luck.

UPDATE: Someone suggested Unlocker, I ran it and it couldn't delete, said it'd try when I rebooted, I rebooted and the folder is still there.

UPDATE 2: It looks like the folder's name has an extra space at the end, that might have been me adding it by mistake in my video editor, don't know if it has any relevance to the case.

UPDATE 3: Tried: "RD /S /Q "C:\Users\wortenAsus\Desktop\Saints Row IV - E28 - ", in cmd, didn't work, said it couldn't find the file, I tried without the extra space at the end, no luck.

UPDATE 4: I was just have to move the folder using Unlocker, but still can't delete it
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
Hello Paulo,

You might see if you may be able to rename the folder, then see if you are able to delete it.

If not, then open regedit, click on File (menu bar) and Export. Navigate to your desktop, and see if you may be able to delete the folder from within this "Export Registry File" dialog, then just close the dialog and regedit.

Hope this helps. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hello Paulo,

You might see if you may be able to rename the folder, then see if you are able to delete it.

If not, then open regedit, click on File (menu bar) and Export. Navigate to your desktop, and see if you may be able to delete the folder from within this "Export Registry File" dialog, then just close the dialog and regedit.

Hope this helps. :)

I can't rename it, it says exactly the same thing as when I try to delete it.

And you mean I should delete the file when it asks me to pick a file to export? If so, that doesn't work, same message appears.

EDIT: Also tried: "RD /S /Q "C:\Users\wortenAsus\Desktop\Saints Row IV - E28 - ", in cmd, didn't work, said it couldn't find the file, I tried without the extra space at the end, no luck.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
Hmm, ok. Sometimes that workaround in a dialog works, and sometimes it doesn't.

Have you already tried the free program FileAssassin on it to see if it may be able to help delete it?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hmm, ok. Sometimes that workaround in a dialog works, and sometimes it doesn't.

Have you already tried the free program FileAssassin on it to see if it may be able to help delete it?

Does that work on folders? I tried it anyways, didn't work, I also tried Unlocker, nothing.

I just ran W8 in safety mode and did the same line I did before with and without the space at the end, (RD /S /Q "C:\Users\wortenAsus\Desktop\Saints Row IV - E28 - ") nothing.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
Stubborn folder.

You might check your editor's settings to see if it may still have that folder referenced in any of it's settings. If so, change or remove it in the settings, and try again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Had one that sounds like yours, and it went away after a few days. I have them that do that now and then and an F5 usually take care of it but this one stuck around for awhile, guess it liked me. Never figured out what was going on. After all this is windows we are talking about :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8
Stubborn folder.

You might check your editor's settings to see if it may still have that folder referenced in any of it's settings. If so, change or remove it in the settings, and try again.

I just tried to move the file with the same name as the folder into the folder, the file dissapeared, the folder duplicated and one of them I can delete, the other one says the same error when I try to delete it. And now when I try to open this folder an error shows up saying:
"-Folder dictory- refers to a place that's not available. I can be in this computer's HD or in a network. Make sure your HD is correctly placed or that you're connected to the internet or to the network and try again."

I'm on a laptop.

Also I just notice that when I go to properties > security it doesn't display anything and says that the data can't be displayed or is not available.

And I don't think it's still refered anywhere in my editor, otherwise it'd have refered other files too, because I rendered like 10 videos in a row, should I just uninstall my editor to see if that's the problem?

EDIT: I was just have to move the folder using Unlocker, but still can't delete it.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
Had one that sounds like yours, and it went away after a few days. I have them that do that now and then and an F5 usually take care of it but this one stuck around for awhile, guess it liked me. Never figured out what was going on. After all this is windows we are talking about :)

I guess if I don't fix it after today I'll just it in a corner and wait it out, already spent quite a bit of type with this little *******.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
What is the name of this little bugger? If it is a dynamic link to any protected files, it may not be deletable.

I was probably the one who suggested Unlocker, but File Assassin is just as effective. When you installed unlocker did you avoid installing the "Delta Toolbar" that comes with it? You have to select "Custom Install" while you are installing it and then uncheck the toolbar.

Can you make a screenshot of the file as it appears on the desktop as well as what it inside of it? Let's have a look-see. Make sure you make "Hidden and System files visible" - You can do that in Folder View Options, in the Explorer toolbar under "View"
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
What is the name of this little bugger? If it is a dynamic link to any protected files, it may not be deletable.

I was probably the one who suggested Unlocker, but File Assassin is just as effective. When you installed unlocker did you avoid installing the "Delta Toolbar" that comes with it? You have to select "Custom Install" while you are installing it and then uncheck the toolbar.

Can you make a screenshot of the file as it appears on the desktop as well as what it inside of it? Let's have a look-see. Make sure you make "Hidden and System files visible" - You can do that in Folder View Options, in the Explorer toolbar under "View"

You know what? After writing a reply and taking a few pictures and being about to post them I decided to check if I could move or delete the file, I couldn't, I decided to try again with Unlocker, and for whatever reason, it deleted it.
Here are the pictures anyways:

Photo Album - Imgur

The second shows the extra space after the whole name, the third shows how it doesn't display any info, and the fourth shows the fact that I can't acess the security info of folder.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
That's great news Paulo. I'm happy to hear that you finally got that 0 byte file deleted. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Saints Row, IV, e28, so it was a TV show ep? Was it in archives? If it was in archives, WinRAR, 7Zip or other Archiving program may have had it open for some reason, maybe from Startup. Or, maybe it was a torrent? An active torrent that would have prevented it's deletion as well if it the folder was part of it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Saints Row, IV, e28, so it was a TV show ep? Was it in archives? If it was in archives, WinRAR, 7Zip or other Archiving program may have had it open for some reason, maybe from Startup. Or, maybe it was a torrent? An active torrent that would have prevented it's deletion as well if it the folder was part of it.

Nope, it was a video that I recorded from a game, that was episode 28.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
I am having the same problem. Except I think my Wondershare Video Converter caused the problem, my graphics driver was apparently having a problem with the program because every time I tried to run the program today it would cause my computer to blue screen with a driver compatibility error (SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION). I managed to fix the problem by making the program only use my cpu but I cannot delete the folder, unlocker does not work either. What might have caused this?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    OSX 10.9.2/ Windows 8.1 Professional 64-Bit with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Late 2011 Apple Macbook Pro (A1286)
    CPU
    2nd Gen. Core i7 2860qm @ 2.50GHz
    Motherboard
    Apple Mac-94245A3940C91C80
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 (667)/ Will upgrade to 16GB DDR3 (1333)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 3000 (Integrated)/ AMD HD 6770M with 1GB RAM (Dedicated)
    Sound Card
    Cirrus Logic CS4206B (AB 29)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built-In Display (15.6")/ Dell E228WFP (22")
    Screen Resolution
    (Laptop) 1680x1050/( External Monitor) 1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 750GB SATA 2.5 7200RPM HTS727575A9E362
    WD My Passport 0748 USB Device
    Case
    Aluminum Uni-Body
    Cooling
    Dual Integrated Cooling Fans + Laptop Cooling Pad
    Keyboard
    Built-In
    Mouse
    Built-In Trackpad/ Logitech M310 Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    Crap (Blackfoot)
    Browser
    Google Chrome/Firefox (OSX & 8.1)
    Antivirus
    Avg Free 2014 (OSX & 8.1)
Well here is what I did. I renamed it and it suddenly became the "New Folder" I had just opened.

That is all I know......
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8
Back
Top