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
    2014-09-12T19:14:55+00:00

    I emptied my recycle bin and then tried the "End Task - Run New" Task method.  It did not solve problem.  The solution was to "unindex" the folder and then delete it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-09-12T15:22:58+00:00

    HI there. Didn't see your comment till now. In your version I believe you right click the Windows Explorer process in Task Manager and choose "end task".

    Then go up to the Task Manager menu bar, choose "File", then "Run new task" and enter "explorer.exe"... Same result, slightly longer method. This is a good fix if your OS isn't clearing temp files. You can use it every time you have the problem.

    Somebody recently tried everything, and it seems he'd simply reached the capacity limit of his recycle bin. So you might give that a look if this doesn't help. My best.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-09-12T06:52:39+00:00

    Windows 7 is my OS..  There is no "Restart" option when you right click the Windows Explorer Process (explorer.exe).

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-09-12T06:46:52+00:00

    Nope.  Didn't work.  Launch folder windows in a separate process was already unchecked.

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