The Dink Network

There are a few files/folders on my computer that won't delete and it's really starting to irritate me. Upon deleting, I get this atrocious message that says:

Cannot delete file: It is being used by another person or program.

Close any programs that might be using this file and try again.

I've tried closing every program and even restarting. Sometimes restarting remedies this problem, but there are still some that won't delete. Anyone got some suggestions?

It would be helpful if you'd say what files you are trying to delete as well as what operating system you are using.

However, in general, if you are using windows, press ctrl-alt-delete, bring up the task manager and shut down the various processes/applications that are related to what you are trying to delete.

It's not always clear what all the processes are for, so try closing all of them that don't say SYSTEM by them, then try to delete the files. I've had this problem in the past, but I can't remember what I did... just restarted I think.

Windows XP, some are just empty folders others just normal files. I used ctrl+alt+delete to close everything and it still doesn't delete. I mean applications.

I don't use XP much, but I believe you have to switch the tab over to processes like in win 2k.

Not to scare you, and being a bit premature with the suggestion, but you may have some viruses/spyware on your computer. I use ClamWin - its a bit slow if you do a full scan, but is is free and works pretty well. My favorite used to be Microsoft Antispyware, but I'm not sure if its free anymore.

Also, if the folders look empty, you may want to change your settings to show hidden/system files - you may just be unable to see them. What applications are the "normal files" used for?

Make sure you're not trying to delete 'vital system folders', which I don't think you're trying to do. One trick can be restarting in safe mode, where windows doesn't try to load everything. That might allow you to do it.

Windows 'Defender' is still free but I think you have to have XP to use it. I use SpyBot and Adaware as antispyware, and AVG free for a virus guard.

Common Windows bug. Unlocker will help you with this problem.

EDIT: there are NO spyware, adware, viruses etcetera involved with this Windows error. It's just a bug in Windows they never bothered to fix.

Thank you DaVince. That solves everything.