Folders with the dreaded red dot after upgrading

[MacLawyer]

Just upgraded the Mrs.’ iMac to Catalina. She now has three folders called “backup” that I can’t delete. I tried changing permissions in get info but I’m told I don’t have permission or something. I assume I need to go into terminal as a super user or and enter the correct commands.....which I don’t know. LOL. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[DeltaMac]

Where are the folders located? on the desktop?
Are the folders empty? If not, what kind of files are inside?

You would probably be able to delete those folders by turning SIP off (from the recovery system)
https://www.imore.com/how-turn-system-integrity-protection-macos

After removing those folders, you should reenable SIP.

 

[Fishrrman]

a. Boot to the recovery partition ("command-R" at boot)
b. When you get to the recovery utilities, open terminal
c. WRITE THIS DOWN NOW:
csrutil disable
(remember to enter a space character between the two words)
d. In terminal, enter:
csrutil disable
Hit return, then enter your administrative password
e. Reboot normally.

Try deleting those folders now.
If they STILL won't delete, there are "other ways".
Can your wife log into HER account and then delete them?