can't delete an empty file on desktop

The "short" story:

I tried to open an email file (sent as an attachment) I forwarded on to my laptop. Nothing. (and before anyone asks, yes, it was a clean email...) FINALLY got the right combination in OE to let me read it and tried to save it on my desktop. Didn't work. Tried again. Bingo!

Unfortunately... the file name was too long, so there was no extension. ALSO, there were 2 files!? Tried to rename (add .eml extension) to 1st file and could not. Did on the 2nd and read it. Should not have bothered with this whole forwarding exercise... but THAT is a different story.

ANYWAY - the 1st file is empty (0 bytes). I've deleted the 2nd file off my desktop, but I can't do anything to get rid of the 1st. All I get is:

"Cannot delete file: Cannot read from the source file or disk "

Using:
XP
IE 7

So....... How do I make it go away?

 

Try this:

http://www.softwarepatch.com/software/moveonboot.html

mickzer.

 

No luck...

Any other ideas?

I am considering Wite-Out...

 

Have you tried deleting it in Safe Mode?
mickzer.

 

Yes. I get the same warning window...

 

OK, Try this:

http://www.filehippo.com/download_unlocker/

mickzer.

 

BINGO! That one worked!

THANK YOU!!!

 

Great!!!!
Just as well, I was running out of ideas...

mickzer.

 

Oops... I spoke too soon.

It's now stuck in a folder in my Temporary Internet Files....

This stupid file is starting to tick me off.........

 

Disk Cleanup should get rid of it from there (I hope)

mickzer.

 

No, it doesn't / won't / can't ...

The folder it is now in (inside the "Temporary Internet Files" folder is stuck (I now have 5 folders instead of the normal 4)) and I am STILL getting the:

"Cannot delete file: Cannot read from the source file or disk "

when I try and delete the file manually.

ATF-Cleaner & CCleaner won't remove it, either.

<sigh>

 

I don't suppose this will work either but it's worth a try:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/260897

mickzer.

EDIT: Same here with pics:
http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=193238606

 

nope...

Probably doesn't help that the instuctions do not match what I get when I try to follow those instructions.......

 

Hold the phone.......

Ya know, it's a good thing that nobody has EVER made me feel like an idiot whenever I've posted a problem here. Seems I can do that all by myself.

Unlocker got rid of it. I just had to do it TWICE.

Unlocker did remove the file initially, but placed it in a file folder in my "Temporary Internet File" folder. However, I couldn't remove the file from there (yes, the same problem that started this thread).

Well........ finally it dawned on me: What if I run "Unlocker" again and try to delete the folder that the file is stuck in?

D'uh!

It's gone, both the file folder and that PITA empty file.

Thank You, mickzer. Mission Accomplished!

 

Well, I hope it's gone for good this time


mickzer.