specific file path does not exist

Question

I have had this problem for over a year now. The last "fix" someone suggested that "in time it will go away..." Wrong answer...

I have a file in a subdirectory. It is the ONLY file in the directory and I can' delete it. I have full authorization, as I am the administrator and the only user as well. When I try and get Properties, it says the "specific file path does not exist". Attempts to delete, result in the same thing. It appears that Vista file manager says the file doesn't exist, but it IS sitting there. It has no extention. The complete name is "Valego". It was created from an AHK script (I have 8000+ other similar files that work fine). I've tried overwriting it, that didn't work. Nothing seems to erase it, because Vista refuses to acknowledge that it even exists.  I did get as far as Properties showing me it has zero bytes. But any other attempt thru properties comes up with "can't find..."    Please help me...

Answer 1

Can you delete the subdirectory?

If not, open a command prompt window, change directories to the subdirectory, and type this command:

   del /p *

Answer Y when prompted to delete the file in question.  Don't answer Y for anything else!

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Steve Winograd Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience)

Answer 2

You're welcome!

Answer 3

Steve - thanks very much for this solution. It was driving me crazy!

I'm copying the solution to One Note and Journal.

Great simple solutions are the best!

Again - thank you!

Answer 4

You're welcome!

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Steve Winograd, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience)

Answer 5

Can you delete the subdirectory?

If not, open a command prompt window, change directories to the subdirectory, and type this command:

   del /p *

Answer Y when prompted to delete the file in question.  Don't answer Y for anything else!

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Steve Winograd Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience)

I cannot believe that such a simple solution worked, but it did. After months of posting on various MS sites, and answers as extreme as "format the c: drive and reinstall Vista...." YOU had the simple fix. The file deleted. I was then able to delete the directory and all is well. It is much appreciated that you helped, and so promptly.  This has been a nagging issue with me... it's GONE now...