[SOLVED] Unable to Delete a File: Access Denied

[EDIT]

I managed to get rid of the folder.

I did a full power cycle, then had McAfee do a full computer scan.

I deleted some suspect files and then did another powercycle.

After that, the folder that was giving me a headache was gone.

[Original Post]

I've been unable to delete a file and I've looked everywhere and have been unable to find an answer.

Earlier today, I installed the MiKTeX LaTeX IDE, but it didn't download completely due to a fatal error. It was downloaded into a file on my desktop.

I began running it through the McAfee Security's Shredder feature, which deletes files in a manner that leaves no trace, making it cleaner for uninstalling programs than uninstallers or simply deleting files.

In the meantime, I installed TeX Live which actually worked.

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.

I found this extremely odd because I'm the administrator for the computer.

In fact, this is my personal laptop, and, as such, I'm the only user.

"Well, no problem", I thought, "I can take ownership of the file."

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.

Right:

And?

Access Denied:

I tried using CMD anyways, to no avail:

At this point, I've tried:

Running the MiKTeX Uninstaller, which deleted absolutely nothing.

Trying to use the "delete" function, to which my access was denied.

Use the McAfee Shredder, which I assume is unable to shred files I don't have access to.

Take ownership of the file, to which my access was denied.

Adjust the folder's attribute so that it is not Read-Only, to which my access was denied.

Adjust the UAC settings in case that is the problem.

Tried to delete the folder via CMD, to which the access was denied.

What else is there to try? It seems like, no matter how I attempt to handle the issue, my access gets denied.

Have you tried the other thing.  Uninstall McAfee using the makers uninstall tool.
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since 1952
lacrumb

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I don't see how uninstalling my anti-virus is going to help me delete a file.

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.

Thanks for the suggestion though. Will keep trying.

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Last updated May 7, 2024 Views 2,342 Applies to: