0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY Windows Error [FIXED]

Have you ever encountered the frustrating 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY when trying to delete a directory in Windows? It’s a common issue that can leave you scratching your head, wondering why you can’t remove that stubborn directory. But fear not! In this article, we’ll explore the causes of this error and provide you with simple and effective solutions to fix it.

Let me set the stage with a relatable story. Imagine you’re cleaning up your computer, organizing your files and deleting unnecessary folders. You come across a directory that you no longer need and try to delete it, but to your dismay, you receive the dreaded 0x00000010 error message. You try a couple more times, hoping it was just a temporary glitch, but the error persists. You start to wonder why this is happening and how you can get rid of that unwanted directory.

In the midst of your frustration, you stumble upon this article. It promises to provide you with a solution to the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error. You eagerly dive into the content, hoping to find the answers you’re seeking. Well, you’re in luck! We’ve done the research and gathered all the troubleshooting steps you need to fix this error once and for all.

But before we jump into the solutions, let’s take a look at the reasons why this error occurs in the first place. Understanding the underlying causes will give you a better idea of what’s going wrong and how to address it.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY is a common Windows error that occurs when trying to delete a directory.
  • Possible reasons for the error include the directory not existing, containing files or subdirectories, having the same name as a reserved device name, requiring higher permissions, or having files in use.
  • There are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to fix this error, such as correcting the directory name, emptying the directory, using commands, or performing system scans.
  • By applying the appropriate solutions, you can successfully remove the directory and resolve the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error.
  • Now, let’s delve into the reasons for the 0x00000010 error and explore the solutions in detail.

Reasons for the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error

The 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error can occur due to various reasons. Understanding these reasons can help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively. Here are some possible causes of the ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error in Windows:

  1. Directory does not exist or is misspelled: One common reason for this error is that the directory you are trying to delete does not exist or its name is misspelled. Make sure you have entered the correct directory name.
  2. Files or subdirectories within the directory: If the directory contains files or subdirectories, they can prevent its deletion. Remove any files or subdirectories within the directory before attempting to delete it.
  3. Directory has the same name as a reserved device name: Sometimes, the directory may have the same name as a reserved device name in Windows. This conflict can cause the ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error.
  4. Files in use: If there are files within the directory that are currently in use by running processes, Windows may prevent the deletion of the directory. Make sure all files within the directory are closed and not being used.
  5. Directory requires higher permissions: Certain directories may require higher permissions to delete. If you do not have sufficient permissions, Windows will display the ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error.
  6. Error during Windows account setup: In some cases, this error may occur during the setup of a Windows account. You may encounter the message “Something went wrong. Please try again later. Error 0x80090010: The directory cannot be removed.”

By understanding these reasons, you can determine the root cause of the ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error and take appropriate steps to resolve it.

How to fix the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error

If you’re encountering the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error when trying to delete a directory in Windows, there are several methods you can employ to resolve the issue.

  1. First and foremost, ensure that the directory name is written correctly and does not contain any extended characters or spaces. Simple names consisting of characters within the range of a-z, A-Z, and 0-9 are recommended.
  2. If the directory contains any files or subdirectories, it’s important to remove them before attempting to delete the directory. By emptying the directory, you can ensure that there are no conflicting files or subdirectories that may prevent deletion.
  3. One useful command to employ is the chdir command. This command allows you to change the current directory in all sessions that might be using it. By changing the default directory to a different drive using the chdir command, you can attempt to delete the problematic directory again.
  4. Another command that can be effective is the rmdir command. This command is specifically designed to delete directories. You can use it to delete the directory causing the error.
  5. If the directory has the same name as a reserved device, removing the device can resolve the issue.
  6. Repairing the registry using tools such as CCleaner or running a full system scan for malware are also recommended steps to resolve the error.
  7. Checking the disk for errors and verifying the permissions on the drive can help identify and resolve any underlying issues contributing to the error.
  8. Booting into Safe Mode or using another operating system as an alternative method for deleting the directory can also be considered.

By following these steps, you can effectively resolve the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error and successfully remove the problematic directory.

Correcting the directory name

One of the possible causes for the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error is an incorrect directory name. To fix this, it is recommended to ensure that the directory name is written correctly, using simple names without extended characters or spaces. The directory name should consist of characters within the range of a-z, A-Z, and 0-9.

