Delete files with unknown characters
mtth77
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vadim_de_developpez Posted messages 7 Status Member -
vadim_de_developpez Posted messages 7 Status Member -
Hello,
I wanted to tidy up a USB drive and came across a folder containing three files (300 MB total). One is simply named "#" and Windows cannot read the names of the other two, a small square appears in place of the name.
I cannot delete the files; I receive the following error message:
"Cannot delete File: Cannot read from the source file or disk."
I get the same error message when I try to rename or move them. I also tried using the terminal without success.
With about fifteen gigabytes of data on the drive, I'd like to avoid formatting it by temporarily transferring the data to the hard drive.
Do you have any ideas?
Thank you
Configuration: Windows XP / Firefox 14.0.1
I wanted to tidy up a USB drive and came across a folder containing three files (300 MB total). One is simply named "#" and Windows cannot read the names of the other two, a small square appears in place of the name.
I cannot delete the files; I receive the following error message:
"Cannot delete File: Cannot read from the source file or disk."
I get the same error message when I try to rename or move them. I also tried using the terminal without success.
With about fifteen gigabytes of data on the drive, I'd like to avoid formatting it by temporarily transferring the data to the hard drive.
Do you have any ideas?
Thank you
Configuration: Windows XP / Firefox 14.0.1
11 answers
Honestly, host your files on another hard drive or virtual one, then format the USB stick; it's the simplest and most effective way. See you!
All you need to do is rename the parent folders to at least one character starting from the first folder to the last subfolder.
In reality, it's the full name of the directory structure that is long, meaning from the name of the first folder to the file that cannot be deleted, the total number of characters exceeds 255, so they need to be reduced.
In reality, it's the full name of the directory structure that is long, meaning from the name of the first folder to the file that cannot be deleted, the total number of characters exceeds 255, so they need to be reduced.
Hi,
try compressing these files by deleting the original files and then deleting the compressed files.
try compressing these files by deleting the original files and then deleting the compressed files.
Thank you for your response. But I can't compress them, either with Windows or 7-Zip.
("The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect.")
("The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect.")
Or you can try to create the same files with the same extensions to see their extension. You need to go to folder options and then "show hidden files," and then move those files to the location of the impossible files to replace them and then delete them.
The last thing I can suggest is to go here: https://www.commentcamarche.net/informatique/windows/233-supprimer-un-fichier-impossible-a-effacer-sous-windows/
see you+
see you+
Thank you for all these tips.
It doesn't work with WinRAR either.
I didn't quite understand your second suggestion.
I'll try at home, as the downloading and software installation capabilities are quite limited at my job....
It doesn't work with WinRAR either.
I didn't quite understand your second suggestion.
I'll try at home, as the downloading and software installation capabilities are quite limited at my job....
RADICAL, but it works. I had exactly the same issue: a small square instead of the file name.
However, I don't understand where this abnormal file came from.
Maybe a virus since there's no way to delete it (?)