cannot delete file

[jason foss]

when I try to delete certain files (not system files, but
files I have created or downloaded - for instance a movie
or .mp3 file) I am told that I can't delete it - it is
being used by another program or person. This occurs
despite that I am the only user of the computer (i.e.,
there is no other 'person' using the file) and I have no
other applications open. How do I delete the file or how
do I ask the computer to identify what other program is
using the file, so I can stop it and then delete it

 

[purplehaz]

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_d.htm#del



Delete - AVI, MPG... files (access denied error)

Close all open apps. Open a command prompt and navigate to the directory
with the offending files. Then open the Task Manager and click on the
Processes tab. select "Explorer.Exe" under Image Name. Click "End Process".



Now you will only have the command prompt and the task manager. In the
Command Prompt, DEL the offending files (DEL *.mpg, DEL mus*.avi, DEL
test.wmv, etc.)



The files should now delete without a problem. Now go back to the task
manager and click on the Applications tab. Click the "New Task..." button.
in the dialog, type Explorer.Exe and click OK.

 

[pgriffet]

when I try to delete certain files (not system files, but
files I have created or downloaded - for instance a movie
or .mp3 file) I am told that I can't delete it - it is
being used by another program or person. This occurs
despite that I am the only user of the computer (i.e.,
there is no other 'person' using the file) and I have no
other applications open. How do I delete the file or how
do I ask the computer to identify what other program is
using the file, so I can stop it and then delete it

Just try with a good file manager like Total Commander

http://www.ghisler.com

or Winfile for XP :
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/WINFILE.EXE (250 KB)

Pierre.