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Can't delete this MKV file

Anonymous
2010-10-02T21:42:20+00:00

I downloaded a MKV video (anime) And then when I was gonna move it to my external, it just stays at trying to locate the file. Then when I thought it was busted, I tried to delete it. Then it stayed at preparing to delete. FOREVER...

I've tried restarting my computer but still the same

So whats up with the file anyway?... How do I get rid of it?.. I can still play it but can't move it from there... I can copy but can't replace... And the copied file can be deleted. Can't rename or change the extension either. Oh, and can't open file properties. So any change made to the file is impossible please help!

EDIT: I tried deleting it in safe mode but also can't.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Music, photos, and video

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-05-24T18:32:52+00:00

    Rufus' Solution Works, but on windows 7, I could only navigate to the folder in CMD by typing cd [space] then the path: "cd C:..." rather than cd//C:..." Maybe that's what you meant rufus, but I didn't realize that, thought this might help others.

    Solution:

    1. Open command prompt
    2. Go to the folder where the file is located (use command cd foldername to enter in to a folder and cd// to come out of a folder) and type del filename.mkv don’t press ENTER.
    3. Open windows task manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) and go to processes tab and locate explorer.exe , right click on it od select end process (not end process tree). don’t close the task manager .
    4. Go back to command prompt and press enter. Now the file is deleted.
    5. Go to task manager again and select file>New Task and type explorer.exe and press ok .

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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Answer accepted by question author

  1. Anonymous
    2013-07-16T17:25:08+00:00

    Solution:

    1. Open command prompt
    2. Go to the folder where the file is located (use command cd foldername to enter in to a folder and cd// to come out of a folder) and type del filename.mkv don’t press ENTER.
    3. Open windows task manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) and go to processes tab and locate explorer.exe , right click on it od select end process (not end process tree). don’t close the task manager .
    4. Go back to command prompt and press enter. Now the file is deleted.
    5. Go to task manager again and select file>New Task and type explorer.exe and press ok .

    This procedure works great, but I've one thing to add: You can also drag and drop files into cmd prompt, then move cursor to beginning of filename, type del, then hit the spacebar, then enter.

    Thanks Rufe!

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-08-03T11:40:17+00:00

    I never had this problem until yesterday, when I installed DivX 8.

    Simply uninstall DivX - restart PC - fixed the issue.

    Now I can delete mkv files.

    Instead of DivX - I now use the KLite Codec Pack - no problems.

    Hope this info helps.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2011-04-11T06:01:56+00:00

    I has nearly the same problem except I could access the properties of the file without using a 3rd party program. Once in the properties I changed access to full and I was able to delete the file. In fact the file disappeared after I applied the change without my trying to delete which was a little weird. Sorry about the spelling if any errors can't find my glasses  - lol

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-01-16T21:47:56+00:00

    Well, it's been a while since your posting so I imagine you might have cleared the problem by now. If not, here's how I finally solved the exact same issue. Having tried (and failed) everything you did, I began grasping at straws and eventually stumbled across a fix. First, I downloaded a freeware desktop seach proggy called "Everything". It's available with a standard windows installer or as a portable executable. After installing the program, I searched for the offending MKV file as a wild card ( *.mkv ). When the file appeared in the Everything search window, I right clicked on it and the properties box appeared. Why it wouldn't appear through Windows Explorer I can't image. Anyway, in the properties window I selected the "General" tab and then clicked the "Advanced" button. Next, I un-ticked all boxes that had a check mark. In my case there were two. I then exited properties clicking the "OK" button. Finally, I right clicked on the offending file within the Everything results window and selected "delete" from the context menu. As if by magic, the file immediately went to the recycle bin. Problem solved! Hope it works for you.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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