Icrontic is proud to offer the Office Hours series of articles. Each week we’ll take a look at a common problem in Windows or often-used software and nail down a quick fix for it. This week, the good doctor explores how one might delete a file that Windows believes cannot be deleted.
The Problem
Without rhyme or reason, Windows is fascinated with the allegation that a file or folder is currently in use. The issue most commonly arises when a user cannot seem to delete a file that should be easily deleted. Be it an empty folder, a movie, or even a DLL file, Windows often refuses to let go of files that users simply want to remove from the system.
The common symptoms for this issue are the following message:
- “Cannot delete (object): Access is denied. Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use.”
- “Cannot delete Folder: It is being used by another person or program. Close any program that might be using the file and try again.”
The Fix
Windows has many ways to inadvertently maintain control of resources on your hard disk long after you’ve supposedly closed them: the movie preview in Windows Explorer, dozens of services, and hundreds of executables. Yet thanks to an application known as Unlocker, it is possible to forcefully release control so you can delete the object.
Step 1:
Grab Unlocker from the developer’s website and install the application.
Step 2:
Right click the offending file or folder and select “unlocker” in the resulting context menu.
Step 3:
The Unlocker window will appear with a list of applications that are responsible for keeping your file in use. Select “delete” from the “no action” dropdown, then press “Unlock.”
Step 4:
That’s it! The file or folder that could not be deleted has been freed from Windows’ spindly fingers and sent packing.
Post-mortem
Unlocker is tremendously effective in freeing a file or folder or use, but be aware that its deletion operations are permanent! Files deleted with Unlocker do not go to Recycle Bin, so be sure that you can do without whatever it is that you have chosen to delete.
Do you have a common Windows or software irritation for the good doctor? Send an email to robert@icrontic.com to see if there’s a quick fix for what ails you. The best ailments will be featured every Wednesday right here on Icrontic.
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