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Delete folders or files - error indicating the need for admin permission (I'm the admin)

Anonymous
2021-01-11T11:43:27+00:00

I am trying to delete a folder that was once used by Dropbox for local synch.  It is using about 8GB of storage I want to reclaim.

When attempting to delete, the first error message indicates that I need permission from administrator to proceed.  I am an administrator on this machine.

If I try to 'Continue' then I get another message which indicates I need permission from (a non-existent) local user.

I've tried all of the usual solutions - e.g. taking ownership of all files, over-writing read-only properties, deleting and re-adding Full Control permissions for 'Everyone' group of users.  Each action seems to complete ok (resetting permissions/properties on the folders that is), but the problem persists.

This is deeply frustrating - anyone got any other suggestions?

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

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  1. Neil D 32,835 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2021-01-11T13:53:40+00:00

    Very odd, I thought one of those would help.

    Can you delete files in the folder or using a PowerShell (Admin) command. I don't know where this folder is but assuming it is in your users folder then the command would be del C:\users\accountname\dropboxfoldername or

    rd C:\users\accountname\dropboxfoldername.

    Can you provide a screenshot of the folder location in your reply so I can be sure the command line is correct.

    You can try the same in Safe Mode or with a clean boot

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/929135/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows

    to see if either of those modes releases the folder/files for deletion.

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-01-11T13:29:26+00:00

    Thanks.  Tried both.  Lockhunter reports no locking processes. IoBit 'unlock and delete' attempt reports 'Unlock and delete failed'.

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  2. Neil D 32,835 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2021-01-11T12:26:06+00:00

    You could try something like this https://lockhunter.com/ on files in the folder to see if it gives a clue what is stopping you.

    Or try this https://www.iobit.com/en/iobit-unlocker.php

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-01-11T12:08:29+00:00

    Yes, I do - but I deleted the version I was using (as I didn't use it for a long time) and the problem persisted.  I've installed Dropbox again recently, but a new version and using a different folder hierarchy to synch files.  I don't think that DB is the source of the issue.

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  4. Neil D 32,835 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2021-01-11T11:49:13+00:00

    Do you have any Drop Box software installed?

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