Member Avatar for Pitufo

Hi, I can't delete a file I downloaded. It's a demo program. I tried deleting it from the C: prompt but that didn't work. I keep getting the message: This file is being used by another process. Close all applications that may be using this file and try again. Or something like that. I've got WinXP SP2. Thanks

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by The_chewie71

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A file that reports “being used by another process” means Windows still has an open handle to it (someone or something is keeping it locked). Common culprits on XP SP2 are the program that created the file, Windows Explorer (thumbnail/cache locks), antivirus/indexing services, or a background service/driver. If it was a downloaded demo, the installer or a helper service can be the owner even after the visible program closes.

First, identify the owner before forcing anything. Use Task Manager to look for obvious processes; if that does not show the culprit, use a handle-searching tool (Process Explorer or the command-line handle utility) to search the filename and see which process has it open. If Explorer is the owner, restart the shell (End Process on explorer.exe from Task Manager, then File → New Task → explorer.exe). If another app owns it, close that app normally; only use “Close Handle” from a tool if you understand the risk (it can destabilize the process).

If the handle is gone but you still cannot delete, try removing attributes and forcing deletion from an elevated command prompt, then check the disk for errors:

attrib -s -h -r "C:\path\to\file.ext"
del /f "C:\path\to\file.ext"
chkdsk C: /f

Run cmd as Administrator; chkdsk may require a reboot. If a service owns the file, stop that service (Services.msc) or perform a clean boot (msconfig) to disable non-Microsoft startups and retry. As a last resort, boot from external media (live CD/USB) or the Recovery Console and delete the file outside the running Windows instance.

For convenience, the utility-based and reboot-scheduled approaches mentioned by , and are effective for many users; ’s Safe Mode idea also works in many cases and ’s point about uninstalling applies when the file is part of a registered install. Take care not to forcibly close critical system processes, and if the file looks suspicious run an offline antivirus scan before deleting.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for dav555

Try it with GiPo@FileUtilities

Member Avatar for crunchie

As per dav555's tip;

Download moveonboot from here & the file(s) you choose will be deleted on reboot.

MoveOnBoot allows you to copy, move or delete files on the next system boot. This comes in very handy, if you need to replace or delete files which are locked by other applications, loaded into memory or cannot be changed until next system boot. You could manually enter a line to the wininit files, but using MoveOnBoot is much simpler, since the program can be integrated into shell - it creates the "Copy/Move/Delete on boot" context menu item.

Member Avatar for AsXeToUaZ

Try starting your computer in safe mode and deleting it from there.
Notice anything you delete from safe mode you can't find late.
Hope it helps!

Member Avatar for lisatucker

use a uninstall software

Member Avatar for The_chewie71

Try it with GiPo@FileUtilities

I had this problem. I followed the link attached. Installed program. Told it what to do.

Shazzam the damn file is gone........

Thank you so much....

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