Font Cache Files not deleting

Question

I'm trying to clear the Font Cache and followed all the steps.

1 - stop the Windows font Cache Service

2 - delete font cache files under windows, ServiceProfiles, local services, AppData, Local, FontCache - Some files delete but others still say they are open in a program, but it doesn't say which program

3 - also deleted the FNTCACHE.DAT file

4 - started the Cache service again and restarted computer

Fonts are still cutting off at K in powerpoint.

I also updated office.

Are there any other services I need to stop to be able to delete all the FontCache files?

Answer 1

Hi,

Please try Safe mode.

Please open the Windows Recovery environment using either of the steps below:

On the Lock Screen, Press and hold the Shift key. Then, click the restart button on the lock screen located at the bottom right situated in the Power menu, to open the Windows Recovery options.

If you cannot reach the Lock screen or start your computer, restart your PC two times when the boot screen is shown. If your PC has no restart button, press and hold the Power button until the computer shuts down. Do this twice.

On the third time, windows should open Windows Recovery options automatically.

In the Windows Recovery menu,

Select the Troubleshoot option.

Then, select Advanced Options.

Click Startup Settings as the next step.

Click the Restart button.

Click five or F5 to Start the computer in Safe Mode with Networking.

I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

Otherwise, please take a moment to rate the answer. Wishing you good luck!

Answer 2

To resolve issues with the Font Cache files not deleting, you can try the following additional steps:

1. Stop Additional Services: Besides the Windows Font Cache Service, consider stopping the following services:
   • Windows Search: This service may also be using font cache files. You can stop it by searching for services.msc, locating Windows Search, right-clicking it, and selecting Stop.
   • Print Spooler: If any print jobs are pending, the Print Spooler might be using font cache files. Stop it in the same way as above.
2. Safe Mode: Boot your computer into Safe Mode. This can prevent other applications from accessing the font cache files, allowing you to delete them more easily.
3. Check for Running Applications: Ensure that no applications that might be using the fonts are running. Sometimes, applications like PowerPoint may hold onto font resources even when closed.
4. Use Command Prompt: You can also try using Command Prompt to delete the font cache files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command:

      del %windir%\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\FontCache*.*
   

After performing these steps, restart your computer and check if the issue with fonts in PowerPoint persists. If the problem continues, consider checking for any updates or repairs for Microsoft Office.

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References:

• Fix problems in Windows Search
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-080 - Critical
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-097 - Critical
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-132 - Critical
• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-078 - Critical