How do you delete an undeletable 0 byte file?

Question

I have a file on my desktop that is zero bytes, and it won't let me delete it, because apparently, it doesn't exist... Any ideas on how to get rid of it?

Answer 1

Download and install Unlocker. This pgm will delete ANYTHING, even IE and it is free:



http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

Answer 2

As the previous answerer said, Unlocker is very good. One thing I have noticed with some USB sticks, though--sometimes they will just "lock up" and refuse to let you write to them. I'm not sure why this happens, but I haven't found any solution. If Unlocker doesn't work for you, you might need to think about some new thumb drives.

Answer 3

In Windows Explorer go to Tools - Folder Options - View and click the Do not show hidden files and folders. It will then likely remain hidden. It's there for a reason and also undeletable for a reason.

Answer 4

Try changing the file extension to end in .txt then open it up in Notepad and enter "goodbye whatever virus is holding onto this file" then save it and then delete it.



You might also try a DOS command called

chkdsk /r

I prefer the /r flag.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CHKDSK

For more reading

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=how+to+delete+a+zero+byte+file

Answer 5

try restarting your computer