There is a previously installed Windows folder taking up many GBs of space on my D drive.

I'm running my current OS from the C drive.

So I went through the steps to change the ownership of the folder from Trusted Installer to my account name. Then I added my account name with full control over the folder, subfolders, and files.

Unfortunately I get a message on every subfolder that says “Failed to enumerate object in the container” or something like that.

And when I try to delete the D: Windows folder it says I need permission from my account that I'm logged in with.

How can I remove this useless folder taking up tons of space?
https://ringtonesfree.info/

 

Last edited: Mar 3, 2020

Create a bootable CD /DVD /USB key with Linux like Knoppix. Then browse and delete. Of course You must know what you're doing, to avoid damaging the OS.
This is one way to create a bootable key and add any kind of packages (os):
https://www.aioboot.com/en/

 

Alternatively you can backup any files that you want to keep and reformat the D: drive.

 

Last edited: May 7, 2019

ccleaner has an option to delete windows .old files.

 

BCWipe should do it.

https://www.jetico.com/downloads/data-wiping

 

@DanielAr A bootable CD is a good option but you must be careful as was it explained to you by @orbitbooster. Reformatting the drive is not needed to solve this issue but it is an option. Another option that sometimes does the trick is to make a rar. archive of the folder with the option to delete files after archiving. When done just delete the .rar file. With that said, the following instructions will solve the “Failed to enumerate object in the container” issue you are having. Good luck.

1. Firstly, right click over the folder/file whose permissions you’ve to change. Select Properties.

2. In the Properties windows, switch to Security and click Advanced option there.

3. In the Advanced Security Settings window click Change link for Owner

4. In Select User or Group window click Advanced option

5. In the newly opened window click Find Now

6. In the Search Results either select your user account or everyone and click OK

7. Now in the Advance Security Settings for Explorer window enable Replace owner on subcantainers and objects AND Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object.

8. Finally, go back to the Properties window and proceed.

 

Lots of good advice on this page; but I'll add my support for the Hirens recommendation. I've been using this for many years and it's now hard to imagine maintaining PC's efficiently without it. If it feels a bit intimidating at first, see this guide for setting up what might be one of the most useful USB's you'll ever own... https://www.wintips.org/how-to-create-hirens-bootcd-usb-disk/

 

I reinstall my OS drive from a backup image every 6 months, and I always reformat the drives that I use for storage purposes. It's just an old habit I developed from being a longtime Windows user with lots of bad memories

 

Last edited: May 8, 2019

And then reinstall a pile of software?

 

No, I back up my production system. If there are a lot of changes, I will make a new image. I am totally offline and running a stripped down version of LTSB. A lot of my stuff comes into the computer as .wav files, so I don't go too crazy with the VSTs, I just use what I need .. less is more I find that Windows degrades itself over time, so that is the main issue I am addressing here, and nothing beats a freshly installed Windows machine.

Note: I also have an image of the stripped down OS if I want to set up for a specific project. All of my project data and library files are stored on a separate SSD/HDD.

 

Last edited: May 8, 2019

Running an SSD folks will find a SIGNIFICANT decrease in windows degrading itself over time

Before getting an SSD I used to format and reinstall like every few months..

Been running this 3 years now.. havent formatted since.

NTM much much much faster.

 

Yeah, this habit is going back to the bad old days of Windows, and it's one I like to keep as I like a freshly installed system, and Windows can sometimes have a mind of its own If I'm doing a special project I will just load the VST I need, as I like to purposely limit myself. Endless options make me dizzy, so I'm more into hardware these days.

What SSD are you using? I'm running a 1GB M.2 EVO 860 which I heartily recommend. Warranty is 5 years or 600 TB TBW, so it's going to last a while.

 

Last edited: May 8, 2019

This will be good to fix a problem on another machine. Thanks

 

Evo 850 500 GB...

Absolutely recommend too.

 

The EVO 860 has similar performance, but has a better warranty and longevity. The 850 is fine for audio, as you're not moving terrabytes of data around every day. But as you say these things rock

 

Last edited: May 11, 2019

Unlocker and MoveOnBoot (what I remember it as, haven't used in ages, I think that's it) could work. Both have worked for me in the past. Leaving them here, in case anyone else is looking. (Make sure the installers don't have offers and adware; didn't check them).

Another option is to boot into safe mode (older versions) or try the boot options in Win 10 (pretty sure there's at least one option that gives you the file explorer in advanced boot).

You can also reset PC instead of formatting.

And do a virus scan, just in case.

 

Haha funny, I did exactly the same thing just a moment ago.
I downloaded a Linux distribution (Kali Linux), made a bootable USB-Stick using the freeware Rufus (the absolutely
best tool for creating bootable flash drives) and then I started my PC from that drive (BIOS -> Boot order) and just deleted
the old Windows folder and some other files & folders where I was too lazy to change permissions for.

That saved me over 20GB of space in just a few minutes without fighting with Windows asking me 1000 questions.

 

Yep I do the same, but while perfect for general purposes, usually Kali (I used it when it was called Backtrack) is best suited for network security / exploitation.

 

Yep but besides that, it's a well optimized Linux with very nice GUI (used the KDE version with Plasma/Glass interface),
which just works as it should - no hasseling with network or graphics drivers & stuff like that, like in other distributions.
Means, it's also very good for users without much knowledge about Linux.

Also used Backtrack back in the days to get access to my neighbours wifi (haha).