Unable to delete a folder or file on TechShare due to a trailing space on the file name


Symptoms

You are unable to delete a folder or file on TechShare even though you have the appropriate permissions. You may receive a message similar to the following:

Item Not Found

Could not find this item

This is no longer located in
\\techshare.ttu.edu\depts\dept_name\your_path. Verify the item's location and try again.

._file name
Type: File
Size: 82 bytes
Date modified: 9/24/2010 11:14 AM

Even the owner of your department/college/organization's TechShare top-level directory is unable to delete the folders/files or take ownership of them.

You may also receive errors that the folder/file is in use.

Cause

The folder/file may have a trailing space character at the end of the name. The operating system, therefore, deems it an invalid name.

Resolution

1) Use Microsoft Windows to map a drive letter to the path containing the folder/file.

2) Open Command Prompt.

3) Type the command below and press Enter, where X is the drive letter of the mapped network drive:

X:\del \\?\c:\path_name\file_name.ext

If the path name contains spaces, enter this version of the command, where X is the drive letter of the mapped network drive:

X:\del \\?\"c:\path name\file name.ext "

4) If you are still unable to delete the folder, please contact IT Help Central. IT Help Central will assist. If they are unable to assist you in deleting the folder/file, they will assign a request in your name to TechShare administrators for further assistance.


OUTCOME

The folder/file will be deleted.