Windows crashes when I highlight a certain file

metomeyametomeya New
edited November 2004 in Science & Tech
Ya so when i highlight a video file to play it, it crashes. I would just delete the file and be done with it, but I can't delete it without highlight

Is there a command I can do in the RUN window that I can delete the file with?

Has anyone ever heard of this? Is it some kind of virus or something?

Comments

  • Straight_ManStraight_Man Geeky, in my own way Naples, FL Icrontian
    edited November 2004
    Um, some video files in fact can be embedded with virals, yes(although quite a FEW other things can also cause this).

    BUT, try this:

    Do NOT Click to highlight, RIGHT-CLICK instead. See if it gives you a Delete option on the little menu that results from the right-click, choose that if you can, and tell us what happens-- also empty your recycle bin if it deletes, ok???

    If it does not work, open a Command Console and type this:

    del /?

    and see if that helps explain the command line way, ok??? Then ask followup questions if needed-- Del is short for Delete, by the way, and the Command Console (also the older command prompt in older Windows versions) also understands
    Delete /? or DELETE /? or delete /? (commands are not case sensitive most times, in the command console).
    ....
  • metomeyametomeya New
    edited November 2004
    Ya I can't right-click it cause that automatically highlights it.

    I think command console is my only way. But I'm having trouble with the "dir" command. It's giving me the window's long file name instead of the dos short one I need to use the "del" command.

    I've already looked at the "dir /?" but I can't find an option that will list the shortfile name. Remember I can't right-click and get properties on it cause that will highlight it.

    I've already tried "dir /b" and "dir /-n" and finally "dir /x /-n" Still won't show the dos short file name for that file (it shows the dos file name only for three in the folder but not that specific one). And I tried deleting it typing the whole long name painfull but didn't work.


    Is there anyprogram out there that can delete things without highlighting? :bawling:
  • metomeyametomeya New
    edited November 2004
    Okay i figured out a way.

    After i typed that last line it dawned on me I can use my Ultrawipe to get ride of it.

    I moved all the other files out of that folder, and then used the emergency wipe (only way to have ultrawipe do a specific folder, or files) on that folder. Then vala, it was gone. ;D



    I'm still interested in finding a way to do it threw the commadn console. What if it was a virus that wouldn't let you connect to the internet or load something on disk, or you would be screwed. Also I didn't know that XP doesn't force DOS short filenames on all files from using the "dir /x" it seemed like it was merely an option for the person making the file to create one or not. Which says to me it makes virus makers a easier time keeping you from deleteing the file. Oh by the way it wasn't a virus cause I ran my anti-virus, I guess it was just a corrupted file or something.
  • CBCB Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Der Millionendorf- Icrontian
    edited November 2004
    They can't load anything very complex into that kind of situation, now if you actually ran it, then it could do some damage, but if you're just clicking on it, making it crash your system is as easy as setting up an insoluble contradiction in the file properties. I've had this happen several times, and (in XP) sometimes when explorere crashes because of something like tat you can move the 'send report to Microsoft' dilog box out of the way, and continue useing explorer for a little bit, bypassing the error. If you click to report (or not to) then it will close explorer imediatly.

    I've had a couple of files do this to me, and I've always been able to delete them by just ignoring the error message.
  • TheBaronTheBaron Austin, TX
    edited November 2004
    im almost positive you'd have no difficulty deleting it in safe mode

    im betting this would have fixed the problem...
    http://www.tweakxp.com/tweak841.aspx

    also, since the xp command console supports tab name-filling, you should have just been able to have it tab out the name for
  • JimboraeJimborae Newbury, Berks, UK New
    edited November 2004
    I had a similar problem on certain video files where by if i highlighted it explorer would crash back to the desktop. Solution was to install better codec pack, i think it was a divx file.
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited November 2004
    One reason this happens is due to the WinXP preview feature. If the file is corrupt Windows will try (in vain) to generate a preview until kingdom come.

    There are several ways of getting around this, congrats on finding a new one, metomeya. :thumbsup:
  • metomeyametomeya New
    edited November 2004
    Ya it sounds like the preview function windows has for a corrupt file.

    How would you disable the preview option? :mullet:
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