I am trying to remove some windows system files that are associated with a web browser, but I can't do it using the delete command, or using windows file manager or windows explorer. Basically in all cases I get an access denied response, and some message indicating they are system files. This is inspite of attempts to change the file attributes to nonsystem, read/write access. The other weird thing is that I can only see the files in windows explorer, and if I use attrib -h /s, I still can't see all the files from a dos prompt using a dir command. What is going on? Anyway to delete these things?

Try running scandisk past the hard drive to see if the files or their entries in the FAT are corrupted. If not, find the directory which the files are in and try this line: ATTRIB [FILENAME.EXT] -S -H -R Where [FILENAME.EXT] is the Filename (obvious really). If that don't work, come back to me with the names of the files and I will see what I can do

Hi, Usually "Access denied" message means the files are curently in use and system not allows to delete them. Deleting such files can cause system malfunction. Are you absolutely sure your system not need these files anymore? Good luck, Igor M

to delete system files, restart your system, hold down shift+f5 to enter ms-dos prompt(without going to windows).go to the directory where the system files are store i.e. (c:\windows\system etc.). type in DIR/AS or DIR/AH follow by the extension of the system file i.e. *.dat or *.dll whatever. this will list all the hidden files with that extension. once you're sure the file is in that directory, type in DELTREE /Y filename.extension. The file will be deleted. MAKE SURE YOU DON'T NEED THE SYSTEM FILES FIRST BEFORE YOU DELETE THEM. Let me know the results.

I need exact directions on how to delete a file in MS-DOS. I am trying to remove the Happy99 virus from my computer and I have to do this by deleting files in DOS. I am unfamiliar with the language and just need step-by-step instructions on how to delte files in DOS. Please e-mail me with any help. Thanks so much. --Gail