XP Gurus--I need help

[boxofrocks]

For some reason, even though I'm logged in as an administrator on my PC, I can't change the read only attributes of some of my files and folders (access denied). I sometimes can't delete files or folders, because they say they're in use (they're not). Sound like a virus/worm/trojan to you?

Any idea how I can change this? It's a big problem right now. It's only happening on my C drive--other internal and external drives not affected.

Thanks!!

[jamiewallace]

Try in command prompt.

attrib -r [drive:][path][filename]

DOS can be a little intimidating at first. You might find it easier to first create a new folder in C: drive. Name it aaa. This will show it at the top when you look for it. Now copy or move the files you are working with into this folder. Once the files are in that folder do the following.

cd aaa <enter>
dir <enter> This will show you the files in the folder
attrib -r *.* <enter> This will remove the read only attribute for all files in the folder

Stolen from here: http://www.techzonez.com/forums/arch...p/t-14762.html

[boxofrocks]

Originally Posted by jamiewallace

Try in command prompt.

attrib -r [drive:][path][filename]

DOS can be a little intimidating at first.

A little? I'm not sure about that.

[Ahh!]

Originally Posted by jamiewallace

Try in command prompt.

attrib -r [drive:][path][filename]

DOS can be a little intimidating at first. You might find it easier to first create a new folder in C: drive. Name it aaa. This will show it at the top when you look for it. Now copy or move the files you are working with into this folder. Once the files are in that folder do the following.

cd aaa <enter>
dir <enter> This will show you the files in the folder
attrib -r *.* <enter> This will remove the read only attribute for all files in the folder

Stolen from here: http://www.techzonez.com/forums/arch...p/t-14762.html

And if THAT doesn't work, try rebooting into SAFE MODE, and try it again...it may be locked by one of the various processes you didn't know were running.
And if THAT doesn't work, go to START, RUN, and type in MSCONFIG and Disable ALL on the STARTUP tab, and REBOOT to do your dirty work. REBOOT again and MSCONFIG should come up on the way up to remind you to turn everything back on that you Disabled. If MSCONFIG doesn't come up, do the START , RUN, and type back in MSCONFIG and Enable All

[darktiger]

This software will help with your files that are in use. I have been using this for about 2 years. It is awesome.

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

One reason why that file might be in use is that your virus scanner might be still scanning the file, or xp is indexing the file. There are many reasons. If you are afraid of virus use hijackthis to see if there are any weird programs. Also make sure you are using a good antivirus scanner and spyware/trojan scanner.

hijackthis
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/programs.php

[boxofrocks]

Originally Posted by darktiger

This software will help with your files that are in use. I have been using this for about 2 years. It is awesome.

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

One reason why that file might be in use is that your virus scanner might be still scanning the file, or xp is indexing the file. There are many reasons. If you are afraid of virus use hijackthis to see if there are any weird programs. Also make sure you are using a good antivirus scanner and spyware/trojan scanner.

hijackthis
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/programs.php

Cool--thanks a lot!

[Ahh!]

Originally Posted by darktiger

This software will help with your files that are in use. I have been using this for about 2 years. It is awesome.

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

One reason why that file might be in use is that your virus scanner might be still scanning the file, or xp is indexing the file. There are many reasons. If you are afraid of virus use hijackthis to see if there are any weird programs. Also make sure you are using a good antivirus scanner and spyware/trojan scanner.

hijackthis
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/programs.php

SLICK! Where was this when I was messing with the hard way!

[Hogleg 44]

Originally Posted by darktiger

This software will help with your files that are in use. I have been using this for about 2 years. It is awesome.

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

One reason why that file might be in use is that your virus scanner might be still scanning the file, or xp is indexing the file. There are many reasons. If you are afraid of virus use hijackthis to see if there are any weird programs. Also make sure you are using a good antivirus scanner and spyware/trojan scanner.

hijackthis
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/programs.php

Wow! That got rid of an empty folder that I have been trying to delete for over a year!!!
Thanks darktiger!!!

[mobilezen]

Originally Posted by boxofrocks

A little? I'm not sure about that.

DOS is easy...I love command line operating systems. Sometimes its faster to type out the command and the subcommands than it is to point and click.

[JamesB]

just a word of caution when using hijackthis

NEVER tell it to "fx" something unless you have some one decipher your hijackthis log. you can mess things up if you "fix" something that does not need fix'n

James

[darktiger]

But that Unlocker program is one of the best programs around. I use to have some folders that would never delete.

[srwatters]

% find . -name \* -exec chmod +w \{\} \;

Oops, wrong OS

[Ahh!]

Originally Posted by srwatters

% find . -name \* -exec chmod +w \{\} \;

Oops, wrong OS

Set switches, 100033[Write][Stop][Reset][ProgLoad]

Oops, wrong machine generation. ...Clicks up [More]Smiles :ancient geek:

Seriously that "unlock" does rock!

[engstrom]

Originally Posted by srwatters

% find . -name \* -exec chmod +w \{\} \;

Oops, wrong OS

Scott - I'm very very very sorry. Using the C Shell is a sure sign of old age. Korn/Bash is so much more evolved.

[srwatters]

Don't make me whip out my APL keyboard on you!