Can't delete media files on USB because "in use" but they are notin use

[chas]

I have some media files on USB drives. Most of them I can move or
delete but for some when I try to I get error messages like this

---------------------------
Error Deleting File or Folder
---------------------------
Cannot delete HomeStay.mpg: It is being used by another person or program.

Close any programs that might be using the file and try again.
---------------------------
OK
---------------------------

This happens even if I reboot. I'm using Windows XP Pro.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Chas

 

[smlunatick]

I have some media files on USB drives.  Most of them I can move or
delete but for some when I try to I get error messages like this

---------------------------
Error Deleting File or Folder
---------------------------
Cannot delete HomeStay.mpg: It is being used by another person or program.

Close any programs that might be using the file and try again.
---------------------------
OK
---------------------------

This happens even if I reboot.  I'm using Windows XP Pro.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Chas

One suggestion is to copy all the files you want / need to keep off
the USB drive and then format the drive.

 

[chas]

One suggestion is to copy all the files you want / need to keep off
the USB drive and then format the drive.

That's a good idea. Except I was unclear it isn't a memory stick it is
a 250gig hard drive on the USB with lots of other stuff I want to keep.
Thanks,
Chas

 

[Uwe Sieber]

By means of SysInternals ProcessExplorer you may discover which program
holds an open handle to this file.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Security/ProcessExplorer.mspx

After starting it go to 'Find' -> 'Find Handle or DLL', enter the file's
name and search. Then you see which process holds an open handle.


Uwe

 

[WTC]

I have some media files on USB drives. Most of them I can move or
delete but for some when I try to I get error messages like this

This happens even if I reboot. I'm using Windows XP Pro.
Any ideas?

Hi chas,

To delete an undeletable file.

Method 1

1. Write down the path and filename of the undeletable file.
2. Open a command prompt window. (Start > Run > cmd.exe)
3. Open the Task Manager. (Start > Run > taskmgr.exe)
4. In the Task Manager, find the process called "Explorer" and end the
process for explorer. (This will make the desktop and taskbar disappear)
5. Close the Task Manager.
6. In the command prompt window, type:

del /a /f "\\?\path\filename"

So if the file was called abc.jpg located in c:\pictures then the
command would look like:

del /a /f "\\?\c:\pictures\abc.jpg"

7. To regain your desktop and taskbar, type the following in the
command prompt window:

explorer.exe


-------

You may wish to read this KB article.

You cannot delete a file or a folder on an NTFS file system volume
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=320081

 

[chas]

chas wrote:




Hi chas,

To delete an undeletable file.

Method 1

1. Write down the path and filename of the undeletable file.
2. Open a command prompt window. (Start > Run > cmd.exe)
3. Open the Task Manager. (Start > Run > taskmgr.exe)
4. In the Task Manager, find the process called "Explorer" and end the
process for explorer. (This will make the desktop and taskbar disappear)
5. Close the Task Manager.
6. In the command prompt window, type:

del /a /f "\\?\path\filename"

So if the file was called abc.jpg located in c:\pictures then the
command would look like:

del /a /f "\\?\c:\pictures\abc.jpg"

7. To regain your desktop and taskbar, type the following in the
command prompt window:

explorer.exe


-------

You may wish to read this KB article.

You cannot delete a file or a folder on an NTFS file system volume
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=320081

 

[chas]

Thanks, Chas

By means of SysInternals ProcessExplorer you may discover which program
holds an open handle to this file.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Security/ProcessExplorer.mspx

After starting it go to 'Find' -> 'Find Handle or DLL', enter the file's
name and search. Then you see which process holds an open handle.


Uwe

 

[WTC]

That worked, Thanks, Chas

You're welcome chas.