How to delete an invincible 0 byte file?

Question

I have a file whose size is 0 bytes. When I try to remove it an error message appears, saying "Could not find file".

Here is the list of things I've tried to delete the file:

• Rebooted
• Reset folder options
• Cleaned the registry with CCleaner
• Using the del command
• Replacing it with a different file

The dir command gives this information about the file:

25.06.2011 21:06 0 STALKER

File properties:

How can I remove it?

Answer 1

Actually the del *. doesn't always work. The best answer I have found so far is:

1. Open an elevated command prompt
2. Enter del "\\?\C:\Users\userX\0bytefile"

... and voila, the file is deleted. No need to restart or anything else, just need to put \\?\ before the directory when using the del command. Also use the tab button to make sure the name is correct; sometimes a space is added at the end that can be easily missed.

An explanation can be found here: Why does this file apparently not exist when attempting to delete it?

Answer 2

Try del *. from the command prompt while in the folder the file's in. It will delete all the files in that folder that have no extension.

Answer 3

I can tell you one thing, I've sad on it for about 25 min researching internet for answers and not even solutions here helped, honestly i think people are trying to do it in the worst, most complicated way where there is and easy fix. I remembered old days, win98, xp dealing with the most complicated staff in systems because just wanted do more and more and i remembered back there there was only one best way to actually control all your files on a pc and i just got myself a total commander.

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1. Install
2. Run as an Administrator
3. Find the file/folder
4. Delete with your keyboard 'DEL'

Done!

Answer 4

You can also try to setup mutiboot with Linux. You can mount your Windows disk and delete it, (as long as it's not encrypted).

I'd recommend Linux Mint. Just download the .iso file and burn it to a disk or create a bootable flash drive.