can't delete file because file is in use

Anonymous
2013-02-22T12:34:36+00:00

So whenever I'm in a file explorer window and I want to delete a file(eg PDF) I get a "File in use" message.

I've figured out that this is caused by the preview pane. No preview pane no message and the file deletes.

I want to know how I can delete a file with the preview pane active because I want to check the contents to make sure it's the correct file I want to delete?

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

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Anonymous
2017-06-18T21:52:58+00:00

Hi Gianluca,

This thread has been created on 2015 and was previously resolved. There has been a lot of changes since then and the resolution provided here may not be applicable anymore. Hence, we recommend you to create your own thread regarding your concern for assistance from our community.

If there's anything else, feel free to reach out to us.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-17T12:02:34+00:00

    I gave up on the combination of Windows and Adobe.  I only use Adobe Acrobat when I need a feature not available in the new program I am using for PDF's - PDF-Xchange.  This program work very well in everything I have tried it with for every day PDF previewing, viewing, printing, etc..  too bad we have to resort to work-arounds.  Obviously there is some sort of Adobe conflict with Windows - and they cannot work it out or they cannot figure it out.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-01-17T11:44:39+00:00

    I used the Report Bug feature here : https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/mmform/index.cfm?name=wishform and i exposed my issue.

    I am waiting. I'll let you know if I have an answer.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-14T13:22:38+00:00

    I have Windows 7 Pro (64bits) + Adobe CC and I have same bug thing.

    Often but not everytime, when I want to rename a file (eg a pdf) I have an error message about administrative rights, file already in use or read only file.

    Of course the file isn't in use anymore, the user is admninistrator and there is no reason that this file could be set to read only state.

    Sometimes disabling the preview pane is a solution, but sometimes it just doesn't work.

    But I notice something which can't be only a coincidence.

    The issue happens with the files within a folder of a file which have been recently used.

    I gave an example :

    I export a pdf file that I choose to name "file6.pdf" (from Indesign) in a folder named "EXPORT" which already contains 5 other pdf files.

    EXPORT/file1.pdf

    EXPORT/file2.pdf

    EXPORT/file3.pdf

    EXPORT/file4.pdf

    EXPORT/file5.pdf

    If I want to rename any of those files, I've got an issue.

    But if I close indesing and or Acrobat reader, I can rename of delete all these files without problem.

    It means that for a reason, indesign of Acrobat reader lock the edition of all the files within the folder of the last used file.

    The IT gave me a .exe file which close every adobe and office process.

    After the use of this file, everything works normaly.

    This mess cause me lost of time and lost af patience.

    How on earth is this possible to have such a bug, or unfinished work ?

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-01-10T12:12:42+00:00

    I have windows 8.1 which is the worse version I have ever had.  I have devised this method of deleting .pdf files.  Crazy but it works!  I make a new folder on the desktop.  Then I drag the files I no longer need into that folder.  Then I delete the new folder with the .pdf's in it.  Bob

    indeed, with an drag and drop in a new folder we can delete pdf.

    the fact is because at that time the preview pane feature is not called by the windows explorer

    if there is no preview then there is no AcroRd32.exe process in the taskbar

    you define foxit reader as a default pdf reader, and you will see that it work

    Windows 8 + Adobe Reader + Preview pane = PROBLEM

    Windows 8 + Foxit Reader + Preview pane = it works!!!

    Windows 7 + Adobe Reader + Preview pane = it works!!!

    Can someone give me an explanation because since i migrate to W8, i cannot delete any pdf file during an previewing?

    It is important to notice that this problem concern only pdf files.

    docx, xlsx, png etc are not concerned by this suppression problem.

    no other people involved?

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