Thread: winxp - can't move/delete files

  1. #1
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    winxp - can't move/delete files

    i suffering from this problem for long time
    the problem is with

    cannot move "somefile.avi": it is being used byanother person or program
    error which comes out every time i'm trying to delete or move movie file
    nothing helps like restarting explorer.exe and etc.

    it happens only with video files and not with everyone of them
    sometimes i can delete/move file with no problem and sometimes even restarting windows doesn't help

    i did search on the web and this problem seems to be common but until now i didn't find any normal solution or explanation.

    is it some kind of bug?

    maybe anyone knows what's the problem?

  2. #2
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    Try this
    At least you should be able to find out which process actually has the file open.

    My guess is that it's some lame M$ indexing program which has gotten stuck on that file - especially if its a large file.

    Another idea - have you set explorer to recognise the folder it is in as a "media" folder of some sort. Maybe its trying to do some kind of preview of the file the moment you click on it (hence the in-use).
    Point exploiter somewhere else, and try moving the file from the command line.
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
    If at first you don't succeed, try writing your phone number on the exam paper.

  3. #3
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    find out which process actually has the file open
    i checked this and it is explorer who holds the lock on file

    M$ indexing program
    well... it can't be because i turned off this indexing service

  4. #4
    Actually I have this same problem. Its an exe file in my case. On occasion I've had this occure on several file types, but a reboot usually fixes the problem. One particular exe cannot be removed however. I ran the Process Explorer that Salem pointed out (neat tool btw) but I find nothing irregular...

    I've been too lazy to use a boot disk and wipe the file manually, but I may have to at some point when it irritates me enough.
    "There's always another way"
    -lightatdawn (lightatdawn.cprogramming.com)

  5. #5
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    What about booting into safe mode?
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
    If at first you don't succeed, try writing your phone number on the exam paper.

  6. #6
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    well, i got the solution at another forum
    and it's the real solution - no restart stuff...

    if anyone wants to know just say and i will post it

  7. #7
    End Of Line Hammer's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Jumper
    well, i got the solution at another forum
    and it's the real solution - no restart stuff...

    if anyone wants to know just say and i will post it
    File Information Extraction by any chance?
    http://www.dvdrhelp.com/forum/archive/t100406.html
    http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/1209/
    http://www.golb.org/?catid=21
    When all else fails, read the instructions.
    If you're posting code, use code tags: [code] /* insert code here */ [/code]

  8. #8
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    ye, all these links point to solution i meant

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