Windows folders exist but don't exist (Access is denied)

Question

I have just deleted 3 folders from a directory. 2 of the folders have been deleted and gone, the third remains. The delete completed successfully. I used shift-delete to avoid the recycle bin. Clicking on the folder gives 'Access is denied'. Programmatic tests show the folder "does not exist" but can't be created either.

This is on Windows XP 64-bit.

Does anyone know why this happens and how I can fix it? Will try a reboot but even if that works still interested in the underlying reason.

Answer 1

As @Krazy_Kaos was saying, most likely a process has the directory or file open. I use Process Explorer from Sysinternals to fix this issue. Use the search feature of process explorer and search for the file or directory that isn't about to be deleted, it will return the process and handle that is using it, then use process explorer to kill the handle or process.

Answer 2

If this is not a program that is blocking the deletion, check the Security tab in the directory properties to view if you have the rights on the directory.

Answer 3

On my long gone days with Windows I ran into the same problem, the solution I found was one of these programs:

• Unlocker - It usually solved the problem , if the problem was that the file was locked by some process:

But if even that wouldn't solve it, I would use:

• MoveOnBoot - With this program, I could move, or delete the file on the next boot