can't remove a pdf from my win10 desktop

Hi again,

I am still hoping there is an answer to this problem. Not sure if no reply means no more suggestions for the file.

BAug

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

We understand your concern as you are unable to delete a specific file from your PC. In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below:

• What is the Windows 10 Version and Build installed? (Type winver in Windows search/Run command)
• What happens when you try to delete the file?
• Where is the file saved?
• Are you able to delete other files from the same location?

Meanwhile, refer this article for troubleshooting the issue: Automatically diagnose and repair Windows file and folder problems

If the issue persists, then we would suggest you to refer these steps and check.

1. Right click on the file you are trying to delete.
2. Select Properties from the drop down.
3. Now click on Security tab. Click on Edit.
4. Check if your user account listed. If not then click on Add and enter your user account. Click Ok.
5. If the account is listed, then select your account and check all the boxes under allow.
6. Click Ok and relaunch File Explorer and check if you are able to copy the files.

You may also try to perform these steps as it is possible that the file name is too long of the file, hence it might not be able to delete.

1. Click on Start menu and type CMD, right click on CMD and select Run as Administrator.
2. Type this command and press enter: *CD*
3. Type this command and press enter: CD %userprofile%\Desktop(or the path where the file is located)
4. Type this command: DEL <press Tab key till the correct filename appears>
5. Once confirmed the correct file name, Press Enter

Regards,

Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator

Hi there,

In answer to your questions in the order you've written them:

• What is the Windows 10 Version and Build installed? (Type winver in Windows search/Run command) WINDOWS10 HOME os 18363.778
• What happens when you try to delete the file? It remains on desktop (no errors are give)
• Where is the file saved? My desktop
• Are you able to delete other files from the same location? YES (tried delete and shift to no avail) If the issue persists, then we would suggest you to refer these steps and check.
  1. Right click on the file you are trying to delete.
  2. Select Properties from the drop down.
  3. Now click on Security tab. Click on Edit.
  4. Check if your user account listed. If not then click on Add and enter your user account. Click Ok.
  5. If the account is listed, then select your account and check all the boxes under allow.
  6. Click Ok and relaunch File Explorer and check if you are able to copy the file

This didn't work either

I followed your directions re: cmd and after I found the file to DEL the reply was: "The system cannot find the path specified". I did find the pdf file by hitting tab until it appeared but it still cannot 'find' it. I have tried a few types of cmd (under Administrator) and it still does not work. 

Can you offer any more suggestions? 

Thank you

Beth

Hi again,

I followed your instructions, and was able to tab after DEL and found the file to be deleted. When I hit ENTER, the cmd prompt returns:

"The system cannot find the path specified". I have captured the image if you want to see the results yourself. 

Any other suggestions?

Hi  there,

I followed your instructions and I found the file by pressing the Tab key after DEL, however when I click enter the CMD prompt still reads  "The system cannot find the path specified". 

Anything else?