Delete files with access denied

After quite some time, I noticed McAfee got stuck on a certain file, so I went to investigate, and I was met with an error. Unfortunately, as soon as I clicked the "change" button, I was lead immediately to this screen without any further pop-ups. And so I thought to turn to CMD to try to delete it via the rd command to delete files.

I knew, however, that I ought to ensure all the attributes of the file are unticked. What else is there to try? It seems like, no matter how I attempt to handle the issue, my access gets denied. Was this reply helpful? Yes No. Sorry this didn't help. Thanks for your feedback. I've tried all the above steps with McAfee enabled and disabled, which shows that McAfee is not the variable here.

My anti-virus doesn't influence my access to my own files. It may warn me if I'm about to download something stupid, but it doesn't actually prevent me from doing stuff. I can disable most of its functionality. Edison Tse. Learn more Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use. There are a few different methods you can employ to delete this file for good, but before going through all of those steps, it is important to make sure that the file you are trying to delete is not currently in use.

If this is not the case, there are free third-part applications and simple command line tools you can use in order to forcibly delete a file or folder. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Method 1. Close any open programs. The most common cause of this error message is a program currently accessing the file you are trying to delete. For example, if you are trying to delete a document that is currently open in Word, or trying to delete a song that is currently playing.

Open the "Task Manager. Click on the "User Name" tab and find the entries under your username. Most of these programs can be ended without causing the system to crash. Close the programs you recognize. You can do this by selecting them and clicking "End Process. Restart your computer.

Oftentimes, restarting your computer will release the hold that a program had on a specific file. Try deleting the file after you have completed the restart and before you open any other programs. If the file still shows the error message, continue on to the next method. Method 2. Find a process unlocking program. All of these programs are free and integrate into your Windows interface.

If you choose to use Unlocker, be wary when navigating their website because there are numerous tricky ads that may lead to malware on your computer. Install the program. All of the programs have relatively simple installs.

Unzip the file if necessary and open the Setup or Install file. The typical installation settings will work for most users. Super User is a question and answer site for computer enthusiasts and power users. It only takes a minute to sign up. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. I'm using an elevated Command Prompt. I went into the Security properties of the executable. Highlighted are the odd permission entries which may be stopping me from deleting this file:.

Originally, it did not let me delete the entries; the option was greyed out. The error persisted. When I reopened the Advanced Security Settings, the entries were back. The parent folder of system. I have "show hidden files" on ProgramData.

I had to manually type the path in Windows Explorer's address bar. I am also not sure how to edit the properties of since I can not select it in the file hierarchy. This is my "chown. I've cobbled it together from various solutions Each time one doesn't work, I add more stuff. This has never failed me:.

Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Asked 6 years, 4 months ago. Active 3 months ago. Viewed 48k times. Attempting to delete the file through Windows Explorer yields the following: I went into the Security properties of the executable. Highlighted are the odd permission entries which may be stopping me from deleting this file: Originally, it did not let me delete the entries; the option was greyed out.

Improve this question. I say Reinstate Monica 24k 18 18 gold badges 90 90 silver badges bronze badges. Erik Humphrey Erik Humphrey 1 1 gold badge 1 1 silver badge 8 8 bronze badges. What about something many find effective, like unlocker?