How to remove file in Vista

**Fryderyk** · 13-08-2008

I am running Win Vista on my system. Day before yesterday, I have downloaded a file which my friend had given me via USB pen drive. I saved it to my "D" drive and opened it. I then tried to remove it but unable to do so. How can I remove it successfully?

**Archibald** · 13-08-2008

Have a look at here.

Why can't I delete a file or folder?

**Fabian** · 13-08-2008

Could be a virus issue. Try to scan the file using the antivirus software. Also try to scan the file in safe mode or delete it in safe mode.

**Dutta** · 13-08-2008

Try to take the ownership of the files or folders (if it belongs to a user who don't exists or something similar) and then grant full control access permissions to Administrators group, which supposedly you’re a member of.

For Files:

takeown /f file_name /d y
icacls file_name /grant administrators:F

For Directories (will perform action recursively):

takeown /f directory_name /r /d y
icacls directory_name /grant administrators:F /t