Undeletable File named Con, Aux, etc? Here's some help.

  • Thread starter WaitingGraph481
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WaitingGraph481

Do you have an undeletable file named con, aux, etc.? I [COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)]have[/COLOR] a good piece of advice.


I believe this is the whole list of unusable Windows filenames:

[COLOR=rgba(77, 81, 86, 1)][COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)]CON. PRN. AUX. NUL. COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, COM5, COM6, COM7, COM8, COM9, COM0. LPT1, LPT2, LPT3, LPT4, LPT5, LPT6, LPT7, LPT8, LPT9, LPT0.[/COLOR][/COLOR]


Windows reserves these filenames to preserve old DOS hardware (mostly printers, I believe), that would use these filenames as directories to send that specific directory or file to the printer. Allowing a user to use these filenames in Windows would be problematic, so they are restricted. Somehow, you have a file named with one of these. Perhaps a Unix user was working on the file and sent it to you. Trying to delete the file with one of these names will cause Windows to not handle it correctly, resulting in an error.


[COLOR=rgba(77, 81, 86, 1)][COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)]The best method I have found is to access your hard drive using Ubuntu (without installing), then delete the file from there. This is an easy method that does not require you to mess around with Command Prompt commands. My computer particularly doesn't like handling these files in any way, even in Safe Mode. I know, wacky, right?[/COLOR][/COLOR]


[COLOR=rgba(77, 81, 86, 1)][COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)]Requirements:[/COLOR][/COLOR]Your computer that can't delete a file

[COLOR=rgba(77, 81, 86, 1)][COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)]A USB over 4 GB in size[/COLOR][/COLOR]

[COLOR=rgba(77, 81, 86, 1)][COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)]Good button-mashing ability[/COLOR][/COLOR]

[COLOR=rgba(77, 81, 86, 1)][COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)]Here are the steps:[/COLOR][/COLOR]1. Download Ubuntu from here. An older/weaker computer may not support 20.10, but yours probably will.

2. Download Rufus from here.

3. Plug in your USB.

4. Using Rufus, create the Live USB by adding the Ubuntu ISO to the 'Boot Selection'. I recommend using the MBR partition scheme and targeting the system as 'BIOS or UEFI' [COLOR=rgba(215, 57, 0, 1)]All data on the USB will be lost.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)]5. Once Rufus is done, restart your computer with the USB still inside.

6. Mash your boot key to enter the one-time boot menu. This could be F1-F12, Del, or ESC. It is different for each computer.

7. Select your USB disc.

8. Once booted into Ubuntu, select 'Try Ubuntu' [/COLOR][COLOR=rgba(215, 57, 0, 1)]Do not install Ubuntu, unless you have plans for dual-booting.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)]9. Access your C:\ (Local Disc) drive, find your file, and delete it.

10. Restart your computer, and you should boot straight into Windows with no problems.

11. Keep this USB around in case you need to do it again.That should do it. [/COLOR]

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