Unable to delete a file or take ownership on Win7x64
I'm a developer and as part of the build process, a Microsoft dll is copied to a certain
folder. That file copy is now failing as the target can't be overwritten.
I decided to delete it by hand (using an admin account but a non-elevated explorer) so browsed to the folder and attempted a delete. This failed (Require permission from the Administrator). The same applies when using an elevated explorer.
So I tried Properties->Security->Advanced->Ownership
The current owner is showing as Unable to display current owner. I can't take ownership (a simple Access Denied message with no elaboration). Elevated Command Prompt/PowerShell don't help either (both give an Access Denied in their own way).
Process explorer shows no open handles on the file.
Eventually, I booted to linux and deleted the file but what I'd like to know is what caused it?
Security Essentials had no issues with the file. It's digitally signed by MS and the signatures match.
windows-7 security permissions
edited May 1 '17 at 22:12
Mithrandir
3051314
asked Oct 16 '12 at 13:56
BasicBasic
65511129
|
show 2 more comments
I'm a developer and as part of the build process, a Microsoft dll is copied to a certain
folder. That file copy is now failing as the target can't be overwritten.
I decided to delete it by hand (using an admin account but a non-elevated explorer) so browsed to the folder and attempted a delete. This failed (Require permission from the Administrator). The same applies when using an elevated explorer.
So I tried Properties->Security->Advanced->Ownership
The current owner is showing as Unable to display current owner. I can't take ownership (a simple Access Denied message with no elaboration). Elevated Command Prompt/PowerShell don't help either (both give an Access Denied in their own way).
Process explorer shows no open handles on the file.
Eventually, I booted to linux and deleted the file but what I'd like to know is what caused it?
Security Essentials had no issues with the file. It's digitally signed by MS and the signatures match.
windows-7 security permissions
edited May 1 '17 at 22:12
Mithrandir
3051314
asked Oct 16 '12 at 13:56
BasicBasic
65511129
possible duplicate of File I can't take ownership of
– CharlieRB
Oct 16 '12 at 14:12
@CharlieRB I've read it - but as you can see, my problem isn't removing the file but understanding what the "loss of ownership" is caused by.
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:23
You are right. Sorry. Guess I got lost in reading it and misunderstood the question.
– CharlieRB
Oct 16 '12 at 14:35
In some cases, deleting a file needs to be done externally, e.g. Safe Mode, or as you did booting into another OS. If the file has certain attributes (I'm not exactly sure but I think System affects it), along with the existing SYSTEM permissions, that makes it untouchable in the context of the booted Windows. Obviously once you go away from that context, it becomes irrelevant, but inside Windows 7 (and 8) some files are certainly undeletable.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:05
@RandolphWest Thanks for the answer. Can you explain a little more? I know anything with an open handle can't be modified but suspect that if I deleted everything I could in my windows dir then rebooted, I'd have bricked my machine - so there's no "required for windows" flag set on a lot of files. Pagefile/etc come under the heading of open handles. I just don't see how a DLL buried in a folder on my D drive which has been replaced every few hours for days can suddenly be flagged as undeletable (nor what that "flag" is?)
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 16:39
|
show 2 more comments
I'm a developer and as part of the build process, a Microsoft dll is copied to a certain
folder. That file copy is now failing as the target can't be overwritten.
I decided to delete it by hand (using an admin account but a non-elevated explorer) so browsed to the folder and attempted a delete. This failed (Require permission from the Administrator). The same applies when using an elevated explorer.
So I tried Properties->Security->Advanced->Ownership
The current owner is showing as Unable to display current owner. I can't take ownership (a simple Access Denied message with no elaboration). Elevated Command Prompt/PowerShell don't help either (both give an Access Denied in their own way).
Process explorer shows no open handles on the file.
Eventually, I booted to linux and deleted the file but what I'd like to know is what caused it?
Security Essentials had no issues with the file. It's digitally signed by MS and the signatures match.
windows-7 security permissions
edited May 1 '17 at 22:12
Mithrandir
3051314
asked Oct 16 '12 at 13:56
BasicBasic
65511129
I'm a developer and as part of the build process, a Microsoft dll is copied to a certain
folder. That file copy is now failing as the target can't be overwritten.
