cannot delete a file

[Chrissirhc]

Hi,

Often when I try to delete a file I get the message

"Cannot delete <filname> It is being used by another person or program. Close any programs that might be using the file and try again"

However, I can't tell which program would be using it and I can't see how another person would be access it because there is only one computer on on the network...

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[electronicsfreak]

Best way to find out is one of these 2 ways. First off you can hit ctrl alt delete, click task manager and then click system processes. You might see the file running there and you can end it. Also if your comfortable with the registry you can go to start, run, type regedit and hit enter. Go to edit, then find and type the file name and do a search on it. Will give you an idea of what files or programs are using it. Certain files though should not be deleted. So be careful what files you do delete.

 

[BFOJ]

What has worked for me many times in the past, is just restart the computer, then attempt to delete the file.

 

[linney]

Have a look at Handle or Process Explorer at this site.

http://www.sysinternals.com/ProcessesAndThreadsUtilities.html

DELETING STUBBORN FILES

http://aumha.org/a/stubborn.htm