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Can't delete a file

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5 replies

by mak15

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Hi all! I using XP HomeEdition. A file cannot be deleted, when I tried a message pop up said, "The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process." How can I delete the file? Thanks!

5 replies

by eminent87

Does the file have any data in it? Will it let you go to the properties with general, security and summary tabs?

Unless the file has 0k, you can go into DOS and delete it that way. Just boot the system into safe mode with command prompt and delete the file. But if the file has 0k then it is corrupted some how and you will need NTFS DOS to do it. Here is a good place to get it: Check out the utility page at www.systeminternals.com. Good luck!

by wcp

Boot to ?Safe Mode with Command Prompt Only?, navigate to the folder, and then delete the file.

If this does not work, boot to Recovery Console, then delete the file.

by cactus pete

Is it a [very] long file name or does it have non standard characters in the name? You can use DOS to rename it, then delete it, move it, do whatever you want.

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