Windows, all of the files including the main folder, and yes, I have rebooted several times since then, and every time I try to delete it, the same thing happens. The game isn't playable anymore, but the files are still there and they occupy space in the disk, it's not like I just see an empty folder. It's very confusing lol
- Thread starter Tlaero
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- Nov 24, 2018
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Am I understanding correctly that you delete the files, they go away, and then come back? How long before they come back?
Tlaero
Yeah, you understood correctly. And the files come back as soon as I close the file explorer. The weird thing is that when I press delete it actually deletes something, but nothing shows up in the recycle bin. It's as if it never actually deleted anything.
- Nov 20, 2018
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You may have already tried this, but I'll suggest it just in case you have not. There might be some unexpected process that's using the files, or that Windows thinks is using them. To get around this, you might try restarting and running Windows in Safe Mode. Then, while signed in under Safe Mode, anything that might be using the files (or that Windows would think is using them) could become deletable. After the deletion appears to have finished, restart Windows normally once more.
I would also suggest using Shift + Del instead of just Del alone. That way Windows won't try to do anything with the files other than completely eliminate them (i.e., instead of relocating them to the Recycle Bin).
Or run some antivirus, because delete resistant files sound sus.
If it were me I would try renaming one or more of the persistent files. If that is unsuccessful it tells you either the files are in use or your priveleges are insufficient. If successful then I would delete and then look at what returns - the renamed version or the original? If the original then there is definitely 3rd party software replacing the deleted files and you have a big problem.
Probably the best test would be to reboot in Safe Mode and delete the files (a) as an administrator and (b) when no programs other than basic OS functions should be running.
Probably the best test would be to reboot in Safe Mode and delete the files (a) as an administrator and (b) when no programs other than basic OS functions should be running.
- Nov 24, 2018
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I also like using the cmd prompt for deleting things that don't want to delete. That way, if there's an error, you can see it. It's also easier to run cmd as an administrator. If you've never worked with cmd.exe, we can walk you through it.
Tlaero
Tlaero
I don't know why I didn't think of that sooner, thanks! I managed to delete MOST of the files, except for some of them which are corrupted. After restarting they're still there, but neither windows defender nor Malwarebytes detect them as harmful or anything. Those can't be deleted at all, I just get an error message when I try. They cannot be renamed or changed in any way either. I will probably try to delete them in safe mode, unless anyone else has a better way of getting rid of those.
Also, thank you everyone for all the help so far!
- Nov 24, 2018
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I haven't used scandisk in a long time, and I'm not sure it's even relevant on an ssd, but you might try it. That error reads like a bad sector, but, again, that's really a hard drive concept.
Tlaero
Tlaero
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I have an SSD and I was told never to run scandisk/checkdisk. SSD should automatically be rotating stored data and dealing with problems. Not an expert, but that's what I have seen over and over since SSDs first came out (although TBH I have not been keeping up to date with any new developments in the last couple of years, so I could be outdated here).