Windows 10: How to access folder with Error 0x80070091: The directory is not empty?

Some backstory to understand my specific problem:

I used to have Wise Folder Hider to hide my folders in my External HDD#1 in case it gets stolen. I deleted everything later on that HDD#1 a friend borrowed it. Recently my Back up HDD#2 got lost, so I wanted to restore some data that I deleted from HDD#1 (mostly pic/videos from my camera).

When trying to restore data with Stellar, it showed a folder called '...' under 'hideFolder' directory, so I figured this was the data I locked previously with Wise Folder Hider and restored it to my internal HDD. However, now I can't access or delete the restored data, and it shows this error.

I know there are files in the restored folder, it has a size of few GB and shows deleting 1000ish files when I try to delete it before showing that error. So it looks like a problem with permission access from my limited understanding. I found other threads on how to delete these kinda folders, but I want the files inside it back, and there's no other way for me to get those back.

I have ran antivirus/check disk as admin, suggested on other threads but they didn't solve the problem.


Thank you in advance, I'd really appreciate if someone can find me a way to fix this.

:)

 

Unable to delete a folder-Error 0x80070091: the directory is not empty

Original Title[Error 0x80070091]

Hi there everyone I'm hoping you can help me.

I'm trying to delete a folder off my secondary HDD after installing a video game however I'm getting the following error "Error 0x80070091: the directory is not empty"

Now I've had a search around and ran a CHKDSK check on the drive and it's fine, also tried to delete the folder in safe mode and tried to use AVG shred feature all the no avail.

I am hoping you all have some further suggestions that I could try as this is starting to stress me about a little and I'm fearing HDD failure!!

Thank you in advance

 

error 0x80070091

Hi David, thanks for your question. I'm Graeme, a Microsoft Community expert and fellow user.

There are a number of suggestions to troubleshoot this error in the below article:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/error-0x80070091...

It suggests trying to rename the folder first, and if you can't do that then run Check Disk and restart Windows Explorer.

If you need assistance carrying out these steps or the problem persists, please let me know and I'll see what else we can try! Thanks!

Note: Non-Microsoft websites are linked. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised
on the site before you decide to download and install it.

 

error 0x80070091

Hi Laura,

Error code 0x80070091 normally indicates that the process to do system restore has failed or was not completed. Can you post back the steps you have performed to fix this error? Prior to this issue, were there any changes made in your computer? Was
there a recent update installed?

In the meantime, you may also check the following articles that may help you resolve the issue:

• System Restore error 0x80070091.
• Win 10 System Restore Fail 0x80070091
  

And based on different scenarios where you may restore Windows 10 from a system restore point, kindly check

Recovery options in Windows 10.

Let us know if the troubleshooting steps provided above works for you. Otherwise please get back to us with the answers to our inqury.