Windows 7 - Unable To Rename Folders, Even Though Deletion Is Allowed

So I have these some folders created under C://USERNAME/Downloads/, for example, /Example1, /Example2, etc etc

I noticed that intermittently, I was able to rename the folder from /Example1 to say, /Example-asdf

But immediately afterwards, if I wanted to rename /Example-asdf, it wouldn't let me, giving me error msg "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program". Now, the contents of this folder hasn't been touched in weeks/months. I tested on this folder because this same thing kept happening to another folder (say, /random) that I had been using alot recently, so I thought it was the due to the contents of that folder that may be related to moving files from an external HD. I shut down the EHD but still get this msg.

The frustrating part is I can delete these folders without any error prompt, but the minute I go rename it, I can't. However, intermittently after a period of an unknown time (and very randomly) I can rename it, but immediately afterwards I get the error again. I've shut down all open programs and there's no way any obvious programs are using any files. I know it must be used since I was able to later rename it back, but I can't see anything using it.

Any ideas?

 

See if restarting Windows Explorer fixes the issue.
Ensure the external HDD is unplugged.

 

I restarted whole system, unplugged e-HDD. during the initial phase of Windows starting up, I was able to rename these folders to my content. But after a minute or so, the same thing happens.

Could it be malware/virus?

 

I would not rule malware out.
Being able to delete but not rename folders is very unusual.
Follow the instructions in the first (sticky) thread and then start a new thread over here.
https://forums.majorgeeks.com/forums/malware-help-mg-a-specialist-will-reply.35/

 

thanks

 

Your welcome.
If your PC is clean from malware, return to this thread and we'll explore other options.

 

I'm back! looks like I didn't have any specific malware that I needed to fix (which can be both good and bad in a way) but some registry settings were added. the problem still persists. any ideas?

https://forums.majorgeeks.com/threads/unable-to-rename-folders-but-able-to-delete-them.318505/

 

didn't work either, the same error pops up.

 

Run Tweaking.com - Windows Repair.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/tweaking_com_windows_repair.html

• It must be run in Safe Mode.
• Select Common Repairs.
• Restart your PC afterwards and run it again.

 

After running this, it seems like the problem is solved. however there was one mishap. in one of the folders, i found a file thumbs.db. I attempted to delete that along with some other files but I got an error saying this thumbs.db cannot be deleted because it was in use (like the same error I got before). So I clicked "cancel" but now it's no longer in that folder nor is it in the recycle bin. After this, I was no longer able to rename this particular folder anymore. Is there away to find this thumbs.db file again?

(Renaming other folders that haven't been touched seemed normal now).

 

I uploaded an image of this thing I'm dealing with here. Note the timestamp. from 1.20 to 1.22 pm, nothing was done on the computer other than taking this screenshot and putting it in MSPaint

My folder option is showing hidden files, and the box for "Always show icons, never thumbnails" is checked.

maybe i should just run tweaking.com again?

 

Yes, I have alot of folders that were created in 2017, but this renaming issue seems recent.

But you make an interesting point!! --I created another folder just now for testing and I can rename it endlessly without a problem. I found another folder created 1/2018 and that seems OK too.

Only the folders in 2017 seem to have this problem. (I created many folders inside this TXT folder and those had troubles too; so it seems like the parent folder age had something to do with it). What is it about old folders that would cause this problem?

 

The thumbs.db files are Windows system files. They contain the thumbnails of images. If you delete them, they will be recreated by Windows.

The age of the folder has nothing to do with not being able to rename the folder.

Double-check you have no programs running (check the Notification Area).
Open the folder and then the sub-folders one at a time.
Delete the individual files and then the sub-folders.

 

Yea it looks like there are some PDF files that are causing trouble. Doesn't look like they're open anywhere but deleting them sure made it better. thanks!