Can't delete a file

[Tim Zych]

When I try to delete some files, I get "Access is denied. The source file
may be in use" error. I've rebooted several times and get this error every
time.

Strange, in VBA I can Kill it, but when I try to remove it by right
clicking -> delete or pressing the delete key, I get the access denied
error.

The file is not in use, so I don't see why I can't delete it. Using Windows
2000, SP4. Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

When I try to delete some files, I get "Access is denied. The source file
may be in use" error. I've rebooted several times and get this error every
time.

Strange, in VBA I can Kill it, but when I try to remove it by right
clicking -> delete or pressing the delete key, I get the access denied
error.

The file is not in use, so I don't see why I can't delete it. Using Windows
2000, SP4. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Press F8 during the early boot stage, then select Safe Mode.
You should now be able to delete these files.

 

[Tim Zych]

Thanks for replying. Safe mode doesn't work either.

 

[Tim Zych]

For more information, these are huge files. These are 1.4 Gig files, images
that I have created that I no longer need. I am able to delete some huge
ones, but not others.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

- What's your file system, FAT32 or NTFS?
- What message do you get when you try to delete
them in Safe Mode?

 

[Tim Zych]

NTFS.
Same message in Safe Mode, "Access is denied.The source file may be in use."

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Find out what application locks your files, using

- nthandle.exe from SysInternals, or
- oh.exe (Win2000 Resource Kit), or
- compmgmt.msc" - Shared Folders-Open Files

If this does not help, get out your sledge hammer:

- Run gpedit.msc
- Follow this path: Local Computer Policy / Computer Configuration /
Windows Settings / Security Options / Recovery Console: Allow floppy . . .
- Set this policy to "Enabled".
- Boot your machine from your Win2000 CD.
- Select "Repair" when prompted, then "Command Console".
- Navigate to the folder where your problem files reside.
- Delete them.

 

[Steve Parry [MVP]]

When I try to delete some files, I get "Access is denied. The source
file may be in use" error. I've rebooted several times and get this
error every time.

Strange, in VBA I can Kill it, but when I try to remove it by right
clicking -> delete or pressing the delete key, I get the access denied
error.

The file is not in use, so I don't see why I can't delete it. Using
Windows 2000, SP4. Any ideas?

Thanks.

I had this happen to an *.avi the other day in Windows XP ... try the
fix that applied to that

Close all explorer/folder windows
1. Open up regedit by Start> type regedit > click OK

2. Navigate to

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\.avi\shellex\PropertyHandler


3. Delete the "Default" value which should be
"{87D62D94-71B3-4b9a-9489-5FE6850DC73E}"

Close regedit and try to delete the file now

Usual caution about using Regedit applies!

 

[Tim Zych]

Thanks for the link to nthandle.exe. I ended using the gui version / process
explorer. Unfortunately, it did not tell me what is holding onto that file.

However, I *can* delete it. It can be removed using a macro. But I am
wondering (an concerned) why this is occurring.

Is it possible that Explorer is "using" the file, which may be why I can't
remove it? I seem to recall reading something along these lines but haven't
been able to locate the document.

 

[Rick]

Did you get an answer to your question? I'm having the
same problem.

 

[Bob I]

Boot in safe mode.

Did you get an answer to your question? I'm having the
same problem.



The source file

this error every

it by right

access denied

it. Using Windows