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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?
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
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.
All I can say is me too. When a user wants to delete a file one uses explorer. It was easy in XP by just right clicking the file name and choosing "delete" or choosing "X"; but now it is not possible it seems to delete a pdf file that way and still save it in the recycle bin. Instead of "preview" being considered a "feature", it is a bug, and a serious one that seriously slows down productivity. I am not happy with the MS cavalier approach. Admit that this slows down our productivity and tell us that a fix is on its way without losing the the preview feature. Thanks MS.
Let me say that the preview pane is an excellent help in checking a file contents (especially MS word documents)) which I do not want to open and record in my "RECENT" file list; hence it is a waste of time to jog between turning the preview mode off to delete a file, and then turning it back on to preview a file, then back off, back on.... etc. I hope you understand the problem and can address it. Thanks.
re: Method 2 - this is great in theory, but how do you tell what process is the issues? There are usually a lot of processes with unrecognizable names - many of which can't be stopped or your computer crashes. IF only MSFT had the foresight to TELL you what program was using the file.
I have this issue with my .mp3 files, I can't move or delete them because they all are "in use" - but I can't figure out what process is running in the background that could possibly be using these files. Incredibly frustrating.
we shouldn't have to go through a process just to delete a stupid file. I thought windows was trying to compete with the rest of the software world in making things easier.
