File I can't take ownership of

Question

I downloaded a file from the internet (I can link to it here, but in the interests of not annoying other users, I won't post the link), and I can't delete the file with the message:

You need permission to perform this action You require permission from the computer's administrator to make changes to this file

Trouble is, I am the administrator and UAC is completely off.

If I go into the Properties/Security tab, I get the message

You do not have permission to view or edit this object's permission settings

Clicking "Advanced"/Owner, it says:

Current owner: Unable to display current owner.

If i try to change the owner, I get the same message:

Unable to set new owner on file Access is denied.

Answer 1

Give Unlocker a try. If there is any open file handle it will let you close it so you can successfully delete the file.

If that doesn't work for some reason, try BootDeleter. It will delete the file for you upon reboot, before Windows has a chance to lock it on you.

Both utilities are freeware.

Answer 2

Try Ultimate Windows Tweaker, which adds a "take ownership" element to the context menu.

Portable application, does not require an install.

Answer 3

I'm really distrustful of downloads that pull that kind of crap, assuming them to be hiding for a nefarious reason. I have two uninstallers on this machine- Unlocker and Revo. I use Unlocker 99% of the time because it gets it done.
I recommend you install either of these and use one to delete the download in question. In the case of Unlocker, after you have attempted to access the download, and after you quit the error mssg, Unlocker will auto-open. In the bottom- left corner, select delete. Go to the bottom right and click on "unlock" or "unlock all"

Finally, it does not matter that an app is being used by another individual or isn't. Unlocker knows that this error is often a ploy used by these stubborn things and Unlocker will attend to it.

Incidentally, as far as I'm concerned, posting the name/location of the offending download is a public service, not an annoyance.

Answer 4

Sometimes it just won't let you change permissions because some process is using the file, or if you are trying to edit a folder's properties, then a process has a file that is within that dir or subdir open.

I had the problem described today, and I solved it by opening Process Explorer. Then, I went to the "Find" Menu, and selected the "Find Handle or DLL" option. In the dialog that comes up, I searched for the name of the folder I was having issues with. The search results told me which process had an open file within the folder. I killed the process, and then I had no problems with that folder's permissions.

Answer 5

Thumbs up for Process Explorer, fixed it as I couldn't delete a subfolder of some TV episode I downloaded. Found out it was due to Windows Media Center that my XBOX360 invoked when I recently watched some streaming media on my TV via Windows Media Center app on it.

Answer 6

I've been trying things all day. The file I wanted to delete was a .wav file I created about a year ago that I had backed up on my external HDD. I tried alot of things but what I think fixed it was going to the recycle bin's properties, clicking on my hdd and checking off "Don't move files to the Recycle Bin." I still wasn't able to change the permissions at all but I was able to delete the file :) Day saved.