trouble deleting a file

[Compucurious]

I'm trying to delete a folder containing Photoshop files from a thumb drive. Whenever I try to delete these files I get a mssg saying the file can't be deleted because it is being used by another program. No other program is open now. Why am I getting this msg and what do I do to delete them?

[jason2074]

Download unlocker, see here --> http://www.pctipsbox.com/how-to-solve-program-cannot-be-deleted-because-is-already-being-used-by-another-program-error/

[Azzaboi]

Would be interesting to find out why they are in use?
It might be a third party application, OS loading/displaying the thumbnails, or just the OS taking ages to index them (if there's a lot). Just make sure it's not an autorun virus on the drive.

[Compucurious]

Jason, I tried to download the unlock app from the link you gave me, but all I got was offers for other programs. I tried searching for this program on the web, but I can't seem to find it. Any ideas?

[Frankfoley]

1)  kill the task blocking you and then delete the file
or
2) Do a F8.  The task blocking you might not load
then  del /f  file  from the command line

C:\test>tasklist

C:\test>taskkill  /?

TASKKILL [/S system [/U username [/P [password]]]]
         { [/FI filter] [/PID processid | /IM imagename] } [/T] [/F]

Description:
    This tool is used to terminate tasks by process id (PID) or image name.



    /PID  processid        Specifies the PID of the process to be terminated.
                           Use TaskList to get the PID.

   
    /F                     Specifies to forcefully terminate the process(es).

    /?                     Displays this help message.


Examples:
    TASKKILL /IM notepad.exe
    TASKKILL /PID 1230 /PID 1241 /PID 1253 /T
    TASKKILL /F /IM cmd.exe /T
    TASKKILL /F /FI "PID ge 1000" /FI "WINDOWTITLE ne untitle*"
    TASKKILL /F /FI "USERNAME eq NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" /IM notepad.exe
    TASKKILL /S system /U domain\username /FI "USERNAME ne NT*" /IM *
    TASKKILL /S system /U username /P password /FI "IMAGENAME eq note*"

C:\test>

[lunchbox]

Use unlocker software.

[Frankfoley]

If the suggestions in reply #4 did work, shutdown the task blocking "the deletion of the file" at boot time.

start, run [ msconfig ], click the startup tab and disable [ ] the task blocking the deletion of the file.

good luck

[jason2074]

Try this link --> http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Unlocker.shtml

[Broni]

Download, and install Unlocker: http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/
Restart computer.
It'll install under right click menu.

Open Windows Explorer.
Navigate to offending folder/file.

Right click on a folder/file. Click Unlocker
Select Delete from drop-down menu:



Click OK.
A folder/file will refuse to be deleted, but Unlocker will give you an option to delete on reboot:



Click Yes.
Restart computer.

==============================================================

If the above doesn't work, try...

LockHunter: http://lockhunter.com/

FileASSASSIN: http://www.snapfiles.com/get/fileassassin.html

[Allan]

Guys - when you provide a link to download software try to give the link for the software provider (as Broni did) rather than a 3rd party site. Thank you.