Trouble Deleting Folders/Files

I've been having trouble deleting some files and folders in windows xp sp2. I get an error message that says "Cannot delete xxx: It is being used by another person or program. Close any programs that might be using the file and try again." I check the properties on the folder/file and notice it is read-only. When I try to remove the read-only attribute it keeps coming back when i close the properties window. Any ideas on how to work around the problem?

 

Those attributes are irrelavent to the error. There sort of dated file attributes which arn't worth using anymore. The error message also has nothing to do with its read only setting.

You could solve the "being used by another person..." issue by going to the security tab and removing everyone and then readding just yourself. Of course you'd need to have XP pro or be in safe mode to access the security tab. Alternativly you can also try opening task manager and hitting end task on the process "explorer.exe" (You're desktop will disapear if you do this, don't worry). Once you've closed it simple go to the file run menu, type "explorer" and press enter. This would basicly just reset explorer, and usally explorer is the program which is still holding onto files and disallowing the deletion.

In the event these two methods dont' allow you to delete the file, you can of course simply reset and the files should be deletable. Also there are a couple programs which can be used to delete files, and simply do what I said above for you automaticly.

Please note, if you do have a program opened which is reading the files, such as trying to delete a video file while having it opened in windows media player, you should close the program to resolve the issue.

 

>>I've been having trouble deleting some files and folders in windows xp sp2. <<AirWarrior001

There is a relatively new and very handy freeware utility called "Unlocker" which (once installed) adds an explorer extension that allows the user - with a simple right-click of the mouse on a file or folder - to get rid of those pesky error messages and then proceed to delete that file or folder.

The most current version of "Unlocker" will delete most locked files [and most folders as well] which produce error messages when you try to delete them. According to the developer, Unlocker only works with WinXP and Win2000.

Important Note:
Use great caution whenever deleting files and folders that you are unfamiliar with. Deleting "unknown" files can cause havoc on your system - later on down the line.

As a precaution make sure to Create a System Restore Point before you delete files or download and then install anything onto your computer. This will allow you to return your computer settings to the state your PC was in - prior to downloading.

Additionally, check out this interesting web page: What Files Can I Delete on My PC?

Good Luck!