Utility for Deleting Invalid Files
from the author of
PurgeIE - Purge Cache, Cookies and Tracks for Internet Explorer
NOTICE - new SCAN function
Windows allows the creation of file names and folder names
that can not be deleted or renamed via
Windows Explorer. This includes names with invalid characters and
names that are too long.
The current version of DelinvFile (3.03) includes a function to
scan for invalid names and too-long names.
Some windows functions allow creation of folder paths such that
the combined path + filename lengths exceed the maximum permitted length.
The current limit is 260 characters. In other words, windows can create
names that are too long for the standard Windows Explorer to delete. The
scan
function also attempts to identify file and folder names with invalid characters
which would make them un-removable via Windows Explorer.
Too many invalid names to handle manually. See SharePrep below.
This page describes "DelinvFile.exe" which is a Utility that you can use to delete data files that you have not been able to delete using the normal Windows Delete function. You could use the phrase 'delete undeletable files' to describe the program.
Most file delete problems can be overcome by using a DOS or Command window to:
1. Execute a Delete command referencing the Short FileName or
2. Execute a Delete command for the UNC form of the FileName.
However, it is quite difficult to manually enter a lengthy filename without error. Most of the relatively new computer users are not comfortable using DOS commands.
The current version of DelinvFile is 3.03.
DelinvFile supports Windows 95, NT4, 98, ME, 2000, XP and VISTA
Beginning with version 3.01, DelinvFile includes a function to scanning for invalid names (file or folder) and too-long names.
DelinvFile was converted to a commercial version with the release of version 2.02 and is currently being marketed as try-before-you-buy software.
As the FreeWare version of DelinvFile had become so popular and has been referenced on many download sites and been referenced in several web forums and newsgroups, the decision was made to keep the original program functions FREE in the commercial version.
The initial commercial version of DelinvFile made available additional functions which required licensing (registration) for them to work. The original program functions were FREE in the initial commercial version.
As many customers were asking to be able to test the advanced functions prior to purchase, DelinvFile was converted to Shareware with a 15 day free Trial. Note that all functions are available during the trial period.
Site Licenses or Multiple-use Licenses for businesses are
also available upon request via the vendor. An additional 25%
discount is available for Site Licenses for educational institutions,
public libraries and government facilities.
Note - the Short Filenames are the shortened version of Long Filenames that are created to fit the 8.3 format. That is, the name is only 8 characters and the extension is only 3 characters. The system maintains both in its directory structure.
UNC is an acronym for Universal Naming Convention. By example, the FileName "C:\temp\test.doc" would be represented by "\\?\C:\temp\test.doc".
"DelinvFile.exe" is a Windows program that provides a convenient User Interface for selecting the file that you need to delete and provides for a choice of two delete methods.
You use the standard controls for Drives, Folders, and Files to navigate to the Folder and Select the file to be deleted.
Note that Filenames are displayed in both forms - Short FileName and Long Filename as a convenience for the user.
Once a FileName is selected (highlighted), you can click the Delete buttons to try to delete the file.
Note that you may be able to delete the file with one method but not the other. Try both if necessary.
If neither of the delete operations succeed, you have a more involved problem than described above.
Announcement - "SharePrep" released for Sharepoint
SharePrep is
a utility program for SharePoint administrators
to correct file and folder names
in preparation for importing data into Microsoft's SharePoint.
The file and folder names within SharePoint have more
restrictions than for normal Windows operation.
SharePrep has scan and
rename functions to assist in the preparation project.
See - http://www.purgeie.com/shareprep for details.
SharePrep is not just for SharePoint. Some are using SharePrep to bulk rename invalid files and folders.