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Help Unable to delete files/folders

F

FeinEmber

Lurker
I've looked all over for a possible fix to this, so hopefully putting my problem specifically to a forum might help.

I installed Netgear Genie to my Sero 7 Pro, and found a neat li'l feature that lets me send files to my tablet directly through wifi. So, I tested and sent a good-sized folder (over 1 gig) this way. Had plenty of room at the time, so the fact that it saved it on the onboard SD (I still don't know why it's called that, and I get it confused with my external SD) didn't bother me. I'd just transfer it from that to my external one.

Turns out I can copy, but I can't delete it, nor can I delete any files in the folder. I can rename the folder all I like, but not delete it. So, now I've got a little over a gig of space that is locked into this folder, and it won't go away. I've "deleted" it through the USB/computer connection, and through the Settings > Storage function on my tablet, which both make it seem to be deleted, but when I go back, it's still there. I use ES File Explorer to try, and it says it can't be deleted. And I just rooted it in the hopes I could get more "authority", but either I don't have it yet, or don't know how to use it.

Any help at all would be very much appreciated.
 
FeinEmber said:
I've looked all over for a possible fix to this, so hopefully putting my problem specifically to a forum might help.

I installed Netgear Genie to my Sero 7 Pro, and found a neat li'l feature that lets me send files to my tablet directly through wifi. So, I tested and sent a good-sized folder (over 1 gig) this way. Had plenty of room at the time, so the fact that it saved it on the onboard SD (I still don't know why it's called that, and I get it confused with my external SD) didn't bother me. I'd just transfer it from that to my external one.

Turns out I can copy, but I can't delete it, nor can I delete any files in the folder. I can rename the folder all I like, but not delete it. So, now I've got a little over a gig of space that is locked into this folder, and it won't go away. I've "deleted" it through the USB/computer connection, and through the Settings > Storage function on my tablet, which both make it seem to be deleted, but when I go back, it's still there. I use ES File Explorer to try, and it says it can't be deleted. And I just rooted it in the hopes I could get more "authority", but either I don't have it yet, or don't know how to use it.

Any help at all would be very much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Install a good file manager like ES File Explorer or Ghost Commander. This easily allows you to delete plus they have many other useful features such as transfer to/from your LAN (plug-in needed for GC but not ESFE).
 
I already said, I've used ES File Manager, checked properties of files, folders, everything. It doesn't give a reason for why I can't delete it, it just says it can't be deleted. I'm almost wondering if I'm going to have to just back everything up and do a factory reset.
 
FeinEmber said:
I already said, I've used ES File Manager, checked properties of files, folders, everything. It doesn't give a reason for why I can't delete it, it just says it can't be deleted. I'm almost wondering if I'm going to have to just back everything up and do a factory reset.
Click to expand...

I missed that. Have you tried, using settings\apps: a) deleting cache. b) data, c) uninstalling the apk itself for Netgear Genie? I haven't used that app but files I've transferred from my pc via wireless via ES File Explorer, Desktop Connect, Air Droid, etc and cloud storage have all been deletable.
 
Oh, I've uninstalled the app a few times, and it's gone now, but the folder and all its contents are still there. Don't suppose anyone knows an easy way to fully back up everything, factory reset, then get it all back.
 
FeinEmber said:
Oh, I've uninstalled the app a few times, and it's gone now, but the folder and all its contents are still there. Don't suppose anyone knows an easy way to fully back up everything, factory reset, then get it all back.
Click to expand...

If you are rooted, you can try a couple of things from booting into restore. Make a nandroid bu to your external card. .You can use your recovery -either CWM or TWRP- and first wipe/reformat both cache and Dalvik cache. Try rebooting and see if that gets rid of the folder. If it doesn't, do a factory restore/clean wipe. You can then try restoring the bu or reinstall your apps from Google and/or Amazon and your data from the SD card. Also, might first try asking around on one of the XDA threads for Sero 7 Pro developers like Dolorespark or davepmer.
 
I'm a bit of a noob on this, so what is CWM or TWRP? Or a Dalvik cache? And I just did a factory restore (dunno about the clean wipe), and the folder is -still- there, and still just as undeletable.
 
FeinEmber said:
I'm a bit of a noob on this, so what is CWM or TWRP? Or a Dalvik cache? And I just did a factory restore (dunno about the clean wipe), and the folder is -still- there, and still just as undeletable.
Click to expand...

They are both utilities that also allow backups, installing custom ROMs, wiping caches, etc. A version of CWM probably was installed when you rooted. To get to it (if installed), power down and press the power and volume-up side of the rocker switch at the same time and hold a few seconds. The use the rocker switch to get to the white box and press the power button, Dalvik cache is a bit complex to explain but basically is a data storage used by many apps.

For more info, tutorials, see LuckyMe's "sticky" postings in Root, Hacking, etc for the Sero 7 Pro on:
Sero 7 Forum - The #1 Sero 7 Tablet News, Discussion and Fan Site! - Forum Index
Also, check XDA Sero 7 Pro threads for more on CWM, TWRP.
 
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