How to get around "unable to delete file: access denied" error when using File Shredder?

andacat

Hello -

Apologies if this thread already exists out there; I searched, but didn't find anything on my exact issue (which surprises me, because it happens to me fairly frequently).

I use File Shredder at least once a day from the trash bin. Now and again, I'll have attempted to shred a folder with (typically) .jpg & .psd files in it; after I run file shredder, the files inside the folder will be gone, but the folder itself won't shred, and I'll get the error message, "unable to delete file: access denied".

The folders are basically never system files or anything stored in funky places; like I said, they're typically folders of image files, but it'll happen sometimes with folders that contained normal Office files, like .xlsx's / .pdf's, just stored in file folders easily accessible from my desktop. I'd say that I encounter this issue about once a week, give or take. I've got Bitdefender checking for updates every 8 hours; I've not had any alerts nor anything of the sort pertaining to file shredder. This has been happening on and off for as long as I can remember, on my last two laptops (used consecutively) - and I've used Bitdefender for at least 5 years.

I've done the following (multiple times):

• Rebooted
• Restored the folder, then deleted / attempted to shred again
• Restored the folder to a new location, then deleted / attempted to shred again
• Closed all open programs / windows / and even browsers, then attempted to shred again
• Restored, closed all open programs / windows / even browsers, then deleted / attempted to shred again
• Restored, attempted to rename the folder, deleted / attempted to shred again (it reverts to the old name once it hits the recycle bin)
• Variations & combinations of the above

...and still, the folder won't shred. Makes me crazy. I wind up just using Windows' "empty the trash bin" function. Or recycle bin. Whatever they're calling it now.

??????????????

The fine print:

Product Information: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Build 26.0.28.94

Windows Info: Edition: Windows 10 Pro, Version: 21H2, Installed on: ‎8/‎26/‎2020, OS build: 19044.2075, Experience: Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.4180.0

Thank you for any help!

~ Andrea

Gjoksi

Hello.

-- STEP 1 --

Repair Bitdefender, by following these steps:

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/13429/

-- STEP 2 --

If the instructions from Step 1 didn't help, uninstall the Bitdefender program using the Uninstall Tool:

https://www.bitdefender.com/links/uninstall_consumer_paid.html

or

https://www.bitdefender.com/links/uninstall_consumer_trial.html

It will completely remove the program.

Next, reinstall Bitdefender from your Bitdefender Central account and see if the issue has been solved, as reinstalling the program usually solves the issues.

-- STEP 3 --

If the instructions from Step 2 didn't help, follow the instructions in this step.

First, take screenshot(s) of the issue

and create a log file on your Windows device using Bitdefender Support Tool, by following these steps:

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/1733/

Next, contact Bitdefender Consumer Support by e-mail:

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/help/

or

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/91918/bitdefender-websites-and-bitdefender-consumer-support-contacts

with short description of the issue.

After that, you will get an automated reply by the Bitdefender Customer Care Team, with your ticket number.

Now, in reply to that automated reply, you can send the screenshot(s) you already took and the log file you already created in the first step.

Since you are all done, just wait for the support engineers to investigate your issue and find a solution to fix the issue.

Remember that the screenshot(s) and the log file will help a lot to the support engineers for better and faster investigation on your issue and finding a solution.

Regards.

Alexandru_BD

I agree with @Gjoksi here, we won't be able to resolve this on the forum and it's recommended to get in touch with the Support engineers for a detailed investigation.

Regards