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Cannot delete a file

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13 replies

by boomio

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I am trying to delete a file of our server but it just wont let me do it.
Shift + delete gives me "Access is denied, source file is in use" message.
Downloaded unlocker, It say there is no locking handle associated with that file but when I try to delete it, I get the message "Unable to delete file, would you like to do it at next reboot?"
I've checked on the server and their doesnt seem to be anyone accessing the file. Can anyone tell me a way of finding out who or what has the file locked so I can unlock and delete it before teh user who wants it deleted does my head in :)

13 replies

by 3xp3rt

Probably there is a running service what is using this file. This can be a reason for denied deleting the file. Other possibility this file is a service what is started. You can delete this file if the service is stopped. For view running services and stop unnecessary service run ?services.msc? .

by boomio

On what machine could this service be running? Since the file is on a server that everyone can access, could it be a service on a workstation or would it be a service on the server it self

by boomio

On what machine could this service be running? Since the file is on a server that everyone can access, could it be a service on a workstation or would it be a service on the server it self

by hal 9000

In answer to your second question YES it could be a workstation that is logging on and locking the file to prevent it being deleted or it could also just be some how connected to a already running Windows application.

Either way you should be able to remove it in Safe Mode without network connection.

Col

by sue t

Did you tell it to delete it on next reboot and the file still doesn't delete or does it possibly remake the file? What type of file is it? Also, since it says source file is in use it sounds like the file you are trying to delete is connected to another file and that file is the reason you can't delete it. If you right click the file and look in properties does it give you info that might give you some clue as to program may be using it?

by boomio

Sue, I'm not sure what type of file it is!! A couple of mac users are doing something with those files, and they havent got extensions, so the properties doesnt tell you anything. We are going to try and delete the file tonight in safe mode and see how that goes??

by boomio

Rebooting the server and starting it in safe mode worked. thanks all for you help

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