Weird file...

Link · 04-06-2004, 12:53 PM

There's a weird Winamp file on my computer, and I have no idea where it came from. No problem, you would think, just delete it, but I can't. If I try to delete it (right mouse - delete/ left-mouse - del or shift-del) my computer will tell me someone is using the file and therefore the file cannot be deleted. Even when I don't have any application running!!

I'm getting a little desperate because I don't trust this stupid file, so I was wondering how I could delete other than the methods I have tried so far. Should I try in DOS or something? Or is there some sort of nifty program for me that will help me get rid of this bugger?

SpiritWarrior · 04-06-2004, 12:59 PM

Do it in DOS, yeah. Use the del command.

Vaskez · 04-06-2004, 01:27 PM

This is like the 3rd time this month that someone has asked about this problem. Logical thinking: if something is using it, use task manager to shut down everything that isn't required by the system, or restart the comp. Anyway, DOS prompt should also do the trick as SW said.

Link · 04-06-2004, 01:39 PM

No it won't as it keeps telling it can't find the file, while it most definitely is there.

Vaskez · 04-06-2004, 01:58 PM

Have you written the name in dos format? I.e. the first 6 characters then ~# where # is the sequence no. then extension e.g. "thisismy text file.txt" would be called thisis~1.txt

Bungleau · 04-06-2004, 03:51 PM

What's the name of the file? That may have an impact.

You might try booting in safe mode and getting rid of it from there. Also, have you run Spybot and AdAware recently, just to make sure there are no leftover gremlins?

Failing that, I do know a way to get rid of reserve-named files (LPT1, etc.). If need be, we can get to that.

WillowIX · 04-06-2004, 04:47 PM

If it's an .avi file and you're using Windows XP it is a bug in Windows. There is a fix for this. Just google on delete avi file or something. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Link · 04-06-2004, 05:00 PM

Yes, it's an avi file. I'll try that Willow, thanks [img]smile.gif[/img]

Link · 04-06-2004, 05:16 PM

Okay guys, the bug that WillowIX described proved to be the exact thing that was causing the trouble. I have succeeded in clearing the file with the help of regedit [img]smile.gif[/img]

Thanks heaps!

04-06-2004, 12:59 PM	#2
SpiritWarrior Jack Burton Join Date: May 31, 2002 Location: Ireland Posts: 5,854	Do it in DOS, yeah. Use the del command. __________________ Still I feel like a child when I look at the moon, maybe I grew up a little too soon...

04-06-2004, 01:27 PM	#3
Vaskez Takhisis Follower Join Date: April 30, 2001 Location: szép Magyarország (well not right now) Posts: 5,089	This is like the 3rd time this month that someone has asked about this problem. Logical thinking: if something is using it, use task manager to shut down everything that isn't required by the system, or restart the comp. Anyway, DOS prompt should also do the trick as SW said. __________________ Too set in his ways to ever relate If he could set that aside, there'd be heaven to pay But weathered and aged, time swept him to grave Love conquers all? Damn, I'd say that area's gray

04-06-2004, 01:58 PM	#5
Vaskez Takhisis Follower Join Date: April 30, 2001 Location: szép Magyarország (well not right now) Posts: 5,089	Have you written the name in dos format? I.e. the first 6 characters then ~# where # is the sequence no. then extension e.g. "thisismy text file.txt" would be called thisis~1.txt __________________ Too set in his ways to ever relate If he could set that aside, there'd be heaven to pay But weathered and aged, time swept him to grave Love conquers all? Damn, I'd say that area's gray

04-06-2004, 03:51 PM	#6
Bungleau 40th Level Warrior Join Date: October 29, 2001 Location: Western Wilds of Michigan Posts: 11,752	What's the name of the file? That may have an impact. You might try booting in safe mode and getting rid of it from there. Also, have you run Spybot and AdAware recently, just to make sure there are no leftover gremlins? Failing that, I do know a way to get rid of reserve-named files (LPT1, etc.). If need be, we can get to that. __________________ B Save Early, Save Often Save Before, Save After Two-Star General, Spelling Soldiers -+-+-+ Give 'em a hug one more time. It might be the last.

04-06-2004, 04:47 PM	#7
WillowIX Apophis Join Date: July 10, 2001 Location: By a big blue lake, Canada Age: 49 Posts: 4,628	If it's an .avi file and you're using Windows XP it is a bug in Windows. There is a fix for this. Just google on delete avi file or something. [img]smile.gif[/img] __________________ Confuzzled by nature.

04-06-2004, 12:53 PM	#1
Link Jack Burton Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: The Netherlands Age: 39 Posts: 5,888	There's a weird Winamp file on my computer, and I have no idea where it came from. No problem, you would think, just delete it, but I can't. If I try to delete it (right mouse - delete/ left-mouse - del or shift-del) my computer will tell me someone is using the file and therefore the file cannot be deleted. Even when I don't have any application running!! I'm getting a little desperate because I don't trust this stupid file, so I was wondering how I could delete other than the methods I have tried so far. Should I try in DOS or something? Or is there some sort of nifty program for me that will help me get rid of this bugger?

04-06-2004, 01:39 PM	#4
Link Jack Burton Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: The Netherlands Age: 39 Posts: 5,888	No it won't as it keeps telling it can't find the file, while it most definitely is there.

04-06-2004, 05:00 PM	#8
Link Jack Burton Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: The Netherlands Age: 39 Posts: 5,888	Yes, it's an avi file. I'll try that Willow, thanks [img]smile.gif[/img]

04-06-2004, 05:16 PM	#9
Link Jack Burton Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: The Netherlands Age: 39 Posts: 5,888	Okay guys, the bug that WillowIX described proved to be the exact thing that was causing the trouble. I have succeeded in clearing the file with the help of regedit [img]smile.gif[/img] Thanks heaps!

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