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    Looking for free file shredder that works

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by C E Jones, Dec 29, 2008.

  1. C E Jones

    C E Jones Notebook Consultant

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    I'm trying to delete a .dll file and haven't been able to. When I use Windows I get the "access is denied" message. I tried 2 free file-shredders that I found online (AbsluteShield and Simple Shredder). When I ran them I got weird results--the .dll file disappeared but there was a new file in its place, itself undeletable.

    I downloaded the file via P2P but it doesn't seem like a virus, and I never actually ran any of the downloaded files. Can anyone recommend an application that could solve this problem?

    -cej
     
    C E Jones, Dec 29, 2008
    #1
  2. fonduekid

    fonduekid JSUTAONHTERBIRCKINTEHWLAL

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    fonduekid, Dec 29, 2008
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  3. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    What OS are you running?
     
    Shyster1, Dec 29, 2008
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  4. C E Jones

    C E Jones Notebook Consultant

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    Sorry, XP :D
     
    C E Jones, Dec 29, 2008
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  5. C E Jones

    C E Jones Notebook Consultant

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    I downloaded and tried this one as well, and now I'm 0 for 3. All these free file shredders seem to use the same algorithm, that "Department of Defense" thing. I run the shredder, it doesn't give me an error message but the file is still there afterwards and Windows still won't delete it. Any ideas? I guess I could just leave it there but it's the principle!
     
    C E Jones, Dec 29, 2008
    #5
  6. vinumsv

    vinumsv MobileFreak™

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    hmm maybe the dll is used by some running process mate , i would suggest you to recheck if the Dll file is not needed , if its not needed then you close the explorer using Task Manager and delete the files using Command Prompt
     
    vinumsv, Dec 29, 2008
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  7. C E Jones

    C E Jones Notebook Consultant

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    Not very computer-savvy. How do I find out if the file is used by a running process? I checked the list of processes in the Task Manager but I don't see any way of seeing what files they're using. I also don't know how to delete files via the Command Prompt. Thanks for any clarifications.
     
    C E Jones, Dec 29, 2008
    #7
  8. vinumsv

    vinumsv MobileFreak™

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    hmm try this

    1. Open a Command Prompt in Admin Mode
    2. Then type
    Code: 
    regsvr32 /u [i]filename.dll[/i]
    3. now try deleting the file

    Let us know if it works :wink:
     
    vinumsv, Dec 29, 2008
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  9. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    That should solve the problem; basically, once a .dll is registered, XP keeps a safe copy of it stashed in the dll cache and on startup (at least) checks to see if each registered dll has changed since the last time it was checked, if it has changed, the change is assumed to be malevolent, and the dll is simply replaced with a copy from the cached version. That is undoubtedly why it kept reappearing after the apps you used deleted it.
     
    Shyster1, Dec 29, 2008
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  10. Akuma

    Akuma Notebook Evangelist

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    Wow..so you've never heard of Unlocker? You can unlock any file which is currently used with any app.

    It pins itself to left-click menu, so it's really comfortable to use.
    Not to mention it's freeware.

    http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/#download
     
    Akuma, Dec 29, 2008
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  11. vinumsv

    vinumsv MobileFreak™

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    vinumsv, Dec 29, 2008
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  12. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Shyster1, Dec 30, 2008
    #12