Cannot delete files

Question

I m unable to delete files on an external hard drive, due to error code 0x80070510: The requested file operation failed because the storage policy blocks that type of file.  The files in question are backup images produced by Macrium Reflect backup software.  I am the "owner" of the external hard drive with "full access" permissions to the folders containing these files.  This a home laptop computer running the latest version of Windows 10.  There is no network administrator here who could have set a "storage policy" that would prevent me from deleting these files.

Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

You probably have Macrium's image guardian enabled on the drive, this means you can only delete images from within Macrium's program & not directly from the drive.

https://www.macrium.com/mig

https://knowledgebase.macrium.com/display/KNOW7...

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

I’m 100% sure that is what it is.

If you open Macrium Reflect you should see a shield icon on the backup drive, this is image guardian, it is to prevent malware from accessing your backups & corrupting or removing them. It is a valuable security feature imo.

Answer 3

It's explained in this article from the Macrium Reflect knowledgebase.

Answer 4

Thanks for that, Time Lady.  I'm currently running a backup using Macrium Reflect, so I can't test your suggestion until that finishes.  But that will probably fix the problem I'm having.