Computer Help and Support

steve2470

(37,457 posts) Mon Mar 24, 2014, 11:04 AM Mar 2014

5 Ways To Delete A File In Use In Windows

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-ways-delete-file-use-windows/

Windows Explorer thinks the file you’re trying to delete is still open, but it’s not? This commonly happens with video files that were played back in Windows Media Player but it can happen with any other file, too. The file is either running in the background or it wasn’t closed properly. You can even run into this issue with files you haven’t opened in years! Fortunately, this can be resolved in a few different ways.

Did You Close The Program?

Let’s start with the obvious. Did you just open the file and not close it? If the file is closed, but the program is still running, close it too, then try again.

Have You Tried Rebooting?

Rebooting solves most issues and it will most certainly solve this one. While it can be inconvenient, it requires zero skills or fiddling with stuff like the Task Manager or third party tools. Rebooting also clears your RAM and possibly fixes other nuisances in one go. So try this if you can’t be bothered to look into the cause.

If you have already tried rebooting and it didn’t help, skip the following steps and go straight to third party tools.

*more at link*

4 replies

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5 Ways To Delete A File In Use In Windows (Original Post) steve2470 Mar 2014 OP

Thanks for the tip, Steve. gvstn Mar 2014 #1

my pleasure ! nt steve2470 Mar 2014 #2

Linux Live disk. hobbit709 Mar 2014 #3

^^This. n/t Earth Bound Misfit Mar 2014 #4

gvstn

(2,805 posts)

1. Thanks for the tip, Steve.

Reply to steve2470 (Original post)

Mon Mar 24, 2014, 11:33 AM

Mar 2014

Unlocker was always an easy and reliable tool for unlocking files but has begun bundling really stubborn Adware with the program. The article mentions the adware but I wanted to reiterate that there is virtually no opt-out option during install. I would recommend getting a portable version of Unlocker if someone chooses to try that program rather than let it install.

I, personally, have downloaded FilExile to test. I don't get many erroneously locked files since switching to Win7 (one in 3 or 4 years) but will be looking to give it a test run. It looks similar to Unlocker but since it is from Sourceforge should be a cleaner program.