Re: Cannot delete fonts to reinstall

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What exact message are you getting when you try to delete the fonts? I am beginning to think that file corruption is preventing their deletion. Can you make a test to see if you can copy/move other non zero size fonts out of the folder, or do they all show the same symptoms? If you can move other fonts (be sure to return core operating system fonts back to the fonts folder) then running a chkdsk on the drive may fix things. Be warned that there is *always* a risk of data loss when you run chkdsk, make sure that user files are properly backed up before you proceed. Running chkdsk may take a long time, do not interrupt a chkdsk in progress!

If you cannot move anything out of the folder then you can try deleting the fonts under context of the System Account. I don't know if this has been patched (I can't test right now) but you can try it and see if it still works:

Using the AT command you can schedule a task and it will open under context of the System Account, with the elevated System Account privileges you can do just about anything that you want. Schedule a Command Prompt session and during that session you will have nearly unlimited powers over anything on the computer. To start a command prompt under the System Account open a command prompt and issue this command:

at xx:xx /interactive cmd.exe /k

xx:xx is the time that the command will run, in the 24 hr format, 10 PM
is 22:00. Set it one minute or two later than the current time and then wait for the new command prompt to open, then navigate to the folder and use the del command on the stubborn fonts. If the System account can't delete the files then a chkdsk will be in order.

If the above command has been "patched" you can use Assarbad's RunAsSys tool to launch a command session with System Account privileges. http://assarbad.net/en/stuff/temp Be careful with this tool, do not leave it hanging around on any computer after you are done. A discontented or malicious user, or a clueless person can do great damage with the tool, to avoid misuse it is best to remove it from the computer after you are done.

John

Dan wrote:

I just unchecked "Use simple file sharing" in Control Panel Folder options, and now I get a security tab on the C:\WINDOWS\Fonts folder. It shows that Administrators have full permissions.

But I still can't delete the font file that I want to delete.

"John John" wrote:


I assume that you are using XP Pro? Right click on the folder then click on "Properties" and look at the Security Tab. Make sure that you as a user or that the administrator group is specifically granted full control on the folder and its contents.

If using XP Home you can use the CACLS command at a Command Prompt:

cacls %windir%\fonts

or

cacls C:\WINDOWS\Fonts

To learn more or to interpret the results of the CACLS command just go to Microsoft's web site and do a search on the command.

John

Dan wrote:


I can't delete or move them. I try to install over them in the Control Panel Font installer, but it says to delete them first.

I assume I have proper NTFS permissions for the Fonts folder and the font files, but you better tell me how to check the permissions and what they should be. I can view all hidden, system files in Explorer, including file extensions.

"John John" wrote:



I suppose that if you can't delete them you can't move them either?

Did you check to make sure that you have proper NTFS permissions on the folder and its contents (child objects)?

John

Dan wrote:



Yes, I am logged in as Administrator.

"John John" wrote:




Dan wrote:




I have inherited a system from a coworker that recently left the company. I have discovered that there are a number of fonts in the C:\WINDOWS\Fonts folder that are 0KB in size. I want to delete them so I can install a good copy of those fonts that I have on another system. However, the system won't let me delete the font files. I have tried Unlocker and GiPo@MoveOnBoot, and I've hunted on Google for help on this problem without success.

How do I delete those bad font files?

Are you logged on as an Administrator?

John





.

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