Hi,

I have been doing some troubleshooting on an XP computer for a friend. I ran Norton AV but it was unable to fix a problem 1 problem with a file named ~511247.tmp. I ran Task Manager to try and find anything that looked like it would be using it. I ran msconfig and deselected all. I started in Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Command Prompt. But I have been unable to delete or change the attributes from read only. Any ideas on how to get rid of this file.

Thanks,
LarryTake a look at the sticky in Viruses for LINKS to download spyware/adware apps.Not all temporary files can be deleted when the computer is operating.. They are usually deleted on resetting from my experience.

But you would do good to listen to Joleen's advise, never know what may be lurking in the dark temporary folder.http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_undeletable_file.htmThanks to all for your suggestions. I have already run several anti spyware as well as antivirus programs. Also have tried restarting the comp with minimum programs running. So I am moving on to Merlin_2s SUGGESTION. Just waiting to hook up with my friend again to try it.

Thanks again,
LarryHi Again,

It's still here. Just to refresh, I've run:
Norton AV
Ad-Aware
Spybot
I think it was Norton that found it, but could not delete it.

I have also tried to close as many running programs as I could with Task Manager.
I have tried deleting it in Safe Mode
I have tried deleting it in Safe Mode Command Prompt
And now I have tried Merlin_2s link
It is still denying me access

Any more ideas?

Thanks,
LarryI've had this happen before - .tmp files that won't delete. It is usually the result of a recently deleted program that has left remnants in the registry. When these remnants load Windows thinks the file is in use and so you get "access denied". Editing the registry and removing any keys that reference the program will allow them to be deleted. You might also have to remove a read only attribute (if you haven't tried that already, do that first).I have tried changing the attributes in Windows and DOS. No luck. I'll take a look in the registry too.

Thanks,
LarryLarry Arrigoni........Here's a little program which just may help you .......  go to http://www.topdownloads.net/software/view.php?id=15515
download delete doctor Version 2

It should do the JOB .

let us know how you make out

dl65  If you are running XP from FAT32, boot on a Win98SE floppy and go to the Windows\Temp directory in DOS, and delete the file.

If that or (if you have a decent custom disk, not just the minimal EBD) DELTREE c:\windows\temp followed by MD Windows\Temp doesn't do it, or if you have mounted XP on NTFS, you can do it with a Knoppix LiveCD bootable Linux CD...Reply to dl65.
Well, I passed the DD along to my friend. I had high hopes but she says that she still received and access error on the DOS delete. So she tried the delete on restart, still no luck.

to MalikTous,
It's a pretty new Dell with XP on there. I can't ask her right now, and I'd like to know more anyway. Can you tell me how to make the bottable Linux CD?

Thanks,
Larry