Can someone tell me how to deleted a file that refuses to be deleted?

Cyrus

Don't worry, it's not a system file. It's just a freakin file dl-ed from a file sharing program. I've already deleted the freaking thing using Emule but when I saw it still existed and was taking up space on my hard drive, I tried to delete it and it keeps giving me this bullshit about CAN'T DELETE CAUSE IT'S BEING USED BY ANOTHER PROGRAM. I would love to know how to get around this. Thanks for listening

shoepies · 09-14-2007, 05:46 AM

First do Ctrl+Alt+Del to see if it's running under the processes tab, if so try and close if from there and then delete it. Or reboot in safemode (restart computer and keep pressing F8 every few seconds til it gives you the option for safemode) and delete it. and if either of those things don't work, drive up to walmart, purchase the largest baseball bat you can find, return home and apply vigorously to your computer.

highstake · 09-14-2007, 09:03 PM

Install unlocker: ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

Then right click on the culprit and unlock... then you have the option to unlock, and take an action like delete, rename...

P.S. If you get some error about some privileges then check on the site. It will tell you summary to check some Microsoft solutions. Make the fixes and it will work.

fubar · 09-15-2007, 05:08 PM

sometimes deleting the parent folder does the trick. move all files 'cept the target into a new folder NOT located in the directory containing the problem file, then try deleting the parent folder. sometimes just rebooting will let you delete also.

XxAznDarknezzxX · 09-15-2007, 05:33 PM

Just turn off the program using that file and if you can't, just turn off everything program except the important ones using ctrl-alt-dlt and process tab.

kleinman · 09-15-2007, 10:02 PM

Just like it was said: the best (and safest) way is to reboot (in safe mode if needed) and delete it then...

john88 · 09-16-2007, 10:34 AM

1:
use a tracks cleaning or erasing tool to wipe the file. Some spyware scanners have this option too, f.e. spybot ( advanced mode - tools). If the file is locked it will be erased on next reboot.
2:
use a live cd to delete or rename the file.

**phileditin** · 09-16-2007, 12:41 PM

Hi Cyrus,

Some very sound advice from previous replies, and here's a link describing both the problem and the possible solutions.

http://www.emailbattles.com/2006/03/...aadcdidabj_hh/

hope that helps.

Cyrus · 09-16-2007, 11:21 PM

Wow! Thank you so much guys for all your helpful suggestions!!!

I'll give them a try and let you know how it turns out!:0 )

Sallyman · 09-22-2007, 02:49 PM

Download a program like unlocker. This can unlock any item the is in use by any program