How to Delete Undeletable Files in Windows (Fix “This is no longer located in... Verify the item's location and try again” Error)

Joynul Abadin Rasel
May 23, 2025

Introduction

Ever tried deleting a file in Windows only to see the frustrating message: “This file is no longer located in...”? It’s a common issue that happens when Windows can’t find or access the file path—even though the file still appears to exist. In this post, you’ll learn how to permanently delete undeletable files in Windows, using several proven methods. Let’s solve this annoying error once and for all.

What Causes the “This File Is No Longer Located In...” Error?

This error typically occurs due to:

  • Corrupted file paths or metadata

  • Files moved or deleted outside of Windows Explorer

  • Inconsistent file system entries

  • Long file names or special characters

  • File system errors or disk corruption

Luckily, there are several easy and advanced ways to remove these phantom files.

How to Delete Undeletable Files in Windows

Here's Some Common way to fix this:

Method 1: Refresh Windows Explorer

  • Sometimes, the file is already deleted but still shows up due to a cache glitch.

  1. Close and reopen File Explorer.

  2. Navigate to the file’s folder again.

  3. Try deleting it now.

Method 2: Rename the File Before Deleting

  • Right-click the file > Rename

  • Change its name to something simple like delete.me

  • Press Delete key or right-click > Delete

Method 3: Use Command Prompt

  1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

  2. Use the following commands:

    bash
    cd /d "C:\Path\To\Folder"
del "filename.ext"

    Or to remove a folder:

    bash
    rd /s /q "C:\Path\To\Folder"

Method 4: Use PowerShell

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.

  2. Run:

    mathematica
    Remove-Item "C:\Path\To\File" -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

Method 5: Boot into Safe Mode

  1. Press Shift + Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.

  2. Choose Safe Mode (Option 4).

  3. Navigate to the file and delete it in Safe Mode.

Method 6: Use a File Unlocker Tool

These tools force-delete files that are locked or stubborn:

  • Unlocker

  • LockHunter

  • IObit Unlocker

  • Wise Force Deleter

Just right-click the file > Use Unlocker > Choose Delete.

Method 7: Delete File Using 7-Zip File Manager

  1. Download and open 7-Zip.

  2. Navigate to the file directory.

  3. Right-click the file > Delete.

7-Zip often bypasses restrictions that Explorer can't.

Method 8: Use Disk Cleanup

  1. Press Win + S, search for Disk Cleanup.

  2. Select the drive where the file exists.

  3. Let it scan and delete temporary/system files.

Method 9: Check for Disk Errors

  1. Open Command Prompt as Admin.

  2. Type:

    bash
    chkdsk C: /f /r /x

    Replace C: with the appropriate drive.

  3. Restart and let it scan for file system errors.

Method 10: Shorten the File Path

  • Move the file to a root folder like C:\Temp

  • Rename the file and then delete it
    (Windows can’t handle paths longer than 260 characters in some cases)

Method 11: Create a New Folder and Move the File

  1. Create a new folder in the same location.

  2. Move the problematic file into it.

  3. Delete the new folder with the file inside.

Method 12: Change File Permissions

  1. Right-click the file > Properties > Security tab

  2. Click Advanced > Change Owner > Enter your username

  3. Grant Full Control

  4. Apply changes and delete the file

Method 13: Use Linux Live USB

  1. Create a bootable Linux USB (like Ubuntu).

  2. Boot into Linux and access your Windows drive.

  3. Navigate to the file and delete it from there.

Linux ignores many of Windows' file locking rules.

Method 14: End Explorer.exe and Delete from Task Manager

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Find and end Windows Explorer.

  3. Open File > Run New Task > type cmd

  4. Delete the file from command line as shown above.

Method 15: Format the Drive (As a Last Resort)

If the file is stuck on an external drive and nothing works:

  1. Backup your data.

  2. Right-click the drive > Format.
    Warning: This erases everything!

Watch Tutorial



Conclusion

You don’t have to live with undeletable ghost files on your PC. Whether it's caused by a path error, file corruption, or system glitch, one of these methods will help you force delete files Windows refuses to remove. Try these fixes in order, and enjoy a cleaner, error-free system.


Tags

#DeleteUndeletableFiles #WindowsFix #ThisFileIsNoLongerLocated #WindowsTips #FileError #FileDeletion #CMD #Unlocker #WindowsHelp #PCMaintenance #TechTutorial