Recover deleted items How to delete the files cannot be deleted?

Sometimes, you may found that you are unable to delete the files, and the system tells you that the filename is too long. To solve this problem, first, we need to learn more about the long filename, which is short for LFN.

What are the long filenames?

Some windows system use LFN system supports file names up to 255 characters. While other operating system do not have this limit. Many windows system require the filename character should be shorter than 255.  Sometimes, the files with long filenames is moved from other operating systems, while others may be the media file or other cache files with long filename. Therefore, if you try to delete the files with long filenames, the system will tell you that the name of the file is too long to be deleted.

How to deal with the file with long filenames?

Use the command prompt to generate a shorter filename

Find the directory where store the file with long filename, press shift and then right-click on the empty area, click Open command window here from the right-click menu.

Enter DIR /X command in the command prompt window. It will list all the files and folders in this directory. If there are too many files to display on a single screen, you should use the command DIR /X /P to pause and move.

On the screen, you will find the file with filename like “abcde～1.TXT”, the long filename has been simplified. Then you can replace the file has a too long filename with the your modified file name. Type “del abcde～1.TXT and press enter. Then the windows will delete the file with too long filename.

Finally, you have easily deleted the files cannot be deleted. I believe that this is the most simple way for you to fix this error. However, there is another case that your files may be cannot be deleted. That is not for the filename is too long.

If this file has not a too long filename but cannot be deleted, it is possible that the file is still running in the background or used by other programs. And also virus attack, file corruption are also the possible causes. You can close this file and end all the running programs in task manager. If you still cannot delete it, you can use a third-party software or use the command prompt to try to delete.

Recover deleted item with data recovery software

If you delete your files by accident, and cannot find them in recycle bin, you should take recovery tool immediately.

How to recover deleted items from computer?

If you lost data for accidental deletion or you suffer an unexpected data loss, you should stop using your computer immediately. Your actions on computer can affect the result of data recovery. Therefore, it’s necessary to avoid adding new data to the hard drive after data loss. The following video will tell you how to retrieve the files after you have data loss.