Error 0x80070091: The Directory Is Not Empty

Error 0x80070091: The directory is not empty

(Also reports corrupted but invisible files – directory accessible from command prompt)

This is the error message I continually get when trying to delete a directory tree associated with an uninstalled application.

These are the steps I have taken:

1. Run chkdsk /f (and /x). Will not scan even on reboot. Prompts for system restore.

2. Run system restore. Requires chkdsk to be run.

3. Run chkntfs. Negative result.

4. Attempt to take ownership. Allowed.

5. Attempt to change permissions (upgrade). Any and all types of change denied.

6. Run sfc. Negative.

7. Run fsutil with various subcommands. With both this and sfc it was possible to verify both the address and the fact that the subdirectory in question is reported as not empty.

8. Using a disk editor, locate the address (verified also in text mode as being the correct location) and attempt to delete. Access Denied,

9. Run various 3rd party deletion progs (File Assassin, Unlocker etc). Negative.

Next steps were to remove the hard drive, reformat and check. This resulted in a clean drive. A new and identical drive was then fitted in the laptop a disk image of the old drive burnt onto it. It fired up perfectly first time but with EXACTLY the same problem duplicated.

After this the disk image was burnt onto the old drive, which was then checked as an unmounted external drive using all the favourites, again without change.

Disabling TrustedInstaller.exe and replacing attrib.exe with a new copy again yielded no results.

CONCLUSION – it’s not a hardware problem. Am unable to access or delete the directory by any means listed. I’m loath to reinstall everything if there is a solution.

I should add that the drive(s) have been fully checked several times for viral and malware infections, and are verified clean.

Anybody have any ideas how to beat Microshaft on this one?

WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE – 8GB RAM – ACER 5560 – 500GB FHD

gosssmith