Undeletable System Folder on Desktop

I have a folder that is on the desktop that has no name and is undeletable.

I think it was the result of the outlook update that had the folder named "~ ". When I tried to delete it, I accidently renamed it to nothing.

The following options are available on right click:

- Open
- Explore
- Create Shortcut
- Properties

All produce an error message. I also tried shift - delete and that does not work.

Where can I find this folder in the registry so it can be deleted?

Thanks,

Chris

 

Hi

Have a look at these

http://filext.com/faq/article.php?id=002

http://www.pchell.com/support/tildefile.shtml

Hope this helps

 

Chris, Some useful tips in P3-450's post.
If it still persists, you can always delete (and lose it) using
DOS.
You will need to exit to DOS or boot with an ERU Windows
floppy.
At a command prompt, to see the correct DOS name of the Folder, type
dir /p C:\Windows\desktop
then c:\windows\deltree.exe /Y C:\Windows\desktop\~
- if the dir command shows a different name to ~ ,
type that instead of ~
regards

 

Hi:

I have tried the above, but the folder is not visible in DOS because it has no name.

The other articles are good for the "~ ", but mine has no name.

I was thinking there must be some trace of this file in the registry.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks,

Chris

 

I've got a few ideas but I am most curious if:
*Rightclcik Startbutton and choose "explore "
*Once in winexplorer using the toolbar, do you have the option of "undo rename" under the button "Edit "?
*If so use it, does it revert the renamed file back to the original?

What is this system file?

Are you sure this is not the infamous backup of the addressbook?

What does a properties check tell you the name is?

===========
While I don't recommend deleting this until you know for sure what it is:

This freeware version of this shareware tool may help. It will Move, Rename, and delete the seemable unmovable, unrenameable, undeleteable:
The Tool is called "MoveOnBoot "
http://www.gibinsoft.net/gipoutils/

The older freeware versions are on the bottom. Here's a direct link in case you can't find it:
http://www.gibinsoft.net/gipoutils/bin/moveonb.exe

 

Ann, Poster says no response to R/L clicks.
I think maybe two Folders on the PC with the name Desktop,
one as usual in Windows and the other ???
There is no way a DOS DIR is not going to show up a Folder,
whatever it is called.
regards

 

Hi Merlin,

I must have blocked out the part where poster explained that there was no response to his rightclick options on the file. The part that stuck was that he had rightclick options.

I just got a little ahead of myself cause these kind of mysteries always peak my interest and get me a little excited....

 

In the registry go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace

In the NameSpace key you'll see several subkeys with with long names that contain a bunch of letters and numbers. Some of them are legitimate. The ones that belong there are obviious. If you click on one of the subkeys and have a look in the right pane you'll see that the data in the key may say My Computer, Recycle Bin etc. Leave these alone. Click on each one and if you find one that's empty in the right pane, delete it and your folder should be gone (hopefully anyway) . As always, backup the key before you delete it just in case.


Edit: It may require a reboot for it to take effect. Don't remember for sure or not.

 

Thanks Zander!

The folder is now gone, that did it.

Have a great day.

Also, thanks to all the other posts for your help too.

Chris

 

Glad to hear it. Thanks for posting back with the results.

 

Complements Zander !
Your KB is astounding . . .
regards