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Unable to delete, scan, or rename a weird PDF file on my desktop.

Anonymous
2023-02-10T00:14:13+00:00

I have a pdf file on my desktop that is named a long string of letters and a few dashes that I can't delete. I don't know where this file came from, but when I try to delete, rename, or Norton scan it, I am met with the message: "the system cannot find the path specified." I've tried deleting it through cmd but to no avail... when I click on it it just opens up a new chrome or edge tab (depending on which I've set to open pdf files). How can I get rid of it?

Edit: solution is to go into the command line and execute del "\?\c:<path\fullfilename.ext>"

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Les Ferch 10,326 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-04-05T01:21:47+00:00

    This issue appears to be unique to Firefox.

    To delete the file,

    1. Shift-right-click the file name in Explorer and select Copy as path.
    2. Open a Cmd window (⊞-R cmd).
    3. Enter *del \?* and then right-click to paste in the copied path. The result should look something like this:

    del \?"C:\Users\SomeUser\Downloads\DATAIM~1.URL" 4. Press Enter to delete the file.

    Note: In Windows 11, Copy as path is also available with just a right-click (i.e. shift not needed).

    100+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2023-10-02T23:31:05+00:00

    I had the same problem of a pdf file with a long filename which I could neither move, delete or rename on Windows 11 desktop.

    Problem, several odd characters in the file name eg amp, Wingbats characters or whatever, etc

    Installed 7-Zip, renamed the file, and then deleted it on the desktop - very simple and straightforward.

    (solution by Bing AI chat - full marks)

    40+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-04-04T02:37:48+00:00

    Just wanted to follow up for anyone else running into a similar error- all you need to do is go into the command line and execute the following:

    del "\?\c:<path\longfilename.ext>"

    source: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/delete-files-with-too-long-file-names/461e321e-2ecb-4b82-b49a-6ee9113bfd32

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Les Ferch 10,326 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-01-21T21:56:37+00:00

    It might just be a simple command line issue. Can you post a screenshot of your command window showing your attempt to delete the file?

    Another option is to use 7-Zip to delete the file.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2023-03-14T20:24:58+00:00

    Sure- here are a few:

    Looking at the filepath (\?\C:...), I'm curious what the question mark means... is it the same issue that the file can't be found? Then why is it appearing on my desktop? And how does something like this happen?

    Much appreciated,

    Liam

    8 people found this answer helpful.
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