Solved can't delete an .AVI file

[stelarge]

I have found a .AVI file on my desktop
BBC_4.AVI
I don't know what it is or where it's from.
I had BBC iplayer a while ago but that was un-installed a long time ago.
I have tried changing the extension and still it remains.
after hitting delete it says are you sure, and i hit yes, it asks me to confirm, i hit continue and then it says you need permission. and try again or cancel comes up.

I just want to get rid of it..any ideas guys?

 

[Lorien]

Right click on the file and click on Properties and then on Security Tab. Add youself with full rights. Click on Advanced and do the same thing in the Special Permissions section. Then click on the Ownership tab and change the owner to yourself. Now see if you can delete it.

Just in case, here's some information about permissions and ownership which may help if you run into problems or want more detailed instructions:

To see your permissions, right click the folder/file, click on properties, and check out the security tab. Check to see what permissions you have by clicking on your username (or user group). Here are the types of permissions you can have: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/What-are-permissions. You need to be an administrator or the owner to change permissions (and sometimes being an administrator or even an owner isn't enough - there are ways to block even them from access (though a smart administrator knows these ways and can get around them - but usually shouldn't because they were denied access usually for a very good reason).


To fix this problem with the file, take ownership of the file (as an administrator) and give yourself full rights. Right click the file, click on properties, go to the security tab and click on Advanced and then click on the Owner tab. Click edit and then click the name of the person you want to give ownership to (you may need to add it if it isn't there - or it may be yourself). If you want it to apply to sub-folders and files within that folder/drive, then check the box for replace owner on sub-containers and objects and click OK. Back out and now there's a new owner for the file who can change permissions as needed. Here's more information on taking ownership of a file or folder: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/67717-take-ownership-file.html.


If permissions and ownership don't work, try using one of the following free products to delete the file. Unlocker at: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Unlocker.shtml or File Assassin http://www.malwarebytes.org/fileassassin.php (with or without Force Delete: http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/12/27/force-delete-cannot-delete-locked-or-in-used-files-or-folders-with-fileassassin/). These programs often work when normal Vista delete functions fail to operate properly.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

 

[stelarge]

Thankyou Lorien, I used the file assassin method and zapped it.

 

[Lorien]

Excellent! It was my pleasure - glad I could help.

Anytime you have a question or problem, you know where to find us.

Good luck and best wishes!