Windows Vista File Won't Delete

I loaned my USB/flash drive to a friend, and when I got it back it had some new files on it. I deleted most of the files, but one folder won't delete. Every time I try to delete the folder they're in ( "CRIF "), or any of the folders or files within that, I get two error messages. The first says the file is a system file, and I confirm that I want to delete it. The second says the file name is too long or not valid.

Based on the error message, I believe that the problem is that the file names have some very strange characters in them (e.g., "«ufV▒ ╗.╕─R "). However, the computer also won't allow me to rename any of these files or folders. I want to get rid of these files, but I have no idea how. Please help.

Thanks.

 

Hi danthro and welcome to the WindowsBBS. If you don't want any of the files on the USB/Flash drive have you tried just formatting it. That should override any system or locked files and give you a clean drive. You will however lose all files on that drive.

 

Thanks, That did the trick! Sometimes one misses the most obvious solutions. Appreciate it.

 

You're welcome, glad that worked for you.