Error Deleting/Renaming/Moving files

brownacid

Hi Guys

I am running windows 7 and I have encountered a problem numerous times where windows claims that my files are in use by windows explorer when I try to rename, delete or cut and paste a file. I have only experienced this when on .mkv files and even then it doesnt apply to all mkv files only some of them. I have tried made it so that all files are icons and not thumbnails and that hasn't helped at all! I also downloaded a piece of freeware called "lockhunter" when I run it it claims to have unlocked the file but I am still unable to do anything with it. As far as I can tell i dont have a virus as I run a scan twice a week and then i ran one again yesterday just too be sure.

Any ideas what to do try and fix it, its a bit of a pain having about 10GB tied up in files that can't be gotten rid of.

Here's a screen grab of the error I get

byte

Are the files being shared across the network?

brownacid

How do I check that? I am not connected to any networks bar my internet connection and its not sharing it across that to the best of my knowledge

BopNiblets

I usually kill explorer.exe from TaskManager/Pricess Explorer when this happens and start it up again (File-»Run).

Alun

Sounds like it might be something trying, but failing somehow, to generate thumbnails maybe?

A bootable Linux distro on a CD or USB memory stick would get rid of them in no time if you feel comfortable with something like that.

Capt'n Midnight

if you haven't done any of the following to close background files try them
- log out and in again
- reboot
- reboot into safe mode

check your anti-virus just in case it's quarantined the file or somesuch

brownacid

NOt comfortable using linux at all really, I tried disabling thumbnails and that hasn't helped. I tried running in safe mode but still nothing.

Alun

brownacid wrote: »

NOt comfortable using linux at all really, I tried disabling thumbnails and that hasn't helped. I tried running in safe mode but still nothing.

What about safe mode in command-line mode?

tagoona

I have seen something similar to this before, and I think Alun is right, it might belinked to the view of the files you are using. If I recall correctly, if you change to details or list view, you should be able to delete the file.
The problem was rife on one of my old PCs, win NT if I remember, and theres a program I sometimes use, unlocker, which frees up file locks. http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Unlocker.shtml

BopNiblets

I'm tellin ya, kill explorer.exe and restart it, and delete the file then, no need for fancy programs!

Ctrl+Alt+Delete, find Explorer.exe -> End process
File->Run, type in explorer.exe, hit enter, then delete your file.

Alun

BopNiblets wrote: »

I'm tellin ya, kill explorer.exe and restart it, and delete the file then, no need for fancy programs!

Ctrl+Alt+Delete, find Explorer.exe -> End process
File->Run, type in explorer.exe, hit enter, then delete your file.

Doesn't always work I'm afraid. If explorer is opening the file in the background, to generate thumbnails for example, it'll do exactly the same when it's restarted the moment you open the folder they're in.

I'm still sure it's down to either some misbehaving shell extension or thumbnailing add-on that was installed with a codec pack or such like.

I still reckon start up in safe mode at the command prompt, and cut explorer and any misbehaving extensions out of the equation altogether is the best bet.

smegheadz

did you copy the file(s) already? can you open them and use them files?
using unlocker is handy but doesn't identify the problem if you keep getting it. possible if you cant open the file that it may be you have a corrupt MFT on that drive. happened me a few times on an external drive.