"cannot delete" error message

[don]

I am trying to erase a video file from my hard drive, and
get an "Error Deleting File or Folder" message that
says "Cannot delete '-----' file.' It is being used by
another person or program. Close any program that might
be using the file and try again." There are no other
programs running; this happens when I try to delete it
right after logging off and turning off the computer and
rebooting it. I get the same kind of message precluding
moving the file.

Is there a way to override this and get the file deleted?

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Don,

Open Windows Media Player, delete the program or file from the playlist. =
Then close and retry deleting the file.

--=20
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x - =
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone -
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Win98 Help - www.rickrogers.org

"don" > wrote in message =
...
> I am trying to erase a video file from my hard drive, and=20
> get an "Error Deleting File or Folder" message that=20
> says "Cannot delete '-----' file.' It is being used by=20
> another person or program. Close any program that might=20
> be using the file and try again." There are no other=20
> programs running; this happens when I try to delete it=20
> right after logging off and turning off the computer and=20
> rebooting it. I get the same kind of message precluding=20
> moving the file.
>=20
> Is there a way to override this and get the file deleted?

[Kelly]

Hi Don,

Close all open apps. Open a command prompt (Start/Run/CMD) and navigate to
the directory with the offending file(s). Then open the Task Manager and
click on the Processes tab, select "explorer.exe" under Image Name. Click
"End Process".

In the opened Command Prompt, DEL the offending files (DEL *.mpg, DEL
mus*.avi, DEL test.wmv, etc.) Once done, go back to the task manager and
click on the Applications tab. Click the "New Task..." button. in the
dialog, type explorer.exe and click OK.

Note: Could also opt for: ATTRIB -H -R -S filename before the DEL.

Or you can use Process Explorer
http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/procexp.shtml

Use the search function to find every handle that Explorer.Exe has open and
close them (right-click on the file and choose 'close handle'). Then delete
the file(s) in question.

More information here:

Can't Delete a File or Folder in XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_d.htm#del

--
All the Best,
Kelly

MS-MVP Win98/XP [AE-Windows® XP]
Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm


"don" > wrote in message
...
> I am trying to erase a video file from my hard drive, and
> get an "Error Deleting File or Folder" message that
> says "Cannot delete '-----' file.' It is being used by
> another person or program. Close any program that might
> be using the file and try again." There are no other
> programs running; this happens when I try to delete it
> right after logging off and turning off the computer and
> rebooting it. I get the same kind of message precluding
> moving the file.
>
> Is there a way to override this and get the file deleted?