Can't Delete File or Folder

[Shoe]

Windows 7 Home Premium - I constantly get an error message when I try
to delete a folder. It says I can't do it because another program has
the file or folder open. Trouble is, nothing has the folder open and
it has not been open recently. I tried one of the programs that are
supposed to show what has the folder locked and it showed that nothing
did. After a while, I can try again and the folder will be deleted
(maybe). Any ideas what is causing this problem and how to correct?

 

[GlowingBlueMist]

Windows 7 Home Premium - I constantly get an error message when I try
to delete a folder. It says I can't do it because another program has
the file or folder open. Trouble is, nothing has the folder open and
it has not been open recently. I tried one of the programs that are
supposed to show what has the folder locked and it showed that nothing
did. After a while, I can try again and the folder will be deleted
(maybe). Any ideas what is causing this problem and how to correct?

The problem can be caused by Windows doing indexing at the time,
background defragging, anti-virus or anti-spyware programs trying to
check on the folder or files contained inside or just about any other
program designed to watch or scan files and folders.

I use the freeware program Unlocker to see what is locking the file and
to unlock the few items I can't remove on demand.

The program can be found on many places with the following URL being one
of them.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Unlocker.shtml

Notice that the installer will try to add Bing and possibly other stuff
during the install but at least it gives you the option of NOT
installing them if you watch and read during the install.

 

[richard]

Windows 7 Home Premium - I constantly get an error message when I try
to delete a folder. It says I can't do it because another program has
the file or folder open. Trouble is, nothing has the folder open and
it has not been open recently. I tried one of the programs that are
supposed to show what has the folder locked and it showed that nothing
did. After a while, I can try again and the folder will be deleted
(maybe). Any ideas what is causing this problem and how to correct?

In most of these cases, it is an "ownership" issue.
Right click on the file and click open "properties". Then click the
security tab.
You will most likely find the item has been assigned to "Trusted
installer".
Which is why you get the error message.

I did some searching on this issue awhile back and found many of the
websites had simply included windows 7 with their generic instructions. Not
bothering to check to see if any changes had been made. IMO, windows 7 made
it easier to do.

In the security tab, you will find an "Edit" button. Click it and you will
be able to change the ownership.

This works for files, not folders.

 

[LSMFT]

Windows 7 Home Premium - I constantly get an error message when I try
to delete a folder. It says I can't do it because another program has
the file or folder open. Trouble is, nothing has the folder open and
it has not been open recently. I tried one of the programs that are
supposed to show what has the folder locked and it showed that nothing
did. After a while, I can try again and the folder will be deleted
(maybe). Any ideas what is causing this problem and how to correct?

I boot a Linux live CD then delete the stubborn files in Windows.
One should be able to delete a file NO MATTER WHAT! I'm the boss of my
system!

 

[choro]

I boot a Linux live CD then delete the stubborn files in Windows.
One should be able to delete a file NO MATTER WHAT! I'm the boss of my
system!

With Linux Live CD you certainly are.

In Windows there is something called "taking ownership" of the file. The
OS might not let you delete certain files even if you use the
Administrator account UNLESS you TAKE OWNERSHIP of the file which
necessitates going through a particular rigmarole.

But of course one can always use a Linux live CD, as you say.

 

[LSMFT]

With Linux Live CD you certainly are.

In Windows there is something called "taking ownership" of the file. The
OS might not let you delete certain files even if you use the
Administrator account UNLESS you TAKE OWNERSHIP of the file which
necessitates going through a particular rigmarole.

But of course one can always use a Linux live CD, as you say.

I own all the files and the PC. I shouldn't have to take anything.

 

[Char Jackson]

I own all the files and the PC. I shouldn't have to take anything.

I think Valorie used that same argument, equally unsuccessfully.

 

[Gene E. Bloch]

I own all the files and the PC. I shouldn't have to take anything.

Not even an aspirin?

 

[Bob]

To the OP:

Try deleting the files in the folder first.