File cannot be deleted!

[chuckywang]

I have this file on my desktop (running Windows XP Pro) that when I try deleteing, it says "Cannot delete. It is being used by another person or program." I have no idea what program is using this file (it's an upgrader for mcafee). I tried restarting in safe mode, but no go. What can I do to delete this file? Thanks.

 

[Mitzi]

Have you checked the Task List to see if any processes are using it? Perhaps try shutting down McAfee and then killing it?

 

[chuckywang]

I did do all those things....still can't be deleted. Is there any program out there that can help me with this?

 

[pitupepito2000]

I would use a linux boot disk mount your partition, and remove it. I had the same problem with another file, and it was a breeze to delete it with linux.

But if you want a windows way to do it, is to check your registry, and see if the program/file is being used by something else, and also you can try booting into safe mode

 

[chuckywang]

Just tried that. This came back:

[root@res-152-3-42-8 Desktop]# rm -f upgrade.exe
rm: cannot remove `upgrade.exe': Operation not permitted

 

[Zugzwang152]

boot from safe mode with command prompt or win xp cd. check and clear all attributes using the attrib command. then delete it.

 

[pitupepito2000]

Originally posted by: chuckywang
Just tried that. This came back:

[root@res-152-3-42-8 Desktop]# rm -f upgrade.exe
rm: cannot remove `upgrade.exe': Operation not permitted

ok, post here the output of the following command "ls -lh upgrade.exe"

 

[Mitzi]

In that case can you run a chkdsk in XP...sounds like the file system is corrupt.

 

[bacillus]

Dr. Delete

 

[Sunner]

Handle from Sysinternals will tell you what process is using it.
There's a myriad of useful utilities over at sysinternals, so browse around, you may find something else you like as well

 

[Mitzi]

Originally posted by: bacillus
Dr. Delete

404'ed

 

[gotensan01]

If you booted to DOS, couldn't you delete it because no other program would be using it?

 

[bacillus]

Originally posted by: Mitzi

Originally posted by: bacillus
Dr. Delete

404'ed

sorry about that!
use this link for the Dr Delete file.

 

[SinNisTeR]

Originally posted by: Sunner
Handle from Sysinternals will tell you what process is using it.
There's a myriad of useful utilities over at sysinternals, so browse around, you may find something else you like as well

nice
thanks

 

[corkyg]

I had a similar problem with XP - and this Microsoft KB article fixed it:

KB

 

[imported_Skorpio]

I used to have that problem with some corrupt avi files that I couldnt manage to delete in any mode....I changed the registry with this reg editor thing...I'll be more than happy to send it to u if you are interested.....

 

[Pakman117]

HijackThis! also gets rid of undeleteable files. Just download the newest version 1.98.2, go to config > misc tools > "Delete a file on reboot...". You can get HijackThis! from here.

 

[Jeff7]

What kind of file is it?

 

[chuckywang]

it's a .exe file. I figured out the program that was using it....it was explorer.exe. I just booted up to safe mode, opened up a command prompt, ctrl-alt-del'ed explorer.exe and alt-tab'ed back to the command prompt. Then, deletion commenced.

 

[pitupepito2000]

Originally posted by: chuckywang
it's a .exe file. I figured out the program that was using it....it was explorer.exe. I just booted up to safe mode, opened up a command prompt, ctrl-alt-del'ed explorer.exe and alt-tab'ed back to the command prompt. Then, deletion commenced.

I'm glad that you you figured it out