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

Anonymous
2010-01-19T13:16:22+00:00

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?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2010-08-31T05:21:08+00:00

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
2010-01-20T12:28:42+00:00

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
2010-01-20T22:46:15+00:00

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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  1. Anonymous
    2010-05-04T14:50:52+00:00

    I agree -- I paid thousands of dollars for this software across my firm and this happens ALL the time.  And not with complex video or imaging software.  WITH EXPLORER.  Rebooting may be an answer, but it is not a solution.

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-03-06T15:06:11+00:00

    Craigg75,

    It's still an answer because sometimes it works (yes, even here in 2010 - and I believe it's a valid answer for Windows7 as well - though the procedure is slightly different).  It's not what I would do (I posted my solution) but the Systems Engineer who marks answers here likes that answer better (probably because it does not involve 3rd party programs which they generically don't like).  The OP did not respond (as usual) so we don't know which answer actually resolved the problem (or even if the problem is resolved)

    • but both are possible (and both should have been marked IMHO).  I also think my answer is easier and faster (because I already have both programs downloaded and have used them numerous times - as would be the case after downloading and installing them the first time).

    If replying to a similar problem, you need to consider this "safe mode" answer because it is valid and may work (and that's the point of responses) - even though it seems like it is obsolete and is surprising.  Had it not already been posted, I would have included it in my own response (but recommended my solution more highly).

    Have a good one.

    Lorien - MCSE/MCSA/Network+/A+

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