I decided to delete it by hand (using an admin account but a non-elevated explorer) so browsed to the folder and attempted a delete. This failed (Require permission from the Administrator). The same applies when using an elevated explorer.
So I tried Properties->Security->Advanced->Ownership
The current owner is showing as Unable to display current owner. I can't take ownership (a simple Access Denied message with no elaboration). Elevated Command Prompt/PowerShell don't help either (both give an Access Denied in their own way).
Process explorer shows no open handles on the file.
Eventually, I booted to linux and deleted the file but what I'd like to know is what caused it?
Security Essentials had no issues with the file. It's digitally signed by MS and the signatures match.
windows-7 security permissions
windows-7 security permissions
edited May 1 '17 at 22:12
Mithrandir
3051314
asked Oct 16 '12 at 13:56
BasicBasic
65511129
edited May 1 '17 at 22:12
Mithrandir
3051314
asked Oct 16 '12 at 13:56
BasicBasic
65511129
edited May 1 '17 at 22:12
Mithrandir
3051314
edited May 1 '17 at 22:12
Mithrandir
3051314
edited May 1 '17 at 22:12
Mithrandir
3051314
3051314
asked Oct 16 '12 at 13:56
BasicBasic
65511129
asked Oct 16 '12 at 13:56
BasicBasic
65511129
asked Oct 16 '12 at 13:56
BasicBasic
65511129
65511129
possible duplicate of File I can't take ownership of
– CharlieRB
Oct 16 '12 at 14:12
@CharlieRB I've read it - but as you can see, my problem isn't removing the file but understanding what the "loss of ownership" is caused by.
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:23
You are right. Sorry. Guess I got lost in reading it and misunderstood the question.
– CharlieRB
Oct 16 '12 at 14:35
In some cases, deleting a file needs to be done externally, e.g. Safe Mode, or as you did booting into another OS. If the file has certain attributes (I'm not exactly sure but I think System affects it), along with the existing SYSTEM permissions, that makes it untouchable in the context of the booted Windows. Obviously once you go away from that context, it becomes irrelevant, but inside Windows 7 (and 8) some files are certainly undeletable.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:05
@RandolphWest Thanks for the answer. Can you explain a little more? I know anything with an open handle can't be modified but suspect that if I deleted everything I could in my windows dir then rebooted, I'd have bricked my machine - so there's no "required for windows" flag set on a lot of files. Pagefile/etc come under the heading of open handles. I just don't see how a DLL buried in a folder on my D drive which has been replaced every few hours for days can suddenly be flagged as undeletable (nor what that "flag" is?)
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 16:39
|
show 2 more comments
possible duplicate of File I can't take ownership of
– CharlieRB
Oct 16 '12 at 14:12
@CharlieRB I've read it - but as you can see, my problem isn't removing the file but understanding what the "loss of ownership" is caused by.
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:23
You are right. Sorry. Guess I got lost in reading it and misunderstood the question.
– CharlieRB
Oct 16 '12 at 14:35
In some cases, deleting a file needs to be done externally, e.g. Safe Mode, or as you did booting into another OS. If the file has certain attributes (I'm not exactly sure but I think System affects it), along with the existing SYSTEM permissions, that makes it untouchable in the context of the booted Windows. Obviously once you go away from that context, it becomes irrelevant, but inside Windows 7 (and 8) some files are certainly undeletable.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:05
@RandolphWest Thanks for the answer. Can you explain a little more? I know anything with an open handle can't be modified but suspect that if I deleted everything I could in my windows dir then rebooted, I'd have bricked my machine - so there's no "required for windows" flag set on a lot of files. Pagefile/etc come under the heading of open handles. I just don't see how a DLL buried in a folder on my D drive which has been replaced every few hours for days can suddenly be flagged as undeletable (nor what that "flag" is?)
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 16:39
possible duplicate of File I can't take ownership of
– CharlieRB
Oct 16 '12 at 14:12
possible duplicate of File I can't take ownership of
– CharlieRB
Oct 16 '12 at 14:12
@CharlieRB I've read it - but as you can see, my problem isn't removing the file but understanding what the "loss of ownership" is caused by.
