Need help with files that wont delete

[jediphx]

I know have at least 3 files on my desktop that will not delete, always says that it is being used by windows or another program. I have gone to dos prompt and tried to delete but no luck. my main HD is on sata adapter so if I boot to win98 boot disk of course it doesnt see it. These files are not viruses but I dont understand why I cant delete them. I have not even run them.

 

[mechBgon]

You're using Firefox, aren't you? Do not pick the desktop as the target location for files to download to, for starters. Now about getting rid of them:

1) boot into Safe Mode

2) Start > Run > CMD to get a command-line box.

3) Use the usual commands to change to your desktop directory: C:\Documents and settings\(username)\Desktop

4) Ctrl Alt Delete to get Task Manager. Kill Explorer.exe. The taskbar will go away.

5) Delete the files using the command-line box and the command Del filename.

6) Use Task Manager to do New Task explorer.exe.


I think I picked up that routine from The J, props to him if it works

 

[KoolDrew]

If you go into safe mode is it really nessacerry to use the command promt rather then just deleting them normally in safe mode?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
If you go into safe mode is it really nessacerry to use the command promt rather then just deleting them normally in safe mode?

I guess there's no harm in trying, but from what I've heard, it is necessary to use the command-prompt approach. Maybe jediphx can give us some feedback on that

 

[jediphx]

well just going into safemod does not work they still say their in use but if I choose safemod with command prompt they deleted fine and I didnt even have to end task on explorer. Thx guys

 

[fuzzynavel]

If these files are refusing to be deleted then are they somehow being referenced in the startup routine??

use msconfig to stop them running

 

[jediphx]

fuzzy they were not listed there

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: fuzzynavel
If these files are refusing to be deleted then are they somehow being referenced in the startup routine??

use msconfig to stop them running

If they were in msconfig it would not startup in safe mode

 

[imported_rhfactor]

If this is Windows XP, you can use the boot CD and go to repair console when it first loads up. Or you can change the Win 98 boot disk to load the SATA drivers.

 

[Odd Bob]

I don't know about the particular ones you're having problems with but I've been able to get rid of some files that wouldn't delete by dragging them into Norton Wipe Info