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Cannot delete file [FIXED]

Cannot delete file [FIXED]

Postby phileysmiley » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:40 pm

Not sure what to do about this. I have a Seagate external HDD with an encryption folder. I decided that I didn't need any of the files in the encryption folder so I hooked up the drive to my Vista laptop. I opened the folder and went to delete all the files but there's one pesky file that I cannot delete because the name is too long. It says to rename it but within the encryption folder there is no rename option. So there is no way to delete it without renaming it, and there is no way to rename it.

Help!
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Re: Cannot delete file

Postby Grav!ty » Wed Dec 30, 2009 1:50 am

If you're using normal Windows encryption and not a third party program, try right clicking the folder>Properties, and then go to Attributes>Advanced in bottom section of the General tab and uncheck "Encrypt contents to secure data" and OK out of Properties. Not sure if you will need to do that to the specific file as well.
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Re: Cannot delete file

Postby jbullard » Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:01 am

Also, you might be able to rename it through command prompt. I think that it is not bound by the length of explorer.
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Re: Cannot delete file

Postby phileysmiley » Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:14 am

Grav!ty wrote:If you're using normal Windows encryption and not a third party program, try right clicking the folder>Properties, and then go to Attributes>Advanced in bottom section of the General tab and uncheck "Encrypt contents to secure data" and OK out of Properties. Not sure if you will need to do that to the specific file as well.

I tried that but there is no Properties option in the menu.
Only:
Play
Add to Windows Media player list
Open with...
Send to
>>> Compressed (zipped) folder
Desktop (create shortcut)
Documents
Mail Recipient
Toshiba Disc Creator (Audio)
Toshiba Disc Creator (Data)
Toshiba Disc Creator (Video)
DVD RW Drive (D:)
FreeAgent Drive (F:)

It won't allow drag & drop to anywhere. None of the Send to options work. All I get is a dialog saying Destination Path Too Long and that I must rename it.

jbullard wrote:Also, you might be able to rename it through command prompt. I think that it is not bound by the length of explorer.

Can you walk me through that?
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Re: Cannot delete file

Postby jbullard » Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:21 am

Sure. Goto start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt (Right click and select Run As Admin - Vista/7).

In order to change directory do something like

cd C:\My Folder

Delete a file
del this_file.txt

Rename

ren *.txt my_new_file_name.txt

You can use the wildcard symbols to get around long file names. Especially since there is only one file. :yesnod:
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Re: Cannot delete file

Postby phileysmiley » Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:38 am

I can't get past the del filename part. All I get is "not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.
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Re: Cannot delete file

Postby phileysmiley » Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:44 am

NM I got it. ^*^ :notworthy
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Re: Cannot delete file [FIXED]

Postby jbullard » Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:47 am

It was probably suppose to delete. I always get commands mixed up. :lol: Glad you got it fixed though.
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