I have a FILE I put in the C:\Windows folder and I want to be able to delete it from that folder from the command line prompt. The problem is that Windows VISTA gives an access denied message ANYTIME the del or erase command is attempted. The folder and the file is NOT read-only, so changing attributes or using the /f switch with del, which would force a read-only file to be removed, are of no use.

Does anyone know of any method to override this access denied issue so the command line can be used to delete a file placed in the Windows folder instead of using Windows Explorer to do the job?

Thanks,

PeteTry Unlocker: http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/I want to be able to do this without 3rd party software additions, straight from the command line. Of course this might not be possible, but I usually discover ways to do the 'impossible' most of the time. I have a workaround if the command line can't handle it, but deleting from the command line is my first choice.

This article I found interesting but it doesn't seem to work with my Vista or the author might have posted it incorrectly or perhaps I initiated it incorrectly. In any case, even if it did work, it would require a reboot, which would be unacceptable for my situation.

http://www.jonespc.com/cant-delete-that-file-in-vista-bypass-all-that-permission-mumbo-jumbo-by-logging-into-the-hidden-admin-account/2008/01/10/

Thanks,

PeteYour problem here is not UAC. A process is locking the file, preventing deletion. This is a pretty common issue in Windows. So common that someone created the AWESOME unlocker tool to deal with it.I don't have Vista ( Xp instead) but it might still work. Type this in CMD:

cd C:\WINDOWS\system32\
Now type your command.
 
It works in Xp so i hope it will work with Vista. 

..and what command might it be?
Deerpark is absolutely right.He said he wanted to delete a file. So type --- cd C:\WINDOWS\system32\  --- before the delete command or erase command. And remember this works with XP i don't no about vista ( but i hope it will ).If file is marked as "in use", it can be only deleted on reboot.Maybe try to reboot in Safe Mode with command prompt (turn your computer on then while its booting on turn it off and use arrow keys to click Safe Mode with command-prompt) and do it from there. It works with Xp so try it out.
  Also, if it doesn't work try using a small Linux.

Hope it helps (don't know if it will  )! Quote

urn your computer on then while its booting on turn it off

horrible way