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Author Topic: gibberish file name - cannot delete  (Read 7874 times)

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Zvi_T

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    gibberish file name - cannot delete
    « on: May 30, 2009, 04:14:14 AM »

    I have a file (or so it seems) that I cannot delete. Before giving solutions, please read the entire post to see what I have already tried.

    I use Windows XP Pro SP3

    The file name is: NreE4weERYejND_=_steywrLWssKy17PC_=³ײ²ֲ²׳²ֲ²ײ²ֲ²׳³ֲ²ײ²ֲ²׳²ֲ²ײ²ֲ²_.wmv
    When trying to delete it I get an error saying: Cannot delete file: Cannot read from the source file or disk.
    I googled the error message and got lots of results but no solutions helped me.
    I tried to delete it with HiJackThis's option to delete a file on reboot but on reboot it was still there (making me believe that it won't delete in safe mode.
    I tried to delete it in DOS (command prompt) but when displaying file in short names (dir /z) it won't display a short name.

    It seems that windows does not recognize it as a file at all. It is not assosiated with anything and has 0 properties and 0 size. Can't even open it to display in binary.

    Any ideas on how to get rid of it?

    Thanks.

    billrich

    • Guest
    Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
    « Reply #1 on: May 30, 2009, 04:27:56 AM »
    At the windows level point to the file icon, right click and choose rename.

    The file with the new name will delete.

    Zvi_T

      Topic Starter


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      Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
      « Reply #2 on: May 30, 2009, 04:29:14 AM »

      I have done this too.
      When trying to rename, it gives me the same error message: Cannot rename file: Cannot read from the source file or disk.

      billrich

      • Guest
      Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
      « Reply #3 on: May 30, 2009, 04:45:46 AM »



      You may not be able to rename or delete these files or folders. When you try to do so, you may receive one of the following error messages:
      Error renaming file or folder

      http://support.microsoft.com/kb/814594


      Quote
      Cannot rename file: Cannot read from the source file or disk.
      -or-
      Error deleting file or folder

      Cannot delete file: Cannot read from the source file or disk.
      If you have folders or files that you cannot delete or rename, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. To do so, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
      http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=supportquestion.asp (http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=supportquestion.asp)

      Rob Pomeroy



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      Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
      « Reply #4 on: May 30, 2009, 10:31:53 AM »
      You might want to see what Unlocker makes of it...
      Only able to visit the forums sporadically, sorry.

      Geek & Dummy - honest news, reviews and howtos

      ALAN_BR



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        Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
        « Reply #5 on: May 30, 2009, 03:13:16 PM »
        I do not think you need a short name to delete in DOS

        If it can be found with "DIR NRE*.*", THEN :-
        Try "DEL NRE*.*", and if that fails,
        "Take Ownership" of the file to overcome "permissions", and try again.

        Regards
        Alan

        billrich

        • Guest
        Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
        « Reply #6 on: May 30, 2009, 03:39:41 PM »
        Why not use? :

        C:\>del /s /F   "DEL NRE*.*"

        /S            Delete specified files from all subdirectories.
        /F            Force deleting of read-only files.

        ___________________________
        Alan wrote:
        Quote
        "Take Ownership" of the file to overcome "permissions", and try again."

        How do we take ownership of a file? 

        I do not think you need a short name to delete in DOS

        If it can be found with "DIR NRE*.*", THEN :-
        Try "DEL NRE*.*", and if that fails,
        "Take Ownership" of the file to overcome "permissions", and try again.

        Regards
        Alan


        ALAN_BR



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          Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
          « Reply #7 on: May 30, 2009, 04:11:29 PM »
          I then permission restrictions can be overcome by :-

          1) http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421
          or
          2) http://www.computerhope.com/cacls.htm

          Regards
          Alan

          Mulreay

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          Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
          « Reply #8 on: May 30, 2009, 05:13:42 PM »
          I have done this too.
          When trying to rename, it gives me the same error message: Cannot rename file: Cannot read from the source file or disk.

          Please don't state your own issues just solutions.

          Mulreay

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          Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
          « Reply #9 on: May 30, 2009, 05:18:01 PM »
          I've noticed it has no size and not affect on your computer? Am I wrong? Let it go mate, let it go.

          Broni


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          Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
          « Reply #10 on: May 30, 2009, 09:36:59 PM »
          Quote
          You might want to see what Unlocker makes of it...

          Also, it'd be good idea to...
          Read here: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html
          Start new topic here: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/board,7.0.html
          Do NOT post any logs in THIS thread.

          iamtonsoffun247



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            Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
            « Reply #11 on: May 30, 2009, 09:39:25 PM »
            I know I have suggested this to another user, and has worked for me as well (though I do still suggest following Broni's instructions):

            If the file is in a folder, delete the folder it is in. If it isnt, see if you can move the file to a folder, then delete the folder. For some reason this has worked for 2 people so far...

            ALAN_BR



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              Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
              « Reply #12 on: May 31, 2009, 02:29:36 AM »
              Please don't state your own issues just solutions.

              I've noticed it has no size and not affect on your computer? Am I wrong? Let it go mate, let it go.

              1.  This is his thread and his issue, why should he refrain from posting when he needs a solution.

              2.  You failed to follow your own advice - I see no solution.

              3.  If a file cannot be deleted, it MAY be impossible to control (i.e. move or delete) the folder it is within.  If so then it becomes impossible to do any maintenance of the file structure.  I have in the past used the solutions given by iamtonsoffun247.  Sometimes with success, and other times I needed more extreme attacks.

              4.  At the best of times Windows gets things wrong.  If a virus is active it may alter Windows perception of the virus file, and report zero size.

              5.  Even if the file size is zero, there could be a related Alternate Data Stream which takes disk space, and possibly contains malware.

              The file name suggests to me that something went horribly wrong when it was written to the disc, or that it is malware that has deliberately selected a name that is difficult to remove.  If that file was on my computer I would spare no effort in eradicating it.

              Regards
              Alan

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              Re: gibberish file name - cannot delete
              « Reply #13 on: May 31, 2009, 02:59:25 AM »
              No one has suggested Safe Mode?

              Anyways, you have been presented with many options, Zvi_T.