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:23
@CharlieRB I've read it - but as you can see, my problem isn't removing the file but understanding what the "loss of ownership" is caused by.
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:23
You are right. Sorry. Guess I got lost in reading it and misunderstood the question.
– CharlieRB
Oct 16 '12 at 14:35
You are right. Sorry. Guess I got lost in reading it and misunderstood the question.
– CharlieRB
Oct 16 '12 at 14:35
In some cases, deleting a file needs to be done externally, e.g. Safe Mode, or as you did booting into another OS. If the file has certain attributes (I'm not exactly sure but I think System affects it), along with the existing SYSTEM permissions, that makes it untouchable in the context of the booted Windows. Obviously once you go away from that context, it becomes irrelevant, but inside Windows 7 (and 8) some files are certainly undeletable.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:05
In some cases, deleting a file needs to be done externally, e.g. Safe Mode, or as you did booting into another OS. If the file has certain attributes (I'm not exactly sure but I think System affects it), along with the existing SYSTEM permissions, that makes it untouchable in the context of the booted Windows. Obviously once you go away from that context, it becomes irrelevant, but inside Windows 7 (and 8) some files are certainly undeletable.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:05
@RandolphWest Thanks for the answer. Can you explain a little more? I know anything with an open handle can't be modified but suspect that if I deleted everything I could in my windows dir then rebooted, I'd have bricked my machine - so there's no "required for windows" flag set on a lot of files. Pagefile/etc come under the heading of open handles. I just don't see how a DLL buried in a folder on my D drive which has been replaced every few hours for days can suddenly be flagged as undeletable (nor what that "flag" is?)
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 16:39
@RandolphWest Thanks for the answer. Can you explain a little more? I know anything with an open handle can't be modified but suspect that if I deleted everything I could in my windows dir then rebooted, I'd have bricked my machine - so there's no "required for windows" flag set on a lot of files. Pagefile/etc come under the heading of open handles. I just don't see how a DLL buried in a folder on my D drive which has been replaced every few hours for days can suddenly be flagged as undeletable (nor what that "flag" is?)
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 16:39
|
show 2 more comments
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
I had this issue too for a file I manage with SourceTree ( git client ). This file had no 'Owner'. I just noticed that closing down all application susceptible to use it, removed it magically.
The other option was to remove the file in windows' safe-mode. I don't know why this happened though and I'm curious too as to why this happened.
answered Nov 26 '13 at 15:50
DarkUrseDarkUrse
34637
2
This happened to me too, which is what brought me to this question. Agit checkoutcreated a folder, then afterwards I couldn't do anything with it (and couldn't checkout anything else that would modify it!). Your comment helped me realise I had other git bash windows open; once I closed them all the folder magically deleted :)
– Tim Malone
Apr 26 '16 at 0:50
add a comment |
One solution works for me on Windows 7 :
Right click the hard disk drive,
==> Properties / Tools / Check now
....
And then try to delete again, it should work.
answered Jan 11 '13 at 16:48
BrunoBruno
392
Warning: You have to reboot and the reboot may take several hours.
– User
Dec 8 '16 at 20:53
Update: After several hours, it did fix the problem.
– User
Dec 9 '16 at 19:05
add a comment |
In my case it was a file I'd used Firefox to download. Couldn't display owner, change ownership or delete the file (though it was readable). Using lockhunter to delete the firefox lock on the file worked.
answered Dec 2 '15 at 15:52
user528821user528821
111
Lockhunter worked for me too. Thanks.
– Steve Dowling
Feb 18 '16 at 9:42
add a comment |
I found that a folder with "Unable to display current owner" was locked as a library location (such as Music Library). I removed that as a Location and I could delete folder.
answered Oct 30 '16 at 18:45
MakMak
111
That's one hell of a gotcha, I would never have thought of that. Thanks. It wasn't the issue here, but it will definitely help others in future with the same symptoms.
– Basic
Oct 30 '16 at 21:33
add a comment |
I had the same issue with some files in the windows directory, most likely caused by a virus.
running sfc /scannow fixed the problem for me
answered Dec 10 '14 at 11:26
Dieter CasierDieter Casier
1
1
"most likely caused by a virus" xkcd.com/1180
– Basic
Dec 10 '14 at 11:51
add a comment |
Open command prompt with admin rights, then type:
net user administrator - this will display current settings.
Use net user administrator /active:yes to activate if needed.
This is the built-in administrator account for managing the system. It is usually not active.
answered Oct 16 '12 at 14:24
snayobsnayob
3,85911018
1
Thanks for the tip but if it was owned by the local admin account, 1) wouldn't another admin be able to take ownership and 2) wouldn't the security dialog have identified the owner? It was my understanding that only theSYSTEMaccount had higher permissions than a user in the administrator group
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:27
1
Your understanding is correct, @Basic.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:06
add a comment |
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6 Answers
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active
oldest
votes
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
I had this issue too for a file I manage with SourceTree ( git client ). This file had no 'Owner'. I just noticed that closing down all application susceptible to use it, removed it magically.
The other option was to remove the file in windows' safe-mode. I don't know why this happened though and I'm curious too as to why this happened.
answered Nov 26 '13 at 15:50
DarkUrseDarkUrse
34637
2
This happened to me too, which is what brought me to this question. Agit checkoutcreated a folder, then afterwards I couldn't do anything with it (and couldn't checkout anything else that would modify it!). Your comment helped me realise I had other git bash windows open; once I closed them all the folder magically deleted :)
– Tim Malone
Apr 26 '16 at 0:50
add a comment |
I had this issue too for a file I manage with SourceTree ( git client ). This file had no 'Owner'. I just noticed that closing down all application susceptible to use it, removed it magically.
The other option was to remove the file in windows' safe-mode. I don't know why this happened though and I'm curious too as to why this happened.
answered Nov 26 '13 at 15:50
DarkUrseDarkUrse
34637
2
This happened to me too, which is what brought me to this question. Agit checkoutcreated a folder, then afterwards I couldn't do anything with it (and couldn't checkout anything else that would modify it!). Your comment helped me realise I had other git bash windows open; once I closed them all the folder magically deleted :)
– Tim Malone
Apr 26 '16 at 0:50
add a comment |
I had this issue too for a file I manage with SourceTree ( git client ). This file had no 'Owner'. I just noticed that closing down all application susceptible to use it, removed it magically.
The other option was to remove the file in windows' safe-mode. I don't know why this happened though and I'm curious too as to why this happened.
answered Nov 26 '13 at 15:50
DarkUrseDarkUrse
34637
I had this issue too for a file I manage with SourceTree ( git client ). This file had no 'Owner'. I just noticed that closing down all application susceptible to use it, removed it magically.
The other option was to remove the file in windows' safe-mode. I don't know why this happened though and I'm curious too as to why this happened.
answered Nov 26 '13 at 15:50
DarkUrseDarkUrse
34637
answered Nov 26 '13 at 15:50
DarkUrseDarkUrse
34637
answered Nov 26 '13 at 15:50
DarkUrseDarkUrse
34637
answered Nov 26 '13 at 15:50
DarkUrseDarkUrse
34637
34637
2
This happened to me too, which is what brought me to this question. Agit checkoutcreated a folder, then afterwards I couldn't do anything with it (and couldn't checkout anything else that would modify it!). Your comment helped me realise I had other git bash windows open; once I closed them all the folder magically deleted :)
– Tim Malone
Apr 26 '16 at 0:50
add a comment |
2
This happened to me too, which is what brought me to this question. Agit checkoutcreated a folder, then afterwards I couldn't do anything with it (and couldn't checkout anything else that would modify it!). Your comment helped me realise I had other git bash windows open; once I closed them all the folder magically deleted :)
– Tim Malone
Apr 26 '16 at 0:50
2
2
This happened to me too, which is what brought me to this question. A
git checkout created a folder, then afterwards I couldn't do anything with it (and couldn't checkout anything else that would modify it!). Your comment helped me realise I had other git bash windows open; once I closed them all the folder magically deleted :)– Tim Malone
Apr 26 '16 at 0:50
This happened to me too, which is what brought me to this question. A
git checkout created a folder, then afterwards I couldn't do anything with it (and couldn't checkout anything else that would modify it!). Your comment helped me realise I had other git bash windows open; once I closed them all the folder magically deleted :)– Tim Malone
Apr 26 '16 at 0:50
add a comment |
One solution works for me on Windows 7 :
Right click the hard disk drive,
==> Properties / Tools / Check now
....
And then try to delete again, it should work.
answered Jan 11 '13 at 16:48
BrunoBruno
392
Warning: You have to reboot and the reboot may take several hours.
– User
Dec 8 '16 at 20:53
Update: After several hours, it did fix the problem.
– User
Dec 9 '16 at 19:05
add a comment |
One solution works for me on Windows 7 :
Right click the hard disk drive,
==> Properties / Tools / Check now
....
And then try to delete again, it should work.
answered Jan 11 '13 at 16:48
BrunoBruno
392
Warning: You have to reboot and the reboot may take several hours.
– User
Dec 8 '16 at 20:53
Update: After several hours, it did fix the problem.
– User
Dec 9 '16 at 19:05
add a comment |
One solution works for me on Windows 7 :
Right click the hard disk drive,
==> Properties / Tools / Check now
....
And then try to delete again, it should work.
answered Jan 11 '13 at 16:48
BrunoBruno
392
One solution works for me on Windows 7 :
Right click the hard disk drive,
==> Properties / Tools / Check now
....
And then try to delete again, it should work.
answered Jan 11 '13 at 16:48
BrunoBruno
392
answered Jan 11 '13 at 16:48
BrunoBruno
392
answered Jan 11 '13 at 16:48
BrunoBruno
392
answered Jan 11 '13 at 16:48
BrunoBruno
392
392
Warning: You have to reboot and the reboot may take several hours.
– User
Dec 8 '16 at 20:53
Update: After several hours, it did fix the problem.
– User
Dec 9 '16 at 19:05
add a comment |
Warning: You have to reboot and the reboot may take several hours.
– User
Dec 8 '16 at 20:53
Update: After several hours, it did fix the problem.
– User
Dec 9 '16 at 19:05
Warning: You have to reboot and the reboot may take several hours.
– User
Dec 8 '16 at 20:53
Warning: You have to reboot and the reboot may take several hours.
– User
Dec 8 '16 at 20:53
Update: After several hours, it did fix the problem.
– User
Dec 9 '16 at 19:05
Update: After several hours, it did fix the problem.
– User
Dec 9 '16 at 19:05
add a comment |
In my case it was a file I'd used Firefox to download. Couldn't display owner, change ownership or delete the file (though it was readable). Using lockhunter to delete the firefox lock on the file worked.
answered Dec 2 '15 at 15:52
user528821user528821
111
Lockhunter worked for me too. Thanks.
– Steve Dowling
Feb 18 '16 at 9:42
add a comment |
In my case it was a file I'd used Firefox to download. Couldn't display owner, change ownership or delete the file (though it was readable). Using lockhunter to delete the firefox lock on the file worked.
answered Dec 2 '15 at 15:52
user528821user528821
111
Lockhunter worked for me too. Thanks.
– Steve Dowling
Feb 18 '16 at 9:42
add a comment |
In my case it was a file I'd used Firefox to download. Couldn't display owner, change ownership or delete the file (though it was readable). Using lockhunter to delete the firefox lock on the file worked.
answered Dec 2 '15 at 15:52
user528821user528821
111
In my case it was a file I'd used Firefox to download. Couldn't display owner, change ownership or delete the file (though it was readable). Using lockhunter to delete the firefox lock on the file worked.
answered Dec 2 '15 at 15:52
user528821user528821
111
answered Dec 2 '15 at 15:52
user528821user528821
111
answered Dec 2 '15 at 15:52
user528821user528821
111
answered Dec 2 '15 at 15:52
user528821user528821
111
111
Lockhunter worked for me too. Thanks.
– Steve Dowling
Feb 18 '16 at 9:42
add a comment |
Lockhunter worked for me too. Thanks.
– Steve Dowling
Feb 18 '16 at 9:42
Lockhunter worked for me too. Thanks.
– Steve Dowling
Feb 18 '16 at 9:42
Lockhunter worked for me too. Thanks.
– Steve Dowling
Feb 18 '16 at 9:42
add a comment |
I found that a folder with "Unable to display current owner" was locked as a library location (such as Music Library). I removed that as a Location and I could delete folder.
answered Oct 30 '16 at 18:45
MakMak
111
That's one hell of a gotcha, I would never have thought of that. Thanks. It wasn't the issue here, but it will definitely help others in future with the same symptoms.
– Basic
Oct 30 '16 at 21:33
add a comment |
I found that a folder with "Unable to display current owner" was locked as a library location (such as Music Library). I removed that as a Location and I could delete folder.
answered Oct 30 '16 at 18:45
MakMak
111
That's one hell of a gotcha, I would never have thought of that. Thanks. It wasn't the issue here, but it will definitely help others in future with the same symptoms.
– Basic
Oct 30 '16 at 21:33
add a comment |
I found that a folder with "Unable to display current owner" was locked as a library location (such as Music Library). I removed that as a Location and I could delete folder.
answered Oct 30 '16 at 18:45
MakMak
111
I found that a folder with "Unable to display current owner" was locked as a library location (such as Music Library). I removed that as a Location and I could delete folder.
answered Oct 30 '16 at 18:45
MakMak
111
answered Oct 30 '16 at 18:45
MakMak
111
answered Oct 30 '16 at 18:45
MakMak
111
answered Oct 30 '16 at 18:45
MakMak
111
111
That's one hell of a gotcha, I would never have thought of that. Thanks. It wasn't the issue here, but it will definitely help others in future with the same symptoms.
– Basic
Oct 30 '16 at 21:33
add a comment |
That's one hell of a gotcha, I would never have thought of that. Thanks. It wasn't the issue here, but it will definitely help others in future with the same symptoms.
– Basic
Oct 30 '16 at 21:33
That's one hell of a gotcha, I would never have thought of that. Thanks. It wasn't the issue here, but it will definitely help others in future with the same symptoms.
– Basic
Oct 30 '16 at 21:33
That's one hell of a gotcha, I would never have thought of that. Thanks. It wasn't the issue here, but it will definitely help others in future with the same symptoms.
– Basic
Oct 30 '16 at 21:33
add a comment |
I had the same issue with some files in the windows directory, most likely caused by a virus.
running sfc /scannow fixed the problem for me
answered Dec 10 '14 at 11:26
Dieter CasierDieter Casier
1
1
"most likely caused by a virus" xkcd.com/1180
– Basic
Dec 10 '14 at 11:51
add a comment |
I had the same issue with some files in the windows directory, most likely caused by a virus.
running sfc /scannow fixed the problem for me
answered Dec 10 '14 at 11:26
Dieter CasierDieter Casier
1
1
"most likely caused by a virus" xkcd.com/1180
– Basic
Dec 10 '14 at 11:51
add a comment |
I had the same issue with some files in the windows directory, most likely caused by a virus.
running sfc /scannow fixed the problem for me
answered Dec 10 '14 at 11:26
Dieter CasierDieter Casier
1
I had the same issue with some files in the windows directory, most likely caused by a virus.
running sfc /scannow fixed the problem for me
answered Dec 10 '14 at 11:26
Dieter CasierDieter Casier
1
answered Dec 10 '14 at 11:26
Dieter CasierDieter Casier
1
answered Dec 10 '14 at 11:26
Dieter CasierDieter Casier
1
answered Dec 10 '14 at 11:26
Dieter CasierDieter Casier
1
1
1
"most likely caused by a virus" xkcd.com/1180
– Basic
Dec 10 '14 at 11:51
add a comment |
1
"most likely caused by a virus" xkcd.com/1180
– Basic
Dec 10 '14 at 11:51
1
1
"most likely caused by a virus" xkcd.com/1180
– Basic
Dec 10 '14 at 11:51
"most likely caused by a virus" xkcd.com/1180
– Basic
Dec 10 '14 at 11:51
add a comment |
Open command prompt with admin rights, then type:
net user administrator - this will display current settings.
Use net user administrator /active:yes to activate if needed.
