Files locked after Canceled folder copy

[12th]

The problem is that I can't access some files. Here's a pic of the error.

The situation started when I was saving a file with Firefox - I was browsing to find the folder I wanted to save it in, and then when I went to double-click on a folder to open it, I accidentally dragged that folder into another folder. It started copying the folder into that folder, but I didn't want that, so I pressed Cancel and it stopped halfway,... but the files that got moved are still stuck in some kind of limbo. I can't copy, delete, rename or open them. I've found a program (Unlocker) that will let me rename or move them, but even if I do they're still inaccessible.

I've tried a few programs that are supposed to help with this, Unlocker as mentioned as well as Process Explorer and it's earlier form of handle.exe. I can't find the folder in Process Explorer using the Find function, and usually when I use Unlocker to look at the folder, it says nothing is locking it. Sometimes though (one time in 20), it'll say explorer.exe is locking it (example - the handle and PID will change if I reboot, and I can't help wondering if that's just because I'm using Explorer as my file browser) - I'll say Unlock, and it acts as though it's doing something. I'll check with Unlocker again, and explorer will be gone, but it'll all still be locked. I've also tried killing Explorer, as well as restarting, and restarting in Safe Mode, but no luck. In fact in Safe Mode, I can't even view the contents of the folder, it just says it's locked (I didn't write down the actual error, but I can if you think it's relevant.). I even tried killing Explorer and copying the files with MS-DOS commands (maybe that obviously won't work, but I had to try), but it didn't work.

I've checked your database, and couldn't find an exact match to the situation.

My system is as follows:
Windows XP Pro, SP3 (though it was SP2 at the time of this problem - I've been too busy to even ask for help on it until recently)
Pentium 4 3.00 GHz, 512 MB of RAM
Computer is custom built by a small-time local computer sales/repair business (I've since moved away)

I'm not sure what else it pertinent, so just ask

[Broni]

Take ownership of that folder: http://www.winxptutor.com/ownership.htm

[12th]

Take ownership of that folder: http://www.winxptutor.com/ownership.htm

Thanks for the suggestion Unfortunately it's not working for me. I tried both the folder and file versions of the fix, and tried on both my current user name (which has Admin privliges) and the Admin group. No luck.

[Broni]

I can't find the folder in Process Explorer using the Find function

Process Explorer?

[NEO]

try think u can't open them because they are infected with a virus and try this u will delete them i think so open task manager go to processes end explorer open new task(run) cmd and then delete them with this command c:\Del (and here write the path of the files) i think it will work

[12th]

I can't find the folder in Process Explorer using the Find function

Process Explorer?

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx
Sysinternals program, lots of info about running programs, as well as the ability to close handles/unlock files, but it didn't work for me.

try think u can't open them because they are infected with a virus and try this u will delete them i think so open task manager go to processes end explorer open new task(run) cmd and then delete them with this command c:\Del (and here write the path of the files) i think it will work

Mmm... my goal really isn't to delete them. At some point a presumably will need to, and I'll try your instructions, but I'm still sort of hoping to recover the files. Thanks for your help tho

[NEO]

look if u downloaded them just take note of the filename and u can download them again

[kpac]

look if u downloaded them just take note of the filename and u can download them again

Hey, slow down a bit. What if they are personal files?

System restore?

[NEO]

i just told him one of the ways because he said he downloaded them from mozilla firefox
i want to help him nothing else

[12th]

look if u downloaded them just take note of the filename and u can download them again

That is a possiblity for about half the files (and in fact I have done so with a few I needed immediately), but not so with the other ones.

look if u downloaded them just take note of the filename and u can download them again

Hey, slow down a bit. What if they are personal files?

System restore?

I thought system restore only affected program files/Windows components/regestry/etc., not general My Documents-esqe files, so I didn't consider it... But it does make sense that if a program is locking them than a system restore might stop that. I guess I'll try that and get back to you.

Thanks to everyone for their help so far, I'll let you know if it works out.

[kpac]

Yea, you are right about system restore, but you are also right about the fact that some program may be affecting the files.

Good luck with it.

[NEO]

hey but the system restore doesn't delete all the files that were copied to the PC after the date that u will take the system to restore?

[kpac]

hey but the system restore doesn't delete all the files that were copied to the PC after the date that u will take the system to restore?

Yea, but you might as well try it - it is undoable.

[12th]

System Restore done (and subsequently undone), no effect on the files - still unaccessable.

Edit: Clairification: Restore done, files checked, no change, so Restore undone.

[kpac]

Hmmm.... Weird.

Can you backup all/most of the files some way? I think a reinstall is the only option....