Problem deleting a file!

[mahuta]

Hello,
I know this may be a duplicate of another topic somewhere or in a wrong forum. However I am in desperate need of help with this problem.

Simply, I have a video I want to delete but I can't! It's the only file I can't delete. When I try to delete it, it always says "This file is used by another program", but I am pretty sure it's not. I have tried the "take ownership" thing and used Safe Mode. Safe Mode has worked once and it fixed everything. But this time, I can't do anything! This file has some problem because the whole folder is messed up because of it. Last time, when I delete the file, the whole folder went back to normal.

Please help, I have been facing this problem for awhile now. Any help would be needed.

PS. Feel free to move or merge my topic just as long as I am given a link to the new one.
Thanks

 

[richc46]

Give this a try. Its for Seven and Vista
Folder - Delete from Command Prompt - Windows 7 Forums
if that does not work, this will
http://www.filehippo.com/download_unlocker/

 

[mahuta]

Okay, but does this work for a single file? I am trying to get a file path but I can only reach the folder containing the file.

 

[richc46]

Unlocker does work with files and folders.
Here is our tutorial for files
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/55728-file-delete-command-prompt.html
For Vista too

 

[mahuta]

Okay I am trying it and it's not working. Am I supposed to do it in safe mode?

EDIT: I'll try in safe mode and get back to you.

 

[mahuta]

Okay big problem I think.
So the file is delete and I was so happy until I tried to restart my computer in normal mode and I got errors right from the beginning.
Apparently there was a change detected that didn't allow windows to validate or start or something like that. They referred me to a link which told me to download something from microsoft.com. I ran the download and it tried to validate my windows. Then I got another error saying that the validation was interrupted and I have to buy the windows 7 with $150 I think.
What is going on?

 

[richc46]

Off the top, I would say that you deleted a file that you should not have. Dont worry we can solve this
First I think the notices are from malware and not Microsoft give no money and dont answer them.
See if you can start in safe mode

 

[mahuta]

Yes I can. I am in safe mode right now. But the file I deleted was just a normal file I downloaded from the internet. :S

 

[richc46]

OK good can you do a system restore?
If yes, go back to a week ago, if you had no problems then.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html

 

[mahuta]

I tried doing that right from the beginning,, but I found no restore points even though I do create some every now and then but it's been awhile.

Please tell me there's another solution..

 

[richc46]

See if this helps
If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options. Choose an option tht will not cause you to lose your stuff.

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.


Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.

• Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
• Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
• Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.

 

[mahuta]

Okay I will try this first thing tomorrow morning and get back to you! Thank you for your patience..I am in desperate need of such help.

 

[richc46]

Dont worry we can fix this.
In addition, look at the information that I sent, if you can get to any part of the OS, in safe mode etc, you can go that route.

 

[Slammer]

Just off the top of my head that sounds like something that'd happen if you have a pirated (illegal) version of windows. But there could be other reasons too of course. Anyway, it might help if you told us what kind of file you were trying to delete (name extension, purpose, etc) and where it was located, as well as the file you downloaded after getting that validation error (or the link you got it from; that'd be great if you wrote it down or could get back to it or something. That way we could tell if it was some sort of malware or not). Also, the exact error screen would help immensely. Can you get it to do all of that again and tell us all everything?

 

[mahuta]

Okay so here's the thing. Yesterday after my post I shut down the laptop and didn't touch it until now. Weirdly, it worked just fine and I am working on the normal mode. :S Was that just some temporary bug or something?

As for the windows version, I am 100% sure mine is original.

The file:
Video
Extension: .mp4
Location: RealPlayer Downloads
P.S All other RealPlayer downloads work just fine, every time I download this video..everything goes wrong.

The file I downloaded when I got the error: legitcheck.hta (HTML application). I am pretty reluctant to make it do all that again, I was really relieved when it worked. However like I said above, one of the errors I got was "Windows validation was interrupted" and another one about some change being detected that wasn't supposed to happen which didn't allow windows to start up or validate.

Is that at least a little helpful?

EDIT: If it's not disastrous, I could attach the file if you guys want.

 

[richc46]

First make a back up. You can use this software.
Make system restore points on a scheduled basis
Im sure that you have valid windows, I have not seen any indication of that. To be sure go to the desktop. Right click on the computer and then properties. In the lower right do you see the MS notification that you have a valid copy of windows?

Download this software and keep and UPDATE image of your hard drive for emergencies such as this. You may need an external hard drive and must schedule new back ups once a month. If not current, when you use it you will have a very old Windows, without changes that you made
Macrium Reflect Backup and Hard Disk Imaging for Windows 7, Vista, XP and Server 2003/2008
Things dont just happen. You did something (while following instructions) that fixed the problem.

 

[Slammer]

No you don't need to post it. If it's all fine now then great. If it's that same download that's giving you issues, (and I assume you're using the RealPlayer "Download this Video" button to download it based on it's location) then just don't download that video again? So just to be clear everything is working fine now?

 

[mahuta]

Yeah everything is fine right now and I am not willing to change anything haha.

Thanks for the software and everything, you guys are really helpful.

 

[richc46]

Glad that we were able to help. You are welcome to come back at any time, just to learn and have fun, even if you have no problems with Vista.

 

[mahuta]

Sure will. I like forums, I am an admin of one..so I know what you're talking about.