Member Avatar for yashwanta

I was using Windows OneCare and now i am not using it at all (i mean i removed it from my system) but i still have backup folder which i want to delete. When i tryed to delet it say i can not delete windows OneCare. So please help me because it took 9 Gb space of my external hard drive.
Thank you
yash

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Short version: those OneCare backup folders are usually protected by ownership/ACLs, file attributes, or by a running handle. Several posters here hit the same causes — tried a permissions fix, used sharing/rename, and changed the GUI ownership — so the problem is almost always one of access or a locked file. The options below give a few safe, practical alternatives that don’t repeat the exact steps already posted.

If you prefer a quick command-line fix (run an elevated Command Prompt first), claim ownership and give Administrators full control, then remove the folder. Example (replace the path with your folder):

takeown /F "E:\Windows OneCare\Backup 2005" /R /D Y
icacls  "E:\Windows OneCare\Backup 2005" /grant Administrators:F /T
rmdir   /S /Q "E:\Windows OneCare\Backup 2005"

If deletion still fails, a process has the files open. Use Sysinternals Process Explorer (run as administrator), use Find → Find Handle or DLL and search the folder name; close the handle or stop the process that holds it. Closing handles can crash programs — note which process you stop.

If Explorer refuses because files are hidden/system or the folder has odd characters/long path issues, clear attributes and try again or boot to Safe Mode and delete there:

attrib -s -h -r "E:\Windows OneCare\*.*" /S /D
rmdir  /S /Q "E:\Windows OneCare"

Final notes: always verify the backup contains nothing you need before deleting and unmount the external drive safely afterward. If filesystem errors persist, run chkdsk on the drive. If unsure, mention which Windows version and exact path and someone can provide more targeted steps.

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Member Avatar for hughv

I had this same problem, and it really pissed me off. Not only does WOC suck, but they're trying to tell me what I can and can't delete on my own computer!
Anyhoo, the fix is a pain in the butt.
See:

There is an easier way by the use of cacls

Use this line as example

If you have a folder on the E drive called Windows OneCare and the folder in it called Backup 2005 has the files in it, then do this:

cacls "e:\Windows OneCare\Backup 2005" /t /g administrators:F

cacls "<drive letter>:\<path>" /t /g administrators:F

Do NOT put a \ after the path

This will strip the permissions from the folder and should allow you to delete it :)
This worked for me. Read and follow carefully.

Member Avatar for yashwanta

SOLVED
These are the steps:
open the folder WINDOWS ONECARE IS SAVED
single click on WOC
then see left side "share This Folder" Click on it
Then click on Sharing tab
section of Network Sharing and security
share this folder on the network "check that box"
check box "allow network user to change my file"
then click apply
then ok
then select WOC folder and hit DEL
Enter yes
now its gone.

Member Avatar for hughv

Interesting. but it didn't work for my file which is named "Windows One care backup".
My WOC is about a year old, so I wonder if some changes were made, maybe due to complaints like ours.

Member Avatar for yashwanta

My file was named just like your. But i rename as WindowsOneCare. then i delete it. So you will be able to do that.

Member Avatar for hughv

Thanks.

Member Avatar for hughv

Tip #1: If you want to get attention to your thread, start a new one.

Member Avatar for yashwanta

Thank you

Member Avatar for ac7rt

I found a solution that worked. I am using XP Media edition.
1. Right click on the OneCare directory on the hard drive where the files are stored. It will bring up a selection box.
2. Left click on the properties box.
3. Left click on the Security tab.
4. At the bottom of the screen, click on the Advanced button.
5. Click on the Owner tab.
6. Change the owner to you (pick one of the selections). Essentially, you will be switching ownership of the directory to you.
7. Click the check box at the bottom that says Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.
8. Click OK.

After some time passes, the ownership of the directory and all subdirectories and files switches to you. You can now hit delete on the directory and the directory and all of the subdirectories and files will be deleted.

Member Avatar for mjdodd

just a very old fashioned tip but works every time is to use the command processor > and then using dos commands and you can remove almost anything! if you do not know DOS then at the command prompt type HELP /? and youget some help.
I when relly stuck go back to this very old fashioned but very powerful way of kicking windows where it hurts!
M

Member Avatar for proudtexan

yeah im having the same problem getting windows one care off my system ran several uninstall programs to no avail me need help

Member Avatar for proudtexan

yeah im having the same problem cant get windows one care to delete off my system and i know nothing about programing etc just ya average home user with alot experience on the home pc

Member Avatar for proudtexan

i wish i could get windows one care to delete tried everything it would not delete even uninstall programs

SORRY FOLKS about the same post in this thread was trying to post in another forum here but keeps going here for some reason

Member Avatar for proudtexan

hey for some reason i was not able to post in this fourum kept going back to the other one i was at but this is the post i was going to make

yeah im having the same problem cant get windows one care to delete off my system and i know nothing about programing etc just ya average home user with alot experience on the home pc

man im trying to post in the other fourm and its keeps going back to this one WTH

Member Avatar for proudtexan

im trying to get windows one care uninstall myself tried every thing i know

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