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Unable to delete folders on external USB hard drive

Anonymous
2012-04-05T13:10:32+00:00

There are folders that I can't delete on my external USB hard drive that I'm beginning to suspect are connected to Windows updates associated with Visual Studio that fail each time I try to apply them (that's another issue that I've been waiting in vain for an answer for on Microsoft Connect).  These folders have names like f95b13d78bd4c3a41d86.

Here is an example of the message I get when trying to delete these folders:

You need permission to perform this action.

You require permission from SYSTEM to make changes to this file.

eula.rtf

etc., etc.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-04-06T05:25:15+00:00

    Hi,

    1.       Are you logged in as the administrator?

    2.       Have you tried deleting the folder as the administrator?

    3.       Are you facing any issues with Windows update?

    Method 1:

    I would suggest you to take full ownership of the folder and then try deleting.

    a. Right-click the folder, and choose Properties

    b. Click the Security tab

    c. Click Advanced, then the Owner tab

    d. Click edit, and then your username (make sure to check Replace owner on sub containers..)

    e. Click Apply, then OK

    f. Now, under Permissions, click Change Permissions

    g. Click Add, then type in your username and click OK

    h. Check the Allow box under Full Control, then click OK

    i. Now choose the Replace all child permission checkbox

    j. Click OK, then Apply, then close.

    Refer:

    Take Ownership of a File or Folder

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753659.aspx

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-05-12T01:19:51+00:00

    The problem is that the "Security Tab" is missing on the Properties option. So where does one go from here? I've tried to take ownership but with no results - try and delete a file on the USB stick and Voila " You need permission from Everyone to make changes...." I'm desperate to find a solution as this is hampering my work as I am unable to carry any data from my WS at home. Help....

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2014-01-01T22:31:10+00:00

    Hi,

    1.       Are you logged in as the administrator?

    2.       Have you tried deleting the folder as the administrator?

    3.       Are you facing any issues with Windows update?

    Method 1:

    I would suggest you to take full ownership of the folder and then try deleting.

    a. Right-click the folder, and choose Properties

    b. Click the Security tab

    c. Click Advanced, then the Owner tab

    d. Click edit, and then your username (make sure to check Replace owner on sub containers..)

    e. Click Apply, then OK

    f. Now, under Permissions, click Change Permissions

    g. Click Add, then type in your username and click OK

    h. Check the Allow box under Full Control, then click OK

    i. Now choose the Replace all child permission checkbox

    j. Click OK, then Apply, then close.

    Refer:

    Take Ownership of a File or Folder

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753659.aspx

    After spending HOURs on another similar solution that was not working well, I found above and my problematic files were gone in a minute.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2012-04-10T16:30:36+00:00

    Hi,

    I would suggest you to disable any Anti-virus application and the start your computer in a clean boot state.

    Method 1:

    Disable antivirus software

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Disable-antivirus-software

    **NOTE:**Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

    Method 2:

    How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

    Note: After you have finished troubleshooting, follow step 7 in the article to boot to normal startup

    You may now try installing the update and check.

    If that does not help, I would suggest you to try downloading the standalone pack manually in clean boot state and check.

    Method 3:

    Update for Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Service Pack 1 (KB2635973)

    http://www.microsoft.com/Download/en/details.aspx?id=27130

    Hope this helps and keep us posted.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2012-04-06T12:31:55+00:00

    Thanks very much for your assistance with this issue.  Worked like a charm.

    I'm having problems with 2 updates to Visual Studio 2010 and one to VS 2008.  None of them will successfully execute.  I submitted the update issues to Microsoft Connect a couple of weeks ago but have received no feedback.

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