When naming a directory, it is important to follow certain guidelines to prevent errors or issues. Here are some tips for properly naming a directory:

  1. Keep it simple and clear: Use concise and descriptive names that accurately represent the contents or purpose of the directory. Avoid using long or convoluted names that can be confusing or hard to remember.
  2. Avoid special characters: Do not use extended characters, symbols, or spaces in the directory name. Stick to alphanumeric characters (a-z, A-Z, and 0-9) to ensure compatibility and minimize the risk of errors.
  3. Use proper capitalization: Although Windows is case-insensitive, it is recommended to use consistent capitalization in directory names for better readability and organization.
  4. Be mindful of reserved names: Avoid using names that are reserved for devices or system operations, such as “COM1,” “PRN,” or “NUL.” These names can cause conflicts and lead to the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error.
  5. Check for naming clashes: Before finalizing the directory name, ensure that there are no existing directories or files with the same name in the desired location. Clashing names can prevent the creation or renaming of directories.

“A well-named directory is the key to smooth file organization and management. By following these guidelines, you can avoid the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error and ensure a seamless user experience.”

Directory Naming Do’sDirectory Naming Don’ts
DocumentsMy Documents and files that do not exist
PhotosPictures*
ProjectsImportant Project!!!
WorkW0rk%#

Emptying the directory

Removing all the files and subdirectories from the problematic directory can solve the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error. Sometimes, the presence of files within the directory prevents its deletion. By emptying the directory, you can ensure that there are no conflicting files or subdirectories, allowing you to successfully delete the directory.

When you encounter the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error, it is important to remove all the contents of the directory before attempting to delete it. There are multiple methods you can use to empty the directory:

  1. Delete Files Manually: Go through the directory and manually delete all the files and subdirectories. Make sure there are no hidden files or folders that may be preventing the deletion. This method is suitable for directories with a small number of files.
  2. Use Command Prompt: Open the Command Prompt and navigate to the directory using the cd command. Once in the directory, use the del /f /s * command to delete all the files and subdirectories within. This method is useful for directories with a large number of files.

After emptying the directory, you can proceed with deleting it using the methods mentioned in the previous sections. By removing all the files and subdirectories, you can eliminate any potential conflicts that may be causing the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error, allowing you to successfully delete the directory.

Using commands to fix the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error

The 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error can be resolved by utilizing specific commands in the command prompt. Two essential commands for troubleshooting and fixing this error are the chdir and rmdir commands.

The chdir command is particularly useful when multiple sessions are using the directory. By changing the default directory to a different drive with the chdir command, you can attempt to delete the problematic directory again.

The rmdir command is used to completely remove directories and is an effective solution for deleting the problematic directory. However, it is important to note that the rmdir command has limitations. It cannot delete directories that contain hidden or system files, and it is unable to delete the current directory. In such cases, make sure to change to a different directory before using the rmdir command.

By executing these commands in the command prompt, you can troubleshoot and fix the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error, successfully removing the problematic directory.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error can be a frustrating issue when trying to delete a directory in Windows. However, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively resolve this error and successfully remove the directory. Whether it involves correcting the directory name, emptying the directory, using commands, or performing system scans, there are multiple approaches you can take to fix this error.

Remember to ensure that the directory name is written correctly, without any extended characters or spaces. If the directory contains files or subdirectories, make sure to remove them before attempting to delete the directory. Utilizing commands such as chdir and rmdir can also be helpful in troubleshooting and resolving the error. Additionally, conducting a system scan for malware or checking the disk for errors can further assist in resolving the issue.

By applying these solutions, you can overcome the 0x00000010 ERROR_CURRENT_DIRECTORY error and successfully delete the problematic directory. We hope these troubleshooting steps have been helpful, and that you can now resolve this error with ease. Remember to always take precautionary measures such as backing up your data before making any changes to your system. If you encounter any further issues, it is recommended to seek assistance from technical support or forums dedicated to Windows troubleshooting.

Nilesh Kamble is Certified in Microsoft & GCP, having 13+ Years of Experience in IT Industry. As a Senior IT Employee, having vast experience on Windows Server, Windows Client, Powershell, Cloud Technologies. Passionate about Laptop, Mobiles & Other emerging Technologies.