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Q132650: Cannot Remove Deeply Rooted Folder

Article: Q132650
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): 95 98
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kberrmsg kbui win95 win98
Last Modified: 17-DEC-2000

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows 95 
- Microsoft Windows 98 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you try to delete a folder, you may receive one of the following error
message:

  Cannot remove folder <folder name>: Access is denied. Make sure the
  disk is not full or write protected and that the file is not currently in
  use.

  Cannot delete *.*. Cannot find the specified file. Make sure you specify the
  correct path and filename.

CAUSE
=====

The directory structure for the folder you want to remove is longer than the
maximum allowable length.

RESOLUTION
==========

You may be able to delete the folder using one of the following methods:

- Rename some of the parent folders that are closer to the root directory with
  shorter names, then try to delete the folder.

- Run ScanDisk, then try to delete the folder.

MORE INFORMATION
================

You may also receive the following message when you rename a folder:

  This operation may affect some registered applications.

This message occurs for the same reason as the message you receive when you try
to delete a folder. You can ignore this message and continue.

======================================================================
Keywords          : kberrmsg kbui win95 win98 
Technology        : kbWin95search kbWin98search kbZNotKeyword3 kbWin98
Version           : 95 98
Issue type        : kbprb

=============================================================================

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