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Unable to delete folder as administrator. Requires permission from system.

Anonymous
2020-09-30T14:23:39+00:00

I am trying to delete a folder on my computer, but am unable because I require permission from "system". I cannot delete it through powershell or the cmd, and cannot change the permissions on it "Failed to enumerate objects in the container. Access is denied." I am the system administrator on this computer.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-10-08T21:41:14+00:00

    Ok I found the answer:

    First, rename the file so that it has an unknown extension

    In the advanced permissions, change the owner to everyone

    Then move the files to a folder you have full control of

    Go back to permissions and set the owner as your account name

    close the window

    Go back to permissions and enable inheritance

    you can then delete the file

    Repeat for every file you wish to delete

    30+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2020-10-01T03:09:41+00:00

    Try deleting at a Command Prompt in a Recovery Environment. There is an internal & an external Recovery Environment. If the internal one still presents permissions problems, the external one surely will work.

    (1) Shift+Restart gets to the internal Recovery Environment (Choose an Option screen).

    (2) Click "Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt".

    (3) Enter...

    RD  /S  C:\Folder

    (4) Exitthe Command Prompt with its "X" or type "Exit".

    (5) Click "Continue" to return to Windows.

    Notes:

    (a) "/S" deletes files in the folder & all its subfolders.

    (b) If "Folder" isn't the real name of it & the real name has a space in it,

         then enclose the full path & file name in quotes thus:  "C:\Real folder name".

    If that still doesn't do it, then you must make a win 10 Installation USB drive, boot to it, & select "Repair your computer" (instead of to install). That will get to an external Recovery Environment which surely will delete it.

    Here is the Help screen for RD...

    C:>RD /?

    Removes (deletes) a directory.

    RMDIR [/S] [/Q] [drive:]path

    RD [/S] [/Q] [drive:]path

        /S      Removes all directories and files in the specified directory

                in addition to the directory itself.  Used to remove a directory

                tree.

        /Q      Quiet mode, do not ask if ok to remove a directory tree with /S

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2020-09-30T14:41:23+00:00

    Good day! I'm Raniel, an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you.

    Can you try to enable and login to the built-in administrator account instead and see if you'll encounter the same issue:

    1. On your search bar, type command prompt and select "run as administrator"
    2. On the command prompt window, type net user administrator /active:yes and press Enter
    3. Perform a reboot, login to the "administrator" account and try to delete the file
    4. If that didn't work, temporarily disable your antivirus and try again

    I also suggest that you perform the additional steps on these articles to further troubleshoot the issue:

    https://thegeekpage.com/solved-failed-to-enumer...

    https://appuals.com/fix-failed-enumerate-object...

    I hope this helps.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2020-09-30T19:30:46+00:00

    Yes, I was using safe mode

    There is no difference: I still need permission from my own account.

    9 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2020-10-08T22:26:44+00:00

    Good going. I promote you to the rank of general in the permissions wars. 😊.

    7 people found this answer helpful.
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