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
    2013-10-28T04:53:53+00:00

    Hi Martins,

    Sorry for the delay in responding to your query.

    We will not be able to delete a pdf file when we use preview pane in windows explorer as the file will use the associated program which will not allow us to delete it.

    Reply us if you need any other assistance with Windows and we will be glad to assist.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-10-11T09:03:44+00:00

    As I understand the Disk Cleanup is to boost the PC performance.

    However, this is not the problem.

    The problem is that it is not possible to delete .pdf files when using Preview Pane

    in Windows Explorer. When Prieview pane is not used, I can delete without any problems,

    and other files than .pdf can be deleted even if Prieview Pane is in use.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-10-11T08:59:10+00:00

    Hi,

    Refer to the following link and check.

    Delete files using Disk Cleanup.

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/delete-files-using-disk-cleanup#delete-files-using-disk-cleanup=windows-7

    Hope this helps.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-10-10T17:07:53+00:00

    I am having the same problem (can't delete previewed files), but I have it only with pdf fails.

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