How To Delete A File In Use?

[Edward H. Fabrega]

Hello. I want to delete a file that I downloaded but windows won't let me
because it is in use by another program (according to the dialog that pops
up after I OK the prompt to delete the file). I ran a virus check, which
indicated no problems, ran my spyware program, which didn't flag anthing.
I've shut down the computer and restarted it, and still windows won't let me
delete the file. How do I delete this file?

sf

 

[Chris Lanier]

Please goto..Delete - Can't Delete Files or Folders
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_d.htm

 

[Guest]

I have noticed this with movie files that are incomplete,
seems everytime I click on it once Explorer will open this
file and keep it open for a long time. My guess is it is
looking for information within the file like codec used,
lenght of the film, etc. What I had to do is reboot and
then goto the command prompt and delete the file using the
del command.

 

[Chris Lanier]

To correct this misbehavior in Windows XP, remove the
following registry key.

Goto Start>>Run>>Type "regedit" goto

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{87D62D94-71B3-4b9a-9489-5FE6850D
C73E}\InProcServer32] - Delete this key

This will prevent Explorer from loading shmedia.dll in
response to file property queries on these files.

 

[V Manes]

Is the file a program, or component of a program? If so, determine what
program, exit it or kill the program in Task Manager. It may be that the
program is starting up with Windows, thus preventing your deletion.

 

[jack d]

Boot into Safe-Mode to delete a file, particularly if you have admin
privileges.

 

[JasonA]

Administrator (on every NT system) has administrator privileges - however
you may not be granted with permission to use the administrator account
(e.g. big company)