Cannot delete file 'cos it's in use

corblimey

I have an AVI file on my machine that I cannot delete. Every time I try I get the 'error: file is in use' message. I've reset my machine several times, but I still get the error. Is it possible to find out which process is using the file, or is there anything else I can do to delete it?

Fabritzo

I dunno how to fix the problem but you should be able to delete it from the dos prompt window, have you got a gordian knot codec pack by any chance? try update it.

Capt'n Midnight

if you are using windows restart in safe mode and delete there.

Mutant_Fruit

Click on the avi file, wait for 30 seconds, then try delete it.

The file is being accessed by windows so that windows can generate a preview screen of it. You have to wait for that to finish before you can delete it.

Alternatively, close all explorer windows showing the file. Then open command prompt, navigate to that folder and delete the file through the command prompt.

Fabritzo

Oh yeh, Mutant Fruit is right, windows is previewing the file for you.

replytohere2004

corblimey wrote:

I have an AVI file on my machine that I cannot delete. Every time I try I get the 'error: file is in use' message. I've reset my machine several times, but I still get the error. Is it possible to find out which process is using the file, or is there anything else I can do to delete it?

Go to task manager,(right click on free area on taskbar) under the processes tab highlight explorer.exe and then click on the "end process" button.

Then in task manger (press ctrl, alt and delete at the same time if it's still not there) go to file, new task(run..), click on browse, select the location where your file is on the comp. On the very bottom pull down menu, beside where is says "files of type" select "all files". Then right click and delete.

Go back to file, new task(run..), and type in: explorer.exe and click on: ok.

Webmonkey

Capt'n Midnight wrote:

if you are using windows restart in safe mode and delete there.

Just do what he says. Dont' complicate things

Optikus

If all else fails then do as already stated boot in safe mode to remove this file.

Rabies

Is the file getting uploaded? Is it stored in the same folder where all the files you d/l through a P2P app go. If it is, shutdown you P2P app and delete the file.

Inspector Gadget

For what it's worth, I'm inclined to agree with Mutant_Fruit; I run into the same problem all the time. However, just in case, grab and install WhoLockMe? (http://www.dr-hoiby.com/WhoLockMe/index.php) and see what program is actually locking the file - it might help clear things up a bit.

Hope this helps,
Gadget

corblimey

Thanks to everyone for the replies. Yeaa to people who don't sleep

Waiting for half a minute seemed to do the job, but I'll dl the program Gadgt mentioned just in case.

Thanks again, all.