Could Not Find This Item. This is no Longer Located [Fix]

Check for unsupported characters in the file name

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

The main question we look forward to answering today isHow to delete the undeletable folder or file in Windows. The situation arises when you get theCould not find this item This is no longer locatederror.

If you’ve bumped into a hurdle and there’s no obvious solution for the problem, make sure to check the steps we provided below. They should help you.

What is the error file not located?

This peculiarity is mostly provoked by, believe it or not, unsupported characters in files’ or folders’ names. Even though it seems like a minor inconvenience, Windows won’t be able to access the files it can’t read.

Therefore, most of the time, the presence of an awkward sign or letter can, so to say, corrupt the path, thus preventing you from deleting the folder or file.

Of course, you can’t use unsupported signs or letters while naming files or folders, but that doesn’t apply to downloaded files or files you transfer from other systems.

How do I delete a file that says no longer located?

1. Rename the folder or file

Simply locate the problematic file or folder, right-click on it, and chooseRename. Alternatively, you can double-click the file name and enter the new one. Make sure not to use any special characters this time.

The GUI method to rename a file works in most cases when you get theCould not find this item This is no longer locatederror. But if that doesn’t work, useCommand Prompt.

2. Rename via Command Prompt

With that, you should be able to remove the file or folder permanently. Remember that the deleted files aren’t stored in Recycle Bin after the Command Prompt deletion. After that, you should be in the clear.

We know that this second method isn’t exactly what you usually want to do when a file won’t delete. Luckily, there are not many files acting weird and repellent, or it would be quite a drag using Windows, wouldn’t it?

And once done, theCould not find this item This is no longer locatederror shouldn’t appear again.

Before you leave, find out how torecover deleted files in Windows.

To share additional fixes, drop a comment below.

Could Not Find This Item. This is no Longer Located [Fix]#

What is the error file not located?#

How do I delete a file that says no longer located?#

1. Rename the folder or file#

2. Rename via Command Prompt#

Could Not Find This Item. This is no Longer Located [Fix]

What is the error file not located?

How do I delete a file that says no longer located?

1. Rename the folder or file

2. Rename via Command Prompt