Unable to delete certain files from Windows Explorer. Error 0x80070032: The request is not supported.

Question

Hi,

Lately, I've been unable to delete/cut/copy files from certain folders within the Windows Explorer interface.

I can do these operations from the command line or from within an app though. I can cut/copy out of the folders in question but not into with the error message.

The screenshots below show the error messages that pop up after each attempt.

Things I've tried so far, to no avail are:

• run chkdsk on all my drives
• checked permissions on the files and folders
• run as administrator and tried to perform operations

I'm running Windows 10 Home 10.0.19043 Build 19043 on a Bootcamped Macbook Pro11,2.

TIA

Answer 1

I'm glad to help Captain. Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

Answer 2

Hi Captain. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activaiton, here to help you.

1. Here are fixes for the errors you posted:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/fix-unexpected-e... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

https://www.eassos.com/blog/fix-an-unexpected-e...

https://www.technipages.com/fix-an-unexpected-e...

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/w...

https://windowsreport.com/cant-delete-files-fol... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

https://appuals.com/are-you-sure-you-want-to-co... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

https://superuser.com/questions/403870/why-am-i...

https://help.fasterlaw.com/en/article/faster-dr...

https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/ghh...

https://www.eehelp.com/question/are-you-sure-yo...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFU9p8alaRw

2. If nothing for the errors works then try these fixes for File Explorer:

Right click Start button to open Task Manager, show More Details, then choose Processes tab, scroll down to Windows Processes, then further down almost to the bottom to Windows Explorer. Right click to Restart Explorer, then Restart PC.

https://allthings.how/13-ways-to-fix-file-explo...

https://www.easytutorial.com/fix-file-explorer-...

https://www.itechguides.com/how-to-repair-file-...

https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-file-explorer-not...

https://windowsreport.com/fix-file-explorer-pro...

https://appuals.com/file-explorer-not-loading-o... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix...

Feel free to ask any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

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Answer 3

Thanks for the info Greg, I’ll take your suggestions and let you know how it goes.

Much appreciated

Answer 4

Hi Greg,

Thanks again for the help.

I went through each of the troubleshooting guides you provided, unfortunately to no avail.

However, whilst going through this process, I discovered that the folder in question had been duplicated, (not sure how or when), on my BOOTCAMP (C:) drive and my external SSD (D:). Furthermore, the main app that had access to these files was using both locations simultaneously, (not sure how), causing some kind of conflict.

So, I backed up the files in question, deleted the folders from both drives, uninstalled the app, then reinstalled it.

Then wah-lah! It fixed the issue.

Thanks for your help

Kind Regards

Captain