I can't delete a file because it is protected / access denied
Solution #1 - Protected system folders
Section titled “Solution #1 - Protected system folders”If you are trying to delete a system file, or a file from a protected system folder, Duplicate Cleaner may block this. The results will report that some files “were not processed as they are protected by Duplicate Cleaner according to your settings”.
To allow it, untick this setting above the button in the removal panel:
- Protect important system folders
You should only delete these types of files if you know what you are doing.
Solution #2 - Protected folders in the scan
Section titled “Solution #2 - Protected folders in the scan”Files in a folder you set as Protected on the Where to look tab can’t be marked or removed. See I’m unable to mark a file.
Solution #3 - Permissions
Section titled “Solution #3 - Permissions”If you get access or permission errors, make sure you have permission to delete the file - this may apply if you are trying to delete system files, or files created by a different user.
- Windows - Try running Duplicate Cleaner as administrator. Right-click the Duplicate Cleaner icon and select Run as administrator.
- macOS - macOS may stop Duplicate Cleaner reading or changing files in some folders (such as Desktop, Documents, Downloads, or removable and network drives) until you allow it. Check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Files and Folders, or give Duplicate Cleaner Full Disk Access.
- Linux - Check the file and folder permissions, and that you own the files.
Solution #4 - Files in use
Section titled “Solution #4 - Files in use”A file that is open in another program may not be able to be deleted or moved. Close the program and try again.