Can't delete folder because it's not there...apparently!

[StevieM]

I have a folder on my desktop that I can't delete because it cannot be found. I can open the folder and see the one file that it contains (which also cannot be deleted) from the desktop and by navigating to the desktop folder. I can also access the folder's properties. Does anyone have any idea how I can get rid of a folder that isn't really there?

[fairm010]

I had this on a file server I was retiring. To delete it install this UNLOCKER 1.9.2 BY CEDRICK 'NITCH' COLLOMB then right click > Unlocker > delete.

[StevieM]

Thanks but I've just tried to download it and it's blocked as malware/phishing.

[fairm010]

Here: Unlocker1.9.2 (1).exe - Send Files Online - TempSend.com

 

I got false positives for it as it does hook into things that maybe it shouldn't.

[featured_spectre]

IF that doesn't work, Put the drive into a caddy, and do it from command prompt on another machine. Works for me without issue if I can't delete it whilst windows is running.

[StevieM]

Thanks, guys. Decided it would be easier just to relocate the Desktop folder pointer. I've already relocated the libraries onto my D: drive so it made sense to put the Desktop there too.

[Arthur]

Thanks but I've just tried to download it and it's blocked as malware/phishing.

The installer for Unlocker includes some bundled crapware (a.k.a the Delta Toolbar).

 

Google Chrome also prevents the file from being downloaded.

 

[Arthur]

7-Zip's File Manager might be worth a try. It allows you to delete files and folders with long names.

[foofighterjim]

I usually find using rmdir in cmd gets rid of these types of folders / files easily.

[StevieM]

Done it! Even though I'm not using the default desktop folder anymore, it was still niggling me. 7-Zip didn't work, nor did rmdir, but I managed to delete the one file from inside the folder using the command prompt. Once that was gone, I was able to delete the folder through Explorer (if it's still called that).

[mac_shinobi]

Not sure how much use this is as seems you have already deleted the file / folder ( whatever ) but I know on client machines that the igfxpers.exe runs in the background and have had multiple users delete a folder and the icon for said folder or document stays on the desktop but if you try to delete or remove said item(s) again you get an error like that

 

If you navigate the usual path to get to the desktop through windows explorer so C:\Users\\Desktop\

 

Does said item ( whether a folder or file ) still show up there or does it only appear as an icon on the desktop ?

 

I basically had to use msconfig and task manager ( processes tab ) to stop igfxpers.exe from running and then refresh the desktop by pressing F5 and then the item(s) vanished from view on the desktop and said users haven't had the issue re-occur again

 

I know you said it was a server , not sure if said server uses or has an onboard Intel graphics card ?

 

Anyway just something that may help ( possibly ), if not then no loss / harm or foul done