Problems opening/deleting .MOV files in Windows 8.1

Forgot that Windows version is 8.1

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".

9. Now you can see your user in the permission list. Then click on the OK button.
10. A Windows Security warning may appear, just click on Yes.
11. 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.

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

Hello Norwegian,

Thank you for replying with the issue status.

Sorry to know your main concern still not resolved. I appreciate your efforts in resolving the issue.

Let's try the following methods and check if it helps.

Method 1: Place the computer in clean boot state and check if the Windows explorer still crashes when attempt to delete the .MOV files.

A clean boot is performed to start Windows by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps eliminate software conflicts that occur when you install a program or an update or when you run a program.

How to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot a problem in  Windows 8 and windows 8.1http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: To reset the computer to normal mode after troubleshooting, please refer “How to reset the computer to start as usual” from the above article.

**Method 2:**If the issue still persists, you may run the system file scan to see if there is any missing or corrupted files.

System File Checker is a utility in Windows that allows users to scan for corruptions in Windows system files and restore corrupted files.

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833/en-us

Also check if there are any errors are listed in Event viewer.

Event logs are special files that record significant events on your computer, such as when a user logs on to the computer or when a program encounters an error.

To open view the logs please follow the steps.

Press Windows key + W

Type "View Event Logs" on the Start screen and hit Enter.

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

I have this exact problem, only since updating to windows 8.1.  

.mov files which previously ran , now will not.  The computer crashes whenever I try to look at a directory that contains .mov files.  And the pc is no longer able to display thumbs of the clips without falling over.

My my computer guy says that windows 8.1 does not support .mov files any longer as this is a no apple format.   Is this true?