Windows 10: Unable to remove a file

Hi there,
I have noticed that during backups that one of my files can't be removed.
It's actually an old short cut and when I right click on it I only get two options, "Print" and "Send to".
When I hit delete, I get the error "source path too long"...."the source file name(s) are larger than is supported by the file system".
The file name is 206 characters.
Any ideas please?
Thanks
Paul

:)

 

unable to remove a file on a n95

when I go into app manger to remove a game call need for speed.when I try to remove it's saying unable to remove then moving faled

 

unable to remove a file on a n95

press the menu button..and hold it..see what it shows you on your left corner...most probably the game open because we just cancel or end the game and think that application is closed. thats why its giving you that message cant remove.if it open then press
"c" and exit that game and then remove from application manager

 

Hi, you need to reduce the path length. There are many references and solutions posted on the internet. Essentially try renaming elements of the path so the total path + file name is < 255.

Here's just one:
How to fix Path Too Long and File Name is Too Long errors in Windows 2016 - YouTube

You can also use 3rd party tools to help e.g.
7-zip:
"Source Path Too Long": How to Delete, Rename or Move these files/ folders in Windows | Easy Tipz
Robocopy:
Clint Boessen's Blog: How to Delete Files which exceed 255 Characters Without 3rd Party Tools

 

Ok will try that but note that as far as I can tell, the name is only 206 long.
Just saw that the path is included in the number and that would definitely make it over 255.

 

It's the total path name size - that's all the folders + file name- that matters.

 

Thanks again dalchina and will have a go tomorrow now.

 

Hi Dalchina,
Well that was a very easy fix! Just reduced the folder names to a single letter each and the shortcut deleted straight away.
Thanks, again!
Cheers
Paul

 

Good. Seems sad we still need a workaround to deal with such things.

 

Hi Dalchina,
(sorry maybe I should have started a new thread)
I have just found another folder with sub folders that I can't remove. I think it was an empty windows(old) folder.
I have reduced the length of the path and that didn't work.
The error says:
"Could not find this item"
"This is no longer located at C:\users\paul\desktop"
"Verify the items location and try again"
I have tried a few options from searches but not luck.
I can cut and paste it from one drive to the other no problem which is why it's on the desktop.
Please let me know if I should start a new thread.
Thanks
Paul

 

Delete Windows.old Folder in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

If that's the Windows.old you're referring to.

That would exist if you've done an upgrade to 1607 recently, or an in-place upgrade repair install. Otherwise it would automatically be deleted by Windows - 10 days after a 1607 upgrade.

 

Yes I think it's an old Windows folder but from last year when I had a rebuild but it didn't delete automatically and I recall the folder was called windows(old) or something like that. I tried to empty the contents and then the folders but that just left a set of empty folders (8) that I can't get rid of.
I just tried to transfer the folder set to a portable hard drive and it copied all folders but the last in the sequence call "shellext". It left the full folder set on my desktop but I could delete it on the portable drive.
They are not doing any harm but it annoys me that I can't delete them.
I also had a windows upgrade folder but I got rid of that by uninstalling the program windows upgrade assistant.
Thoughts please?

 

Use a bootable disk, boot your PC from that, and delete your file/folder.

Use Kyhi's bootable DVD or flash drive (at the top of the Software and Apps section) for a Win 10 environment, or a Win 10 bootable medium for command prompt.

Or boot to a command prompt via SHIFT left click restart.

 

Ok I'm always nervous when I start booting this way.
Just so that I am clear, I boot up using a windows repair disk, boot to a command prompt, navigate to the folder location and delete? Yes, no?

 

I think you'd be more comfortable with this:
Kyhi's bootable DVD (see previous post).