How to Delete Locked Folders Recycle Bin Command Prompt

Occasionally, you may need to delete a file in a folder and Windows will not allow it. Instead, you get a message that tells you that Windows has locked the file. If you run into problems deleting files that appear locked, you must end the "explorer.exe" -- the Windows Desktop -- process before you can delete those files. Once "explorer.exe" closes, you must use the Windows Command Prompt to delete the files. You can use a special syntax in the Command Prompt to delete locked files and folders located in your Recycle Bin.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Press the "R" and "Windows" keys on your keyboard simultaneously. Type in "cmd" into the Run window that appears, and press "Enter." The Windows Command Prompt will appear.
   • 2
     Right-click the Windows taskbar and select "Task Manager." Select the "Processes" tab and locate "explorer.exe" from the list of processes. Click on it, and then click "End Process." Click "Yes." This allows you to delete a locked file or folder.
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   • 3
     Input the following commands into the Command Prompt window, one at a time and press "Enter" after each:

     attrib %systemdrive%\recycler\* -r -s -h /s /d

     del %systemdrive%\recycler\* /f /s /q

     rd %systemdrive%\recycler /s /q

     These commands unhide hidden folders, deletes Recycle Bin files and folders, then removes the Recycler directory.
   • 4
     Input the following text into the command prompt, and press "Enter" to restart the computer:

     shutdown -r