the action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program

Given what everyone else says about disabling thumbs.db etc, I think I figured out what the issue is, for folders anyway, and at least one other thing that could set it off if I'm right.

Windows 7 (and I presume 8 as well) has a nifty feature whereby it shows a preview of folder contents on the icon when set to any of the following view options:  Extra Large, Large, or medium icons, tiles, or content.  It also shows the 'large icons' version in the details pane at the bottom of the window when you click on a folder.  For images, videos, or audio files with album art, it shows a thumbnail of said for the content preview.  There's also some method by which it'll represent subfolders with an image.

For files with preview thumbnails, (IE: Images, videos, or audio files with album art), on the same view settings where folders show a preview of contents, the file will be represented with a thumbnail preview instead of a file icon.  The 'preview pane' will also show an expanded version of the preview thumbnail when the file is clicked on.

It is my belief that what is generally happening for most people, is that in order for these preview options to work, explorer has to briefly load the file in question to retrieve/generate the thumbnail, thus putting said file 'in use'.  It's not real spectacular about unlocking it after it's loaded it, but seems to have some kind of cache so it doesn't have to re-load it if you come back later. (Maybe getting it out of the thumbs.db file?  No idea.)  Because what I've noticed is that closing the window, or changing it to a different view and then going back to the current one (even so much as hitting back and then forward again) will usually unlock it.

I have also found, however, that changing the view type to one of the 'small icons' types (Small Icons, Details, or List) as well as disabling the details AND preview panes seems to prevent it getting locked in the first place, presumably because that disables all the different 'content previews'.

Agree 100% with all you've said. Like you, I've resorted to a free file manager program. I'm using MultiCommander... another fabulous free program that also accelerates copy and move speeds, and has brilliant duplicate and folder comparison tools. (for anyone interested, Free Commander and MultiCommander can be had with several other safe free alternatives off http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-file-manager.htm )

But for the occasional file that won't let itself be renamed or deleted on your desktop as you cleanup for the night, that trick of of Taylor42 of November 30 has worked hassle-free and in a flash for me every time.

You select some other file and choose rename (or move or copy no matter). Start the operation, but don't finish it.  Go back to your stubborn file and it's unblocked.

Bait and switch.

cheers

I have been putting up with the "action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program error" bug since upgrading to Win 8 (never happened in XP). It amazes me that this issue goes back to 2009!!

None of the above (or other fixes/workarounds) provide a satisfactory solution. Good one Microsoft ... instead of trying to make Windows prettier, how about fixing FUNDAMENTAL operational issues that drive users nuts!

My solution ... bypass Windows file handling. Download a good FREE file manager application. I have downloaded a copy of Free Commander XE and it works (every time). I suspect other free file manager applications will also copy/delete without any issues. Interesting how these 3rd party software developers can produce software that works, while Microsoft developers sit on their hands and allow this issue to continue to bug users for the last 5 years!

If Microsoft is still wondering why so many users have stayed with XP they should look at problems like this.

Some gripes (5 from a very long list) from me to Microsoft ...

• Fix bugs, instead of suggesting complex workarounds (that don't always work)
• Get rid of the stupid toolbar ribbons, or at least allow the option to still have file menus
• Put back the Start button (I use Start8, works great)
• Stop trying to hide administrative (and other system) tools
• Stop trying to control/thwart expert users. Professional and Enterprise versions should allow direct access for system tailoring (otherwise, what is the point of those versions?)

Interested to hear from others about my comments.

In Windows 8: Open File Explorer; click on the folder you need to delete; on the Ribbon (Toolbar), click 'View', 'Hidden Items'. The subfolders will be listed. Delete the subfolders from bottom to top, then delete the main folder.