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

Anonymous
2013-03-21T10:22:13+00:00

this is annoying

the files or folders in question are not open in another program, windows is just refusing to let them be moved or deleted due a recent action ie: photographs moved elsewhere etc

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

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Anonymous
2013-03-21T10:43:05+00:00

This may also be helpful:

Open Windows explorer.

Click ‘Organize -> Folder and search options’ (or ‘View -> Folder options’).

Select the ‘View’-tab.

In the ‘Advanced settings’ window, disable ‘Launch folder windows in a separate process’.

You may need to force restart all explorer instances (via task manager) or reboot your computer if the setting is not applied immediately.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-04-12T22:51:04+00:00

    An application that opens a file then crashes (not seen on the desktop but still in memory) can leave the file in an open state.  The file is locked so no other applications can access it.  Open Process Explorer (preferred, get from Sysinternals area on Microsoft website) or Windows Task Manager and see if you can find the application that opened that file.  Kill the (crashed) application then the open file should be released and you can then delete it.  All without a reboot.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-18T15:07:09+00:00

    This is indeed an inexcusable disability, making it impossible to reorganize one's own files on one's own computer on the fly. It's a scandal.

    Here’s a quick workaround that requires no restart (or reformatting of your hard disk.):

    • In Task Manager, right click Windows Explorer and select end process. (if there are multiple instances, do same for each)
    • Then from Task Manager menu select File option Run new task.
    • Type explorer.exe, and click OK.
    • Explorer will reappear, and your folders will be unlocked… you know… till the next time.

    Hopes this helps.

    nextgraf

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-30T18:07:13+00:00

    While I appreciate all of the clever workarounds, some of which work some of the time, the total lack of response and a permanent solution from Microsoft is infuriating. When I have to take any extraordinary step to perform an ordinary function like moving or deleting my files in my User space (I'm not even treading in the sacred operating system domains...) then the OS is defective.

    Microsoft took away the simple Explorer function of showing me the remaining free disk space on my drive "to make the system a few microseconds faster." Well, you took away something that was useful and you gave me a bug that frustrates and infuriates me every time -- and I do mean literally every time -- I use Windows H8. Net effect -- it isn't faster.

    Where is the Microsoft permanent solution? No more workarounds!!!!!!! Unacceptable!!!!!!

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-18T15:09:38+00:00

    sorry,

    should read: In Task Manager, right click Windows Explorer and select "End task"

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