File that cannot be deleted

Asked By Jesse James 10 points N/A Posted on - 06/28/2011

I have two issues with some files. I want to delete a file, but whenever I try to delete it, the computer response is “the file cannot be deleted because it is being used by another program”. I have no other running program, that is why I am confused which program is preventing me from removing/deleting the file.

Second issue is that I have a file that after I delete and exit the folder which contains the same file, if I go back to the folder, it is still there. I will again delete it, but it doesn’t go away. The file has no use for me because it contains no data.

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• Question Category: Storage Misc

Best Answer by jeffrey_26

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Answered By jeffrey_26 0 points N/A #130830

File that cannot be deleted

For your first issue about deleting a file that cannot be deleted, your computer would only response "the file cannot be deleted because it is being used by another program". Here are some ways to delete that file:

1. Reboot your PC and try deleting the file
2. Use Unlocker this software helps you delete folder that are being your by another program, files that cannot  be deleted, file is in use by another program or user. After downloading and installing Unlocker simply right click on the file or folder you want to delete if the folder or file is locked simply click unlock and your are finished.
3. Delete the folder or file in the safe mode.

The second issue:

File Relocation by simple dragging that file to another area.

Before: C:Documents and SettingsuserMy Documentsmy files

After: C:Documents and Settingsusermy Documentsmy picture

In my picture folder, try to delete the file. Do not copy the file but instead drag the file or move the file.

Checking for malicious softwares. I also recommend you to keep your system from any malwares. Try using Spybot-Search & Destroy.

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• Posted on - 06/29/2011
• Question Category: Storage Misc

Answered By mcel2011 0 points N/A #130831

File that cannot be deleted

For the first issue,deleting file with response “the file cannot be deleted because it is being used by another program”. I have experienced the same issue before, what I did is I downloaded a free software named UNLOCKER. Download and install this in your PC, after that just simply right click on the file and choose UNLOCK from the options and it will be deleted.

For the second issue on how to remove a file which keeps on coming back after you deleted it several times. Go to START menu, then click RUN. Type CMD, when the command prompt window opens..type in CD
Next type attrib -h -s smss.exe and press ENTER. Type attrib -h -s autorun.inf and press ENTER again. Then type START C: (type in the drive where the file is located) a new window will open. Select the smss.exe, autorun.inf and the file to be deleted and press Delete.

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• Posted on - 07/11/2011
• Question Category: Storage Misc