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

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.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

90+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

193 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2015-07-07T11:40:12+00:00

    No need to reboot just log off and back on.

    To my knowledge there is no way to save the position of those folders and hopefully everyone here is signed up to receive the free Windows 10 update rolling out at the end of this month.

    Maybe this issue will resolved in 10...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2015-07-07T11:27:12+00:00

    Yeah, that will do it. But I have a number of folders open in sequence and some go deep. Very inconvenient that I have to close all folders (it will take me 10 mins to re sort the folders to how I have them now) and restart the computer (more time). Is there a function that allows me to re-open all folders to to previous session layout?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-07-04T10:52:15+00:00

    Sorry - this didn't work.

    The issue is a TOTAL PIA :-) I wish MS would fix it.

    or at least offer a reliable workaround

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2015-05-26T09:58:19+00:00

    Before you click 'try again' (again), do a winkey+r (opens run dialog) and type 'explorer' (will open a file explorer window you can close). NOW click the 'try again'. Done.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments