Cannot Delete File - The system cannot find the file specified.

Question

I downloaded a statement from my bank and it created a file on my desktop with a very long name (see image below). Acrobat says "this file cannot be found". File Explorer will not rename, copy, or delete it - no error, it just does nothing. I've been reading articles and tried many things: booting, virus scan, deleting using CMD, deleting the short name, SFC / scannow, CHKDSK, Defragging, running in Safe Mode, and updating Windows (was mostly current before). Nothing works.

Ideas?

Bill

Answer 1

Bill,

Thanks for the information. I've tried handling this with another community member but with a JPG image, so this will be interesting to tackle.

If you have 7-Zip installed on your computer, skip ahead below in this post. Otherwise if you don't have it, I recommend you install it here: https://www.7-zip.org/

When installed, run the 7-Zip File Manager, and navigate to the path, then hit SHIFT + DELETE while the item is selected.

You can read more here, pretty clever solution: https://superuser.com/questions/78434/how-to-de...

Let me know what happens, good luck. There are some more solutions in there should this prove ineffective.

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

Hey Bill,

Based off your screenshot, have you tried entering: del WjF*

...into the box? I have some sense of doubt because *.pdf didn't work, but it is certainly worth a shot. Let me know.

Answer 3

Ethan -

Thanks for the very quick reply. 

Good idea. I hadn't but Del WJF*.* and WJF* both give the same "cannot find" message.

Bill

Answer 4

Ethan -

Thanks again. 7-Zip File Manager worked like a champ. 

I was hesitant to download something new so I played around with the RoboCopy solution but it didn't work. 7-Zip had no trouble and worked perfectly.

Total waste of a July 4th till I got your help!

Bill

Answer 5

Bill,

Glad I can help, happy 4th!