Problems opening/deleting .MOV files in Windows 8.1

Anonymous
2014-11-16T17:25:53+00:00

When I attempt to open some .MOV files instead of starting up Apple QuickTime Player (which is set as default program for this file type) 10 to 15 seconds Windows closes the folder containing the .MOV file without any explanation. Further attempts result in the same outcome. If I right-click and Delete the .MOV file quickly within a few seconds of opening the folder, Windows does remove it to the Recycle Bin. However, when I then try to Empty the Recycle Bin, Windows suddenly closes it without any explanation. Re-opening the Recycle Bin shows that the .MOV file is still listed. Attempting to Delete it has the same outcome.

This only occurs with some of my  .MOV files; others work as expected. I haven't been able to distinguish any key differences between those that work and those that manifest this problem.

I am running a fully updated version on my Dell Inspiron 660S desktop PC and have the latest version of Norton Internet Security installed.

I have run a full system scan with Norton and no issues have been detected other than a small number of Tracking Cookies which Norton has removed.

Does any one have any thoughts on what may be the cause?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-11-24T06:32:20+00:00

    Thanks for this.

    I have found a way of deleting the .MOV files from the Recycle Bin by running Disk Cleanup on my C: drive with the Recycle Bin check box ticked.

    My main concern is the problem with Windows Explorer crashing when attempting to open some .MOV files but not others.  My default program setting for .MOV files is Apple QuickTime Player which is fully up-to-date.

    Any thoughts as to the cause?

    Regards, Tony

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-11-17T14:35:18+00:00

    Hello Norwegian,

    Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

    Based on the issue description, I understand that you are unable to permanently delete .mov files from the computer.

    I can understand how frustrating it could be when things don't work as expected.

    The probable cause for this issue could be due to restriction for permission of the .mov files on the computer.

    Method 1: I suggest you to give permission to the .mov files and then try to delete.

    Follow the steps below to give permissions to .mov files on your computer.

    1. Select the file or folder that you want to grant permission > click on the Share tab > click on the Advanced Security button.
    2. Click on the Add button
    3. Click on Select a principal link
    4. Click on the Advanced button
    5. Click on the Find Now button
    6. Select your user then click on the OK button.
    7. Click on the OK button
    8. Check the Full control box then click on the OK button

    Make sure that the Type option is selected as "Allow" and if you grant full control permission to a folder, the Applies to option should be selected as "This folder, subfolders and files".

    1. Now you can see your user in the permission list. Then click on the OK button.
    2. A Windows Security warning may appear, just click on Yes.
    3. Now try to delete those files and check if it permanently deletes from the computer without it appearing back in Recycle bin.

    Method 2: If the above method did not help try to start the computer in safe mode and then delete .mov files in safe mode.

    If you have a problem with your PC, you can troubleshoot by starting it in safe mode. Safe mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. If a problem doesn't reappear when you start your PC in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers and services as possible causes.

    Windows Startup Settings (including safe mode)

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-8/windows-startup-settings-safe-mode

    Hope this information helps, please reply with the status of the issue for further assistance, we will be happy to assist.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-11-17T05:09:02+00:00

    Forgot that Windows version is 8.1

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