Question: I am unable to delete, rename and even force delete (using /F in cmd.exe) a bunch of files. These were created during some updates etc and in a different drive than C root drive. Using Windows XP SP3. Any help, suggestions?

CMD.EXE gives error access is denied while deleting

Answer: 
The files might have strange permissions, and you might not be their owner.

See: [How to take ownership of a file or a folder in Windows XP](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421).
Reboot in [Safe Mode](http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm) and then try to delete them as an administrator.

You should also be able to boot off a 3rd party OS disk (like a Linux Live CD, or a Windows PE disk) and go remove them, that way your copy of Windows CAN'T stop you. :)

HTH