How to Delete a File Windows Is Unable to Find
Windows operating systems run numerous processes, so minor errors are bound to occur. One curious error occurs when Windows completely loses track of a file that is still present on the hard drive. The user can see the file, yet Windows will not acknowledge its presence. If the user attempts to delete the file, Windows will respond with a Cannot Find error. Deleting a file that Windows cannot find is difficult, but the process can be made easier via a short trip to Ubuntu.
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Instructions
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Visit Ubuntu.com, and click "Download Ubuntu." Set the download location, and then click the "Begin download" button. The file is an ISO image, an archive file format typically burned to CD. The download will take a while. Proceed to Step 2 while waiting.
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2
Visit the UNetbootin homepage at SourceForge.net, and click "Download for Windows." The Save File confirmation window should appear automatically. Click the direct link if necessary. The download will be quick, and UNetbootin does not have to be installed.
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3
Insert the USB flash drive, and remove all files from it. UNetbootin works best with an empty USB drive. Proceed to Step 4 when the Ubuntu ISO image finishes downloading.
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4
Run UNetbootin from its downloaded executable. Select "Diskimage," click the ellipsis, select the Ubuntu ISO image from the directory in which it was saved and then click "Open."
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5
Set "Type" at the bottom of the UNetbootin window to "USB Drive," set "Drive" to the appropriate drive letter for the USB flash drive and then click "OK." Click "Reboot Now" when ready to restart the computer, or click "Exit" and restart later. Read Step 6 before restarting.
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Press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS menu for the computer after turning it on. Every BIOS is different, so watch for the message indicating which key to press. Navigate to the Boot menu, and set the boot priority to USB. The menus and settings differ from BIOS to BIOS. Select the option "Save then Exit." Wait for the Ubuntu OS to load before continuing.
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Click "Places" in the top bar, and then click "Computer." Navigate through the folders to the location of the file intended for deletion. Delete the file, click "Ubuntu" in the upper-right corner of the screen and then click "Shut Down." Remove the USB flash drive, and then press Enter. Restart the computer, and the file that Windows could not find will truly be gone.
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Tips & Warnings
The Ubuntu website features a tutorial for booting the OS from CD.
Ubuntu can be fully installed through the USB key.
Not every BIOS allows booting from USB.
Booting from USB might not work through USB hubs.
Ubuntu might upset some Windows settings and prompt the Startup Repair process.
The USB key must be formatted to be used for data storage once again.
The Windows Cannot Find error could also be caused by a failing hard drive or malware.
References
Resources
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