Unable to Delete Files -- File Name Too Long

I copied all of the files under C:\Users\<userid> to a backup drive (NTFS). I then tried to delete the Temporary Internet Files folder. I go an error message saying:

The file name(s) would be too long for the destination folder. You can shorten the file name and try again, or try a location that has a shorter path.

When I drilled down to where the problem files were I saw a bunch of files with very long names. I right clicked on one (hoping to rename it) and the only options available were: Open, Pin to Start Menu, Send to. Delete, Rename and Properties were missing.

How do I get rid of these files without having to reformat the drive?

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Answer

Saberman_007_

For those that hit the same problem the solution was to open the folder in a cmd window and list the short names of the files. Then use the short names with the Erase command.

Running Windows Since 1.01 on a 5 1/4" Diskette and Before That DOS.

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Answer

SpiritX

Article Author

Hi,

Try Disk Cleanup = Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Disk Cleanup

---------------------------------------

You may also need to run checkdisk

How to Run Disk Check in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

======================

If needed :

DO NOT INSTALL THE eBay Option with UnLocker (uncheck it in the installer) and
then go into UnLocker Folder in Program Files - UnLocker and DELETE the
ebayxxx.exe file - you can easily see it.

"C:\Program Files\Unlocker" just the ebayxxxx.exe I forget its name exactly.

Author's site shows it as Vista/Windows 7 supported now :
http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/

UnLocker 1.92
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Unlocker.shtml <-- or Download UnLocker here

Download - SAVE - go to where you put it - Right Click on - RUN AS ADMIN

The below also works on 32 and 64 bit Vista/Win 7 and should work on Win 8/8.1.

Another good alternative - Use FileAssassin :

FileAssassin - Free
http://www.malwarebytes.org/fileassassin.php

Force Delete (Cannot Delete) Locked or In Used Files or Folders with FileASSASSIN
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/12/27/force-delete-cannot-delete-locked-or-in-used-files-or-folders-with-fileassassin/

Download - SAVE - go to where you put it - Right Click on - RUN AS ADMIN

And this - MoveOnBoot

MoveOnBoot
http://www.softwarepatch.com/software/moveonboot.html

Hope this helps.

Rob Brown - MS MVP - Windows Desktop Experience : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

Rob Brown - past Microsoft MVP - Windows Insider MVP 2016 - 2021
Microsoft MVP Windows and Devices for IT 2009 - 2020

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Unable to Delete Files -- File Name Too Long

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Unable to Delete Files -- File Name Too Long

Replies (57) 

Question Info

Replies (57)