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
    2014-01-02T17:36:25+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?

    This has been a problem for several years.  Windows 7 and Windows 8.  Something about the interaction between Adobe Acrobat and Windows Explorer?

    Totally unacceptable for this problem to continue to exist.  Think how many man hours have been wasted by this bug.  COME ON, MICROSOFT!!!

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-12-25T12:56:53+00:00

    I have this problem with anything in the preview pane, it doesn't matter whether it is PDF, word or even an MP3, if it's being previewed it won't delete, the only solution is to turn off preview pane.  If I check the reason, it says the file is in use by explorer, so I guess this is a bug, it was the same in windows 7 and even earlier versions of windows, it's incredible that this glitch still exisit.  There is a third party solution called file unlocker which is free and allows you to delete a locked file but for gods sake Microsoft get this sorted and stop the lame suggestions.

    In summary Preview pane = total pain!!!

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-12-25T04:18:13+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.

    What's the point of repeating something we already knew?

    Come on, you can do something better than that... maybe feedback this issue to your HQ and do some changes for the coming update...

    You are well paid i believe , you should do something more

    Hi,

    I guess the same principle then must apply for other file types. However - I have no problem when deleting e.g. Excel or Word files while being previewed. Have this problem only with pdf files.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-12-25T04:07:39+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.

    What's the point of repeating something we already knew?

    Come on, you can do something better than that... maybe feedback this issue to your HQ and do some changes for the coming update...

    You are well paid i believe , you should do something more

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    0 comments No comments