Windows 10: Cannot delete file

Discus and support Cannot delete file in Windows 10 Customization to solve the problem; I use gvim to edit a file named "expr.ml" and somehow another file named "expr.ml~" appears beside "expr.ml". I tried to delete "expr.ml~" but with no... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Customization' started by Kevin_KK, Oct 8, 2018.

  1. Kevin_KK Win User

    Cannot delete file


    I use gvim to edit a file named "expr.ml" and somehow another file named "expr.ml~" appears beside "expr.ml". I tried to delete "expr.ml~" but with no luck.


    I've tried:

    • Right click > Delete. It says "Preparing to cancel" (Cancel what?!) while at the same time "Preparing to recycle", and hangs.
    • Right click > Properties. Nothing happens (No pop-out menu!)
    • Keyboard "Shift+Delete". Same as above.
    • Go to cmd (Administrator) > cd to directory > del "expr.ml~". It hangs forever.
    • Go to cmd (Administrator) > cd to directory > rename "expr.ml~" "x.txt". It hangs forever.
    • Go to cmd (Administrator) > cd to directory > gzip "expr.ml~". Well we all know gzip will remove the original file once compressed. However, it hangs forever.
    • Go to cmd (Administrator) > cd to directory > python -c "import os; os.remove(r'expr.ml~')". It hangs forever.
    • Go to cmd (Administrator) > cd to directory > type "expr.ml~". It hangs forever.
    • Go to cmd (Administrator) > cd to directory > python -c "print(open(r'expr.ml~', 'r').read())". It hangs forever.
    • Go to cmd (Administrator) > cd to directory > python -c "open(r'expr.ml~', 'w').close()". It hangs forever.
    • Go to Ubuntu 16.04 WSL > cd to directory (under /mnt/ of course) > sudo rm 'expr.ml~'. It hangs forever.

    It seems that I've exhausted all possible means to delete a file I could ever thought of. Nothing works. Any suggestions? Thanks!

    :)
     
    Kevin_KK, Oct 8, 2018
    #1
  2. Alden Rey Win User

    deleting hard drive files

    Hi,

    May we know what type of file are you trying to delete? Would it be Office documents, media files, or picture files? If you're trying to delete files for free some space on your device. We suggest to perform a Disc Cleanup. Kindly follow the steps below to
    perform the task:

    • Type in Cortana Disc Cleanup
    • Choose the files to delete
    • Click on "Clean up system files"
    • Click on Ok

    For any concerns, don't hesitate to get back to us.

    Regards.
     
    Alden Rey, Oct 8, 2018
    #2
  3. MohanC Win User
    windows 10 deleted my desktop files

    Step 1 - I upgraded to Win 10 and lost all my files on Desktop.

    Step 2 - Found the files in Network - USers- Desktop

    copied all files again to desktop.

    Step 3- Restarted my machine again and lost desktop files again.

    Step 4 - As suggested did the following as listed below but dont find my files.

    • Press “Windows + E”, open This PC/Computer
    • Open Local Disc C, open Windows.old
    • Click on Users, select your User name
    • Go to desktop folder
    Cant find my files. Why is Win 10 deleted files again and again from Desktop ?.
     
    MohanC, Oct 8, 2018
    #3
  4. Arun B J Win User

    Cannot delete file

    Delete and Cut Files with Preview Pane Open

    Hi,

    Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

    I understand your concern and will assist you to resolve this issue.

    • Have you tried to delete the pdf file in preview panel?
    • What exactly happens when try to delete the pdf file?

    I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.


    • Open File Explorer.

    • Select View and click on preview panel.

    • Select the pdf file.

    • At the right corner you will be able to see preview panel.

    • You can right click on it and delete the files.

    Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help.
     
    Arun B J, Oct 8, 2018
    #4
Thema:

Cannot delete file

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