On Windows Server 2019, it is not possible to delete the folder COM1.

Question

I was able to return ownership of the folder to the Administrators group since I was a member of that group. It did not, however, permit the removal of folders using the File Explorer interface.

After that, I attempted to delete the directory from a DOS prompt.

rmdir?x:path to folder>:COM1 rmdir?x:path to folder>:COM1 rmdir?x:path to folder>:COM1 rmdir?x:path to folder>:COM1

As a result, "Access refused" is shown.

After that, I attempted to rename the folder.

".C:path to folder>" is a ren command.

COM1 TEMP is an abbreviation for "Common 1 Temperature."

As a result, "Access refused" is shown.

The folder seems to be shared in File Explorer, but when you click to Advanced Options, it does not appear to be a shared folder. It also does not appear as a shared folder in the Computer Management interface either.

I attempted to run the attrib command from a DOS prompt without success. It will reveal the properties of the folder, as well as its contents (only Archive shows). When attempting to set characteristics, the following results:

The requested path could not be found. - www.com1.com

I'm running out of creative ideas. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Have a look at this thread.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/676619/can39t-delete-folder-called-com1-on-windows-server.html