Partially downloaded file will not delete and causes 100 percent CPU usage

[Michael]

WinXP Home. The file is a part downloaded avi, downloaded using LeechGet.
The system works fine except for when enter the directory the problem file
is in explorer jumps to 100 percent CPU usage. Sometimes this max
performance stops by itself after a minute or so and sometimes it requires a
logoff. Trying to delete the file from explorer results in a message that
the file is in use by another application. System restore did not fix it and
I had to delete from the command prompt. I have run an AV with no infection
found. The system is back to normal now but anyone know what this was. Many
thanks.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Michael,

You Cannot Delete a File or a Folder
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;320081

Delete A File That Is Seemingly "Undeletable"
http://www.theeldergeek.com/delete_undeletable_file.htm

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm
Click the "D"
Scroll down to: Delete - Can't Delete Files or Folders

 

[roger]

Hi,

WinXP Home. The file is a part downloaded avi, downloaded using LeechGet.
The system works fine except for when enter the directory the problem file
is in explorer jumps to 100 percent CPU usage. Sometimes this max
performance stops by itself after a minute or so and sometimes it requires a
logoff. Trying to delete the file from explorer results in a message that
the file is in use by another application. System restore did not fix it and
I had to delete from the command prompt. I have run an AV with no infection
found. The system is back to normal now but anyone know what this was. Many
thanks.

If you have Nero, try to delete it using the Nero browser.

Or you can try deleting from Safe Mode (F8)

Alternatively, open a command prompt (Start > Run > cmd and then use
cd , cd.. to change directories and get to the parent directory)
Open task manager (right-click on the taskbar and choose task manager)
and with it close windows explorer (Choose it in the 'processes' tab)

On the command prompt, type del name_of_file.avi

Open a new task in task manager (on the 'applications' tab') called
explorer.exe

That should get rid of it.
If still no joy, boot to the Recovery Console and remove the file with
the del command.

More info about the Recovery console:
Description of the Windows XP Recovery Console
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=kb;en-us;Q314058


Good luck