This is the built-in administrator account for managing the system. It is usually not active.
answered Oct 16 '12 at 14:24
snayobsnayob
3,85911018
1
Thanks for the tip but if it was owned by the local admin account, 1) wouldn't another admin be able to take ownership and 2) wouldn't the security dialog have identified the owner? It was my understanding that only theSYSTEMaccount had higher permissions than a user in the administrator group
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:27
1
Your understanding is correct, @Basic.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:06
add a comment |
Open command prompt with admin rights, then type:
net user administrator - this will display current settings.
Use net user administrator /active:yes to activate if needed.
This is the built-in administrator account for managing the system. It is usually not active.
answered Oct 16 '12 at 14:24
snayobsnayob
3,85911018
1
Thanks for the tip but if it was owned by the local admin account, 1) wouldn't another admin be able to take ownership and 2) wouldn't the security dialog have identified the owner? It was my understanding that only theSYSTEMaccount had higher permissions than a user in the administrator group
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:27
1
Your understanding is correct, @Basic.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:06
add a comment |
Open command prompt with admin rights, then type:
net user administrator - this will display current settings.
Use net user administrator /active:yes to activate if needed.
This is the built-in administrator account for managing the system. It is usually not active.
answered Oct 16 '12 at 14:24
snayobsnayob
3,85911018
Open command prompt with admin rights, then type:
net user administrator - this will display current settings.
Use net user administrator /active:yes to activate if needed.
This is the built-in administrator account for managing the system. It is usually not active.
answered Oct 16 '12 at 14:24
snayobsnayob
3,85911018
answered Oct 16 '12 at 14:24
snayobsnayob
3,85911018
answered Oct 16 '12 at 14:24
snayobsnayob
3,85911018
answered Oct 16 '12 at 14:24
snayobsnayob
3,85911018
3,85911018
1
Thanks for the tip but if it was owned by the local admin account, 1) wouldn't another admin be able to take ownership and 2) wouldn't the security dialog have identified the owner? It was my understanding that only theSYSTEMaccount had higher permissions than a user in the administrator group
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:27
1
Your understanding is correct, @Basic.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:06
add a comment |
1
Thanks for the tip but if it was owned by the local admin account, 1) wouldn't another admin be able to take ownership and 2) wouldn't the security dialog have identified the owner? It was my understanding that only theSYSTEMaccount had higher permissions than a user in the administrator group
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:27
1
Your understanding is correct, @Basic.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:06
1
1
Thanks for the tip but if it was owned by the local admin account, 1) wouldn't another admin be able to take ownership and 2) wouldn't the security dialog have identified the owner? It was my understanding that only the
SYSTEM account had higher permissions than a user in the administrator group– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:27
Thanks for the tip but if it was owned by the local admin account, 1) wouldn't another admin be able to take ownership and 2) wouldn't the security dialog have identified the owner? It was my understanding that only the
SYSTEM account had higher permissions than a user in the administrator group– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:27
1
1
Your understanding is correct, @Basic.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:06
Your understanding is correct, @Basic.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:06
add a comment |
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possible duplicate of File I can't take ownership of
– CharlieRB
Oct 16 '12 at 14:12
@CharlieRB I've read it - but as you can see, my problem isn't removing the file but understanding what the "loss of ownership" is caused by.
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 14:23
You are right. Sorry. Guess I got lost in reading it and misunderstood the question.
– CharlieRB
Oct 16 '12 at 14:35
In some cases, deleting a file needs to be done externally, e.g. Safe Mode, or as you did booting into another OS. If the file has certain attributes (I'm not exactly sure but I think System affects it), along with the existing SYSTEM permissions, that makes it untouchable in the context of the booted Windows. Obviously once you go away from that context, it becomes irrelevant, but inside Windows 7 (and 8) some files are certainly undeletable.
– user3463
Oct 16 '12 at 16:05
@RandolphWest Thanks for the answer. Can you explain a little more? I know anything with an open handle can't be modified but suspect that if I deleted everything I could in my windows dir then rebooted, I'd have bricked my machine - so there's no "required for windows" flag set on a lot of files. Pagefile/etc come under the heading of open handles. I just don't see how a DLL buried in a folder on my D drive which has been replaced every few hours for days can suddenly be flagged as undeletable (nor what that "flag" is?)
– Basic
Oct 16 '12 at 16:39