Can't Delete file - used by another program

[Rusty Shackleford]

I have a folder I named "Bin" which I have put exe programs in that had no
install programs. Sort of a holdover from Unix days. I no longer use these
programs so I deleted them but there was one file called Vi.exe which would
not let me delete because it said it was being used by another user or
program. I am the only user. I searched the register and found no Vi.exe.
I also checked the Autoexec.bat and there was no Vi.exe there either. I
changed the name of the program to Bi.exe with no problem and then re-booted
XP. I tried to delete Bi.exe and I got the same complaint that there was
another user or program using the file. When I tried to re-name it back to
Vi.exe I got the same complaint again. How can I find out what is
referencing this program in the system?

--
Rusty Shackleford

'What ever happens, happens necessarily'

(e-mail address removed)

Remove NOSPAM from E-mail address to reply.

 

[Kevin Haklar]

Run AV scan and spyware just in case. Then try going into safe mode and
delete the .exe

 

[Chris Chandler]

I have a folder I named "Bin" which I have put exe programs in that had
no install programs. Sort of a holdover from Unix days. I no longer
use these programs so I deleted them but there was one file called
Vi.exe which would not let me delete because it said it was being used
by another user or program. I am the only user. I searched the
register and found no Vi.exe. I also checked the Autoexec.bat and there
was no Vi.exe there either. I changed the name of the program to Bi.exe
with no problem and then re-booted XP. I tried to delete Bi.exe and I
got the same complaint that there was another user or program using the
file. When I tried to re-name it back to Vi.exe I got the same
complaint again. How can I find out what is referencing this program in
the system?

A lot of times when I get errors about file in use and I know I need to
delete it I shut down explorer with the Tasak Manager. The go to new task
and browse and I will brose to that folder then right click on the
offending file and delete it. Then in the new task Window type in
explorer.exe and all is uaually well.
YMMV though