Renaming files in Windows Explorer

[Guest]

Every time i try to rename a file (either by pressing F2 and editing the
name, or right-clicking and choosing Rename), i get an error msg that the
file is open or reserved, when it actually is not. The attempt to rename is
ALWAYS successful on the 2nd try, but NEVER on the 1st. This same problem
also seems to occur when i attempt to move a file from one folder to another:
an error msg saying i can't move the file because it's reserved. My
coworkers are having the same problem. This is frustrating and breaks my
stride. Please help! Thanks -sj

 

[William Ducklow]

Sounds like there is another process running accessing those files as you
browse them.

I suspect spyware, or anti-virus application.

Does it still happen in safe mode?

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the response, William.
What exactly is safe mode, please? How do i turn it on/off and what is the
impact? (Sorry for my ignorance.)

My company does have extensive anti-virus software (and probably spyware too
for monitoring employee activity). But would that also explain why the 2nd
attempt is always successful when the 1st is not? Also, this did not happen
before i recently got upgraded from 98 to XP, although i guess there could be
other corporate software changes that maybe happened concurrently w/ that
upgrade...?

-sj

 

[William Ducklow]

Just press F8 at boot up time to get to Safe Mode