Windows Explorer in XP

[Falstaff]

OK, this problem is REALLY annoying me. I go into windows explorer to delete a music file (a duplicate ogg that I had just converted). I left click on it, and then no matter what I do (right click, try to drag and drop, hit delete, etc.), Windows Explorer crashes. I had a similar problem with some video files, but I managed to select them and delete them. I don't know what to do, the problem only occurs with files I have created, the original mp3s I have are fine. Does anyone have ANY clue what is causing this or how to fix it? Thanks a lot.

[JackTheTripper]

This is just a wild guess. This is what I would do with the same problem. I'm sure someone else can give you a better answer.

Try going into some other program (Word maybe) and choose File > Open. Navigate to the directory where you music file is and find it. You'll have to select "all documents" to see your music file. right click on the file and choose delete. Hopefully that will work.

[Falstaff]

I've tried that, it doesn't work either, just crashes. Also, that doesn't help if I want to move the audio files I create, such as dragging them onto my memory cards, as that causes a crash as well.

[Anthony Caruana]

Have you tried the olde fashioned way...

Open a DOS box (Start | Run | cmd)
Open the drive the file is on (eg if it's on the f: drive just type f: and press enter)
Change to the folder the file is in (cd folder\sub-folder\sub-sub-folder)
Delete the file (del filename) Hope this helps

[Falstaff]

I have tried that, but the file name contains an apostrophe and spaces, so even with quotes it doesn't work. Also, even if I'm able to delete the files, that doesn't help my problem of not being able to move the files, which is why I want to fix the problem, not circumvent it.

**Edit: I just tried and I can move the files (drag and drop), so I guess that only caused a crash with the video files earlier. I still can't right click or delete, even after the file has been moved. I can drag into the recycling bin, so I guess I can delete, but it is tedious, and I don't like having major errors that cause parts of my system to crash, so I'm still trying to find an answer. Thanks

[bdeli]

I have tried that, but the file name contains an apostrophe and spaces, so even with quotes it doesn't work. Also, even if I'm able to delete the files, that doesn't help my problem of not being able to move the files, which is why I want to fix the problem, not circumvent it.

Do dir/x first so that you will get a column listing the short name of the file.

[Hyperluminal]

Maybe that's the problem, that the file name has an apostrophe in it? If you try to make a new file in Windows with an apostrophe, it won't make it, since apostrophes are wildcards.. and maybe it's crashing because it can't handle files with apostrophes. Renaming it may fix the problem.. of course, I don't know how you'd be able to do that. Maybe try using the same program that made the files in the first place? Maybe that program could delete it too.. I mean the program you used to rip the file, since I imagine that program is the only thing that could make a file with an apostrophe in it...

Edit: Looks like Bdeli's method could work for what you want... :)

[Steven Cedrone]

Do dir/x first so that you will get a column listing the short name of the file.

Yup, try this method! It will give you a listing of both long file name and the old 8.3 file naming convention. Delete the files by using the 8.3 name! Good luck!

Steve

[Falstaff]

The problem isn't unique to that one file though, it is the same for all the audio files I've created recently. The weird part is they play correctly and show the details in the columns, yet when I try to right click they kill explorer. I guess it's time to read through that WinXP MCSE book on my desk, then turn to MS support <shudder>. Thanks for your advice. Also, you can make a file with an apostrophe, the only character it has a problem with is the period (I think).

[bdeli]

Falstaff did you try to delete from the command prompt?

Secondly by any chance do you have your music player open or else if not it might have a service associated with it open as well (use task manager to kill) - it might be locking your files. Another two options to consider is to restart xp and repeat the steps or try to delete from safe mode.

[Falstaff]

Nope, there was no media player that would have been using the file, or doing anything with them. I haven't tried in safe mode, but I think I'm going to got to MS's online live support, see if any of the guys there can help. Thanks for all your suggestions everyone.