Resolved Unable to delete folder - displays "Recycling"

I am unsuccessfully trying to delete a folder which contains one file named "BOOT.MSG" which is showing as an Outlook item. When I try to delete either the folder or the file a window is displayed saying "Recycling from <folder name>" and at this point the process hangs.
I am unable to rename either the file or the folder - Windows Explorer hangs on each occasion.
Both the file and folder are Read Only which I am unable to change - when I check the Read Only box in Properties then click "Apply" then "OK" they reamain as Read Only.
I made a copy of the folder (copy then paste) and now I have two folders which I can't delete.
I have full administrator rights, I have restarted the laptop, Windows updates are all up-to-date and installed, I have performed full scans for viruses, malware, spyware.
I have not yet torn my hair out but am fast approaching that disastrous next step!

 

Did you try deleting them in Safe mode?

 

Yes, with exactly the same results.

 

MalwareBytes (free) includes a tool called FileASSASSIN that can help delete locked files.

Another option is How to Take Ownership of an Item in Vista and Windows 7.

If that doesn't work either, you might try deleting it/them from a Recovery Console command prompt.

If that's a no-go as well, boot from a Knoppix Live CD (free) and you can delete whatever you like. (Be careful you don't destroy Windows).

 

MalwareBytes did the job.

Thank you for your help.

 

You're welcome. Thanks for letting us know.