Trying to delete a CD image file, get error "The action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program"

Anonymous

I'm trying to delete a CD image file (.img) from my desktop

when I try to put it in the recycle bin I get the message

"The action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program Close the file and try again"

First I checked obvious things like whether the .img file was mounted in a virtual drive - it isnt so I then used LockHunter to find which application is using the file so I can close it through the Task Manager.

Unfortunately LockHunter tells me that the file is being used by "System" - which cannot be shut down through the TM.

Any help?

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Anonymous

The problem is that the program that you used to mount the image is still using the image. In my case i used magic disk. Go to the start menu find the magic disk folder and in the folder there should be an option to uninstall magic disk. I tried un-installing it from conrtol programs add and remove but it would not let me. You can also click on computer from the start menu and see if the file you are trying to delete is still mounted (appears as a CD image). If it is you can click on the drive hit eject.

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Anonymous

Hi Tobleton_Plonk,

First I would suggest that you try to boot into safe mode and try to delete the file, check if it works.

Steps to boot to Safe mode

1. Restart your computer if it is powered on.

2. Tap the F8 key after your computer initially powers on.

3. Once you see the Advanced Boot Options menu you can stop tapping.

4. Use the up/down arrow keys to highlight your selection.

5. Select Safe Mode and press Enter.

6. You should see drivers loading, and then Please wait.

7. You should then be at the Welcome Screen.

8. Logon to your computer using an account with Administrator privileges.

Start your computer in safe mode

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/323ef48f-7b93-4079-a48a-5c58eec904a11033.mspx

If you are unable to delete the file in the safe mode then try deleting the file with administrator privileges and check if it works.

• Right click on the file and later click on “Run as administrator”

Why can't I delete a file or folder?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Why-cant-I-delete-a-file-or-folder

Halima S - Microsoft Support.

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Anonymous

Try using one of the following free products to delete the file. File Assassin http://www.malwarebytes.org/fileassassin.php (with or without Force Delete: http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/12/27/force-delete-cannot-delete-locked-or-in-used-files-or-folders-with-fileassassin/) or Unlocker at: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Unlocker.shtml. These programs often work when normal Vista delete functions fail to operate properly.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

Lorien - One - MCSE/MCSA/Network+/A+

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69 additional answers

Anonymous

2010-09-13T17:17:21+00:00

I have a similar problem. But it is not just one file. It happens EVERY DAY, with lots of files! All of them video files.

Windows 7 has a serious problem with this.It happens even if I DO NOT OPEN the file at all (NOT EVEN ONCE!)

It is enough that a file has been placed on the hard drive.

I have installed Unlocker. It helps a bit. However somehow it does not work with multiple files at the same time. So each file has to be dealt with individually.

With movies, it is a little bit annoying. With eposodes of a series it is a nightmare... I do not dare to imagine what would happen if I had lot's of mp3s...

Unlocker only frees the file for a single action. Windows reopens it straight away and nothing can be done. Unlocker also shows that explorer.exe is responsible for the file being used. I am not pointing fingers, but this explorer... I think it rings a bell... who wrote this again?

I have tried all the solutions people give in this conversation... nothing worked.

Besides: restarting the PC to move a file? changing all the settings of folder views to modify the filename? I have Windows 7 PROFESSIONAL !!!! I think that Windows AMATEUR written by some kids at school would do better job handling files...

I would like someone from Microsoft to comment on this problem - please say what the problem is. Please say that you do not know and I will request a refund, go back to XP. At least there I could move files freely without problems.

Have a nice day everyone... (preferably with OS that copes with moving files around)

p.s. YES, I am very angry. So please forgive my tone and sarcasm.
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Anonymous

2010-05-19T18:06:48+00:00

And again Microsoft wins the "Dumbest Programming on the Planet" award.

Might as well give the "Dumbest and Most Useless Support on the Planet" award also.

Oh how I wish I had spent twice the money on these new computers for the Apple.
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