windows xp: I cannot delete a folder no matter what I do

[Danywachy]

Its telling me that its being used by other program or person, but it is not. I try to delete it and it wont let me. I reset the computer and still gives me that message. Any idea how to solve this ? thanks.

 

[CrimsonWolf]

Maybe try logging in as a different user and see if it lets go of it.

Another option may be to boot into safe mode and do it from there (iirc you hit F8 as Windows is booting). I've done that once or twice when I was in your situation. Just make certain there's nothing important in the folder that you may have forgotten about.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Safe mode?

 

[Danywachy]

I have only one user for this machine which is the administrator, I dont put any passwrod at the beggining of the session. Ill try that safe mode thing you said. Thanks.

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: Danywachy
Its telling me that its being used by other program or person, but it is not. I try to delete it and it wont let me. I reset the computer and still gives me that message. Any idea how to solve this ? thanks.

Command prompt FTW!

Here is what you do.

Task Manager--> Close Explorer.exe
Task manager--> CMD
CMD-->CD c:\(what ever parent folder it's in) so an example what the command prompt would be:
C:\>
C:\> cd c:\Documents and Settings\Goku\Desktop
c:\documents and settings\goku\desktop\
c:\documents and settings\goku\desktop\ RMDIR Cheese

Now the folder 'cheese' is deleted from my desktop
Viola, you have deleted your trouble directory..

 

[aidanjm]

just reboot the machine

 

[Robor]

I had a corrupt folder on my desktop that I couldn't delete. A fellow AT'er pointed me to 'Dr Delete'. Google it and give it a try. It's free and it worked like a charm.

 

[imported_BadKarma]

Alternatively, you can also check out Unlocker. It's a small nifty tool for situations such as yours.
Link

 

[warcrow]

Dr Delete

http://www.docsdownloads.com/dr-delete-1.htm

 

[thecrecarc]

Originally posted by: BadKarma
Alternatively, you can also check out Unlocker. It's a small nifty tool for situations such as yours.
Link

FTW