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Cannot move or delete file in Windows 10

Anonymous
2022-05-19T09:01:59+00:00

I have two specific files on my desktop that refuse to be moved or deleted by any means I know. They are both .tif files created by GIMP, I've created many of them and only these two had this problem.

My operation system is Windows 10 Professional 19043, ransomware protection turned off. I have full control permission over these two files, but any attempts to move or delete them simply have no response. No warning, no error. I can open them with GIMP too, but can't save any changes.

I've tried Remove-Item and del commands in admin PowerShell and tried to do it in safe mode, but nothing works. And if I tried to rename them, my whole Resource Manager will freeze and restart.

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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-05-21T06:17:13+00:00

    You can try pressing CTRL+shift+ESC to open the task manager, find "Windows Explorer" and select restart.

    Then try to delete again.

    If that doesn't remove it, you can remove the problem with a clean boot.

    The method of clean boot can refer to this:

    How to perform a clean boot in Windows (microsoft.com)

    Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem. 

    These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get you back on track.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2022-05-20T02:45:07+00:00

    Hi,

    Thanks for your post in Microsoft Community.

    I understand that you are encountering a problem that the file cannot be deleted.

    You can try right click on the file in explorer - properties - security - advanced - add - write "everyone" - ok - change permissions to full control

    try to delete again

    If it still cannot be deleted, you can try to **** format the disk after backing up other files.

    Disclaimer: Please back up all your important data before performing it.

    Please feel free to let me know how it goes.

    Kirk | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

    * Beware of scammers posting fake support numbers here.

    * If your problem is not solved, you could reply to the post again and we would continue to provide technical support for you.

    * Please check and vote this answer if it helps as it will be beneficial to more community members reading here.

    10 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2022-05-20T15:13:44+00:00

    I am trying to delete a folder. It tells me that it, or a file in it, is open and won't let me get rid of it. The folder has no files in it and the folder isn't open.

    8 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2022-05-20T03:38:33+00:00

    I just tried to do so, and my explorer froze when applying property changes, like trying to rename them. Maybe I'll try to format the disk when really need to, but thanks for the advice anyway.

    8 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2022-05-22T08:25:55+00:00

    Hi,

    I've seen people say it's a problem with the software, and the files can be removed by canceling Gimp.

    I think you can give it a try.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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