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I downloaded some images from flickr using flashgot. I have done this many times before, but I picked up a ghost file it seems. I can not change properties, rename, delete or do anything to it. It says it doesn't exist but will not disappear, either from restart or any option I try.I put the file name in google to try and research it, and it sent me to flickr... weird to me. The file name is "7215762681.." can not rename and no extension. How do I remove this from my computer. Thank you.

If you can't delete a file, then it sounds like something is wrong with your Windows account privileges and/or file permissions.

Have you scanned your computer for malware recently?

Yeah, 2 dots at the end make this file inaccessible for most programs. You can manipulate (remove, rename, etc.) this file using the file namespace prefix "\\?\". If you don't have command-line interface phobia, just use command prompt (cmd.exe). Assuming your file is in the c:\temp folder:
1) remove: 2) rename: Alternatively, you can use any decent file manager, e.g. FAR. In FAR, use Shift+Del to delete the file, or F6 to rename it.

user wrote:Yeah, 2 dots at the end make this file inaccessible for most programs. You can manipulate (remove, rename, etc.) this file using the file namespace prefix "\\?\". If you don't have command-line interface phobia, just use command prompt (cmd.exe). Assuming your file is in the c:\temp folder:
1) remove:

Code: Select all

del "\\?\c:\temp\7215762681.."

2) rename:

Code: Select all

ren "\\?\c:\temp\7215762681.." "new name"

Alternatively, you can use any decent file manager, e.g. FAR. In FAR, use Shift+Del to delete the file, or F6 to rename it.

Thank you very much. This worked very well. I appreciate the lead to use cmd. Have a pleasant day.