Errors in a computer program or system are referred to as bugs. They may be caused by any number of things and can represent a source of frustration for users of the product. Some errors, such as buffer overflows, require special software testing methods that go beyond what is possible with most other types of error.
The “Could not find this item error when deleting a file” is an error that some users might experience. This article will tell you how to fix it.
authored by Matthew Adams
Windows & Software Expert
Matthew is a freelance writer who has written a number of articles on different technology-related themes. His major interest is the Windows operating system and all that surrounds it. He is enthralled by… Read more
7th of April, 2022
Date of publication: May 2020
- It should be simple to move or transfer files and folders from one area to another.
- When you have a problem with your hard drive or are transferring data across a network, errors appear.
- If you encounter an error when removing or copying a file, clean your system, examine the system file, or complete the task using the command prompt.
- Continue reading for step-by-step instructions on all of these repairs, as well as some helpful hints.
Maintain the highest degree of performance on your computer at all times. CCLeaner is a well-known program that maintains your computer clean and efficient while avoiding interfering with critical system components. Right now, you may download it to:
- Clear your cache and cookies to ensure a smooth browsing experience.
- Errors in the registry and settings that aren’t working should be fixed.
- With a speedier PC startup, you can work and play more quickly.
- Examine the state of your computer.
CCleaner also includes a driver and software updater to protect your PC against common faults and program malfunctions. This month, 0 readers have downloaded CCleaner.
Are you expecting a child? When attempting to remove a folder or file, do you get a “Could not locate this object” error? The Item Not Found popup for this Windows problem reads: This item was not found: This is no longer in use (path). Check the position of the item and try again.
This might occur as a result of an erroneous file, an incorrect folder title, or excessive RAM utilization. These are a few options for resolving the problem and deleting the needed folder or file in Windows.
How can I get rid of a file that indicates it can’t be found?
- Make use of a specific tool.
- To free up RAM, close any programs that are running in the taskbar.
- Place the file or folder in a temporary location.
- Change the name of the folder or file.
- Using Command Prompt, delete the folder or file.
1. Make use of a specific tool.
Windows may have different information about the same file at times. One indicates a file was removed and the place is now empty, while another displays an icon with the file’s name and requests that it be erased.
This is when the operating system thinks to itself, “How could I delete something that doesn’t exist?”
And now we’re dealing with odd errors like this. A registry scan and repair of any faults detected is a fast remedy. We also suggest doing a custom scan and checking as many things as possible from Windows Explorer.
We suggest using CCleaner for a speedy and safe procedure. It’s a little PC cleaner that scans your system for problems and deletes any files that aren’t needed.
The program may check your whole computer as well as clean your browser. Allow it to conduct the scans and apply the repairs. Restart your computer to check whether the problem has been resolved.
Either the file will have already been deleted from the system, or there will be no problem when attempting to remove it again.
CCleaner can also help you clean your browser, delete trash files, uninstall bloatware, and conduct a variety of other optimization tasks to improve PC performance.
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Use this all-in-one tool to clean and optimize your PC for faster performance and fewer mistakes.
2. To free up RAM, close any programs that are running in the taskbar.
Before removing the folder or file, you need first free up RAM. Close any open programs on your taskbar.
Additionally, you may use the Task Manager to close background apps by hitting the Win key + X hotkey and choosing Task Manager from the menu.
Expert Tip: Some PC problems, such as damaged repositories or missing Windows files, are difficult to resolve. If you’re having problems repairing a mistake, it’s possible that your system is partly broken. Restoro is a tool that will scan your computer and determine the source of the problem. To download and begin mending, go here.
Select the applications listed under Background processes and click the End task button for each of them. More advice on how to free up RAM may be found in this Windows Report article.
3. Place the file or folder in a temporary location.
It’s also possible that moving the subdirectory or file to a different directory would solve the problem. By clicking the New folder button in File Explorer, you may create a new folder outside of the directory where the subfolder or file is located.
Then drag and drop the subfolder or file into the new, temporary folder and delete it once again.
4. Change the name of the folder or file.
This problem might be caused by long folder or file names that include spaces and symbols. So, instead of using spaces or symbols in the title, make it shorter.
With the Command Prompt, you may rename directories and files as follows:
- Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu by pressing the Win key + X hotkey.
- In Command Prompt, open the folder you want to remove or one that includes the file you want to delete. As illustrated in the screenshot below, you may accomplish this simply typing ‘cd’ followed by the whole folder path.
- Then, at the Command Prompt, enter ‘dir /x’ and hit Enter. This will display all of the directory’s content in the 8.3 format, as seen below.
- Rename the file or folder title by entering ‘ren <8.3 file or folder title> ’ in the Command Prompt as below with no spaces. The 8.3 file or folder title would be something like WORLDC~1.BMP.
- Close Command Prompt and go to File Explorer to delete the folder or file.
5. Using Command Prompt, delete the folder or file.
- If you can’t remove the file or folder via File Explorer, launch the Command Prompt (Admin) by using the Win key + X keyboard shortcut and choosing Command Prompt (Admin).
- As previously, use cd to open the directory path.
- To access the directory with DOC 8.3 folder and file titles, use ‘dir /x’.
- Now, as demonstrated in the screenshot below, type ‘del’ followed by the 8.3 file title. To remove a file or folder, use the Enter key.
- To remove a folder, use ‘rmdir’ followed by the 8.3 directory title.
That’s how you may remove the blocked file or folder and repair the Could not locate this item issue.
Using the Command Prompt to edit or delete the folder or file frequently solves the problem. For additional details, see our post on how to resolve Windows file deletion difficulties.
The majority of the time, this situation is caused by small system issues that aren’t irreparable.
Due to the fact that we often install and remove various software, registry difficulties might occur in every Windows user.
Tell us which of the aforementioned options you used and how it went. Please utilize the comment area below if you have any queries or suggestions.
Check out our instructions in the File Explorer part of the site if you need help with additional issues with Explorer.
Many issues have been handled and compiled in the section on repairing Windows 10.
Are you still experiencing problems? Use this tool to fix them:
- Download this TrustPilot.com-rated PC Repair Tool (download starts on this page).
- To detect Windows faults that may be causing PC difficulties, click Start Scan.
- To repair faults with Patented Technologies, click Repair All (Exclusive Discount for our readers).
This month, 0 readers have downloaded Restoro.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
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The “how to delete a file that cannot be found windows 10” is an error that can occur when trying to delete a file. This article will provide you with the steps on how to fix this issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you force delete a file that Cannot be found?
A: It is impossible to force delete a file that cannot be found. If you are certain the file no longer exists, then try using the Search tool in File Explorer and see if it pops up there.
When I try to delete a folder it says could not find this item?
A: This typically means that the folder doesnt already exist. To create a new folder, click on Folder in the top left corner of your computer and then hold Ctrl+Shift (Windows) or Command + Shift (Mac) to select multiple files at once. Then right-click on one of them, choose New > Folder from here and name it whatever you like.
How do you fix the could not find this item this is no longer located in path verify the items location and try again?
A: This is not a specific question.
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