Unable to delete read-only attribute folder - access denied

Hi,

I've been trying to remove quite a few (>10) read-only folders & their
subfolders by following the workaround instructions found at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256614, but I'm still unable to remove the
folders.

I created a new registry key UseSystemForSystemFolders and modified the new
value to Type 1 in Registry Editor. Then I tried to use the attrib command
prompt to change the read-only attribute by using attrib -r +s C:\V\Vids. But
it says Access denied.

What else can I do to get rid of these folders? Someone please help me out,
thanks very much in advance!

Sincerely,
Regine

Login to an account that has Administrator privileges on the computer, and
take ownership of the folders first, before trying to remove them.
If you are unsure how to take ownership, search the kb for an article on it.

"take ownership of the folders first".

I'm already logged in with Administrator rights..

As all folders in the NTSC file system have the read only attribute (and
which it is stated that XP ignores the setting anyway),
it is rather hard to see what the attribute has to do with your problem.

I have deleted lots and lots and lots of folders with no problems at all.
Of course, my unprivileged account owned the folders,
or I was using an administrator account.

That would be unsusual; they don't here. Some - yes, all - no.

The RO attribute is not ignored, it just doesn't mean what it says.

True.

Even administrator's have (temporary) problems deleting stuff where they
don't have access rights. Taking ownership usually helps.

[mpshui]

Dont know if anyone is reading this, but I too experienced the same problem.

I followed the instructions in Microsoft KB256614, and that did not work. I also took ownership of the folder/files, eventhough I didnt need to. The files and folder still show up as read only. I played arround with the attrib command in the CMD window, and that was no help......I need help.....Thanks

The read-only attribute on a folder doesn't mean the folder is read-only
to the user, as it does with files. Read-only files are deletable, and
so are folders UNLESS they are system files or have had their attributes
set to be system files. Windows won't allow you to delete a system
folder or a system file.
If it's a user-created folder/file then the user can change the
attributes to remove the read-only from the files but it's not necessary
to do so to delete t hem. You'll simply get an extra confimation
message asking if you really want to delete that read-only
file/filter/whatever.
But if it's marked as a system file, windows will not allow the
deletions.
Unless they've been marked as system files/folders, I know of nothign
that would prevent a user from taking ownership if he were admin and had
the privileges, and deleting them. Again, as long as they aren't system
files/folders etc.. Windows won't allow them to be deleted because
system files are what the system IS and may crash without them.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326549
You cannot change the read-only attribute on folders in XP.

[mausingh]

Hi. I runned into that problem too. And

after days of searching I finally found

this software: Delete Long Path File Tool.

It's GREAT. You can find it here:

[Brian MCITP]

Viruses and malware can play HORRIBLE tricks with files/folders

Right click the file folder in windows explorer and select "properties"

select the "security" tab on the window that pops up, and make sure you have the "full control" or at least the 'delete' special permission listed under the advanced section

if all else fails, create a ubuntu live cd, boot to it, and normally you delete it from within the system image there

Good luck!

[foodtechguy]

I know this thread is over a year old but wanted any new comers to make sure everyone add(s)(ed) an " infront of the directory and at the end if there are any spaces in the location.

example because I am bad at explaining things sometimes.

Good:
Del "C:\Documents and Settings\User\My Documents\file.txt"
Deleted File ...\file.txt

Bad C:\Documents and Settings\User\My Documents\file.txt
The system cannot find the path specified

If it wasn't mentioned If you get Access Denied error and do not know why it might be because it is being accessed by another program.