Error 0x80070091 – The Directory is Not Empty [Fixed]

Summary: If you are working on Windows, you must have encountered ‘Error 0x80070091‘ while trying to delete a folder or file. This can be quite annoying but don’t worry, we have solutions to fix it. In this blog, we will explain what the Error Code 0x80070091 is, its causes, and different solutions to fix it. Well, we will also suggest a comprehensive Windows Data Recovery software at the end of the blog. The tool can efficiently fix drive corruption, file or directory corruption, Windows crashes, accidental deletion, etc.

Look Up

For your information, bug code 0x80070091 is a Windows-based issue related to file or directory corruption. It typically says, “The Directory is not Empty” and prevents you from deleting, moving, or renaming files on your system. This problem can arise in many circumstances and is a sign of underlying issues that must be addressed. A few prominent causes of this error include:

• Corrupted Files or Directories: The most common cause is corruption within the files or directories you are trying to delete.
• Incomplete Deletion: If a previous attempt to delete the folder or file was not successful, it may leave behind remnants that can cause error Code 0x80070091.
• Third-Party Software Interference: Sometimes, third-party antivirus or security software might interfere with the file deletion.
• Abrupt Shutdown or Power Off: Improper or sudden shutdown of the system while reading files can cause this error, leaving the directory inconsistent.

Now, you must be looking for “How do I Fix Error 0x80070091?”. Although there is no specific guidance to fix this error, you can try the following solutions, to resolve it:

• Firstly, reboot your system. Some temporary issues get resolved by just a restart.
• Run a complete system scan using your antivirus software to check if the system is infected with malware.
• Boot your computer into Safe Mode and try to delete the folder from there.
• Use Command Prompt to forcefully remove the corrupt folder and check the Disk Utility.
• Use a Third-Party Tool, designed to help in deleting stubborn files or folders.

Furthermore, let us discuss them in detail.

Ways to Fix Error 0x80070091: The Directory is not Empty

There are several possible ways to fix Windows bug code 0x80070091. Some tried and tested methods are discussed below, try them and check if they work in your favor and can fix this Windows error.

#Method 1: Run the System File Checker Tool

SFC short for System file checker is a built-in utility that helps fix corrupted system file errors on your computer. Here’s how to use it:

• Open Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
• Next, type sfc/scannow in the Command Prompt window. Press Enter.
• It will take some time to scan corrupt and Restart your system after the verification is complete.

Wait for the tool to finish. Then, try to delete the file or folder to check if the error code 0x80070091 is fixed. If the error is unresolved, move to the next solution.

#Method 2: Check Disk Utility Errors

This is another method to fix the Cannot Delete Folder error in Windows. Do as follows:

Wait for the scan to finish and then restart your PC. Afterward, try deleting the file or folder to see if error 0x80070091 is resolved. If the problem persists, try another method to fix the bug code 0x80070091.

# Method 3: Using Windows Recovery Environment

Follow the steps below to restore your system from the Windows Recovery Environment. It might work well, especially if it was stopped by other things happening on your computer.

• Press the Windows
• Select the Restart option while holding down the Shift
• Next, in the Windows Recovery Environment wizard, choose Troubleshoot.
• Opt for Advanced Options and then, click on System Restore.
• Select a System Restore Point and further follow the on-screen instructions.

#Method 4: Boot System in the Safe Mode

Boot System in Safe Mode to work with only the essential system programs. This will help you delete problematic folders. Further, to make it simpler for you to boot the system in safe mode, here are the steps:

• Restart your system.
• When Windows is starting, press the Power button to stop it and repeat this two more times.
• Windows will then automatically go into Advanced Startup mode.
• Choose Troubleshoot and then click on Advanced options.
• Next, click on Startup Settings and Restart.
• After the restart, pick either 4/F4 for Safe Mode or 5/F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Is the error resolved? If not, we have other solutions too.

#Method 5: Scan Malware in Your System

If nothing works, consider checking your computer for malware. You can scan your system either, using another anti-virus program or built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Follow the steps as mentioned:

• Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.
• Navigate to Update & Security. Then, click on the Windows Security
• Next, tap on the Virus & Threat Protection
• Scroll down, and under the Quick Scan button, click on Scan options.
• Choose the Microsoft Defender Offline Scan.
• Click on Scan Now.

Hopefully, now the Error 0x80070091: Directory is not empty error is solved.

However, if the problem persists, it seems like the error is hard to solve. Sometimes, multiple factors may be causing the issue, making it challenging to identify and fix. Also, it is advised to be cautious while performing these steps, as it may permanently delete the folder and its contents. Therefore, we suggest you use a proficient automated Software.

One-Stop Solution to Fix Error 0x80070091 Code

DRS Windows Recovery tool is the only solution that can fix errors caused due to drive/file/directory corruption, Windows crashes, accidental loss, etc. Also, Error 0x80070091 can be fixed using this tool. It effectively recovers and restores maximum data from many storage media like DVDs, CDs, HDDs, microSD Cards, etc. Moreover, it restores data from corrupted/damaged disk partitions. Apart from this, the tool possesses various advanced features making recovery faster, easier, and smoother.

Prominent Features of the Tool

• Offers three distinct recovery modes: Standard, Advanced, and Deep.
• It allows you to select the beginning and ending sectors or a specific drive manually.
• Recover damaged data from both MBR and GPT disk partition systems.
• Add custom volumes to the chosen hard drive.

Furthermore, the tool is a safe and reliable utility that maintains data integrity during Windows recovery. Also, its self-explanatory GUI makes it easy to operate and handle.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have now got the error 0x80070091 fixed. However, if the problem persists, try to reset your Windows. Many times, it gets difficult to find the root cause of an error, thus making it even more difficult to resolve it. But we have mentioned the most effective method which is DRS Windows Data Recovery Software.

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