Unable to remove files

[schmuck281]

I have two files that I want to delete, but can't.

The first is a 4 Gb AVI file. Everytime I try to delete it, I get an error message saying,

"Cannot delete 123: it is being used by another person or program. Close any programs that may be using the file and try again."

I cannot find any programs that may be using this file. I have tried closing everything except the Windows Explorer and it still gives me the same message.

I have also disconnected the computer from the Internet to insure it is not being accessed from the outside.

The second is a toxic file. If I even select it in Windows Explorer, it immediately crashes explorer. I cannot delete it, open it, look at it, rename it or anything.

How do I get rid of these two files?

 

[networkman]

You don't say what operating system you're using, but one thing I've found through experience is check the Security settings in the Properties of the file. If you're logged in as Administrator, check to see if you have permissions to delete the file - if not, give yourself Full Control and then try deleting it. 🙂

 

[Mitzi]

I file which causes a system crash just by clicking on it is very nasty. I'd also suggest running the usual virus/adware scans too, just to be sure.

 

[Mnementh]

You need to delete these files through dos as windows will lock them (it cannot be done through a dos prompt in windows)

If you post the location of the files and your OS we can tell you how to delete them if you're not sure. If a file becomes severely corrupted then it can cause windows to lock up as in the case of your "toxic" file so it's not necessarily a virus though Mitzi's idea of doing a scan is a very good one. I've had the same issue a few times always to do with video files and deleting them through dos solves the issue every time. The other condition that could cause your PC to lock up while trying to access that file id if it is residing in a bad cluster I would recommend once you have deleted it you do a thorough disk check just to make sure

Mnementh