Windows 10: How to delete an undeletable PDF file? Been trying everything on internet for days.

Dell laptop, 5770, running Windows 11.We've been trying for days now to delete a PDF file with a "too long file name."Error: "There was an error while opening this document. The path does not exist."Nothing appears to resolve this issue:- Delete commands, Renaming to shorter file name, Rebooting machine, SafeMode, ioBitUnlocker would not install due to security risks..- One "internet solution" caused a second "undeletable Notepad file to be created"- Can't get rid of this PDF file, or the 2nd Notepad file, on our desktop- Need help with this please?Thank you all.

:)

 

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.

 

can't remove a pdf from my win10 desktop

Hi,



Thank you for your response.



We would suggest you to perform these steps and check.



Step 1:
Turn off Preview pane in Windows Explorer

1. 
   Open File Explorer, Click on View tab.
   
2. 
   Click on Preview option to hide or close
   
3. Click on Desktop from the Navigation pane. Then try deleting the file.

Step 2: Check the default PDF application

1. 
   Press Windows + I key to launch Windows Settings.
   
2. 
   Click on Apps and select Default apps from the left pane.
   
3. 
   Now scroll down and click on Choose default apps by file type.
   
4. 
   Scroll and look for .pdf, .pdxml, and .pdx file type, then click on the + sign to change it to Edge.
   
5. Then close Settings and try
   deleting the file.

Step 3: If the default app for PDF is Adobe Reader.

1. 
   Open Adobe Reader. Go to Edit.
   
2. 
   Choose Preferences.
   
3. 
   From the Categories on the left, select Security (Enhanced).
   
4. 
   Uncheck the Enable Enhanced Security option.
   
5. Try
   deleting the file

Regards,



Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Trouble Opening PDF's

Hi Parker,



Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community. We will assist you in resolving the issue.



Before assisting further, I would like to ask you few questions:

• Does the issue persist in Edge browser?
• Do you get similar error when you open the PDF file in Adobe reader?

Check if you are facing similar issue in Edge browser.



Step 1: Open PDF file in Adobe reader and check if you are facing similar issue.



To open PDF file directly from Adobe reader, follow the steps below:

• Open Adobe application and click on Edit.
• Click on Preferences and select Internet.
• Uncheck Display PDF in Browser option and check if you are able to open the PDF file without getting the error code.

Step 2: If you are able to open PDF file in Adobe reader, I suggest you to
Turn off Internet Explorer,
enable it again and check if the issue is resolved.



For further assistance, I suggest you to post your query in Adobe support forum.

https://forums.adobe.com/community/adobe_reader_forums



Thank you.