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.

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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
    2015-01-11T18:18:30+00:00

    Or MS could hire some competent engineers who can fix this substandard piece of ****. The problem of not closing files and folders has gone on for years and years.

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-01-04T22:42:09+00:00

    Bless you! This has been a crazy maker feature for so long... Such an amazingly simple solution!!

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-12-29T16:45:34+00:00

    When I run into this problem I right click on the folder or file that I am unable to delete the choose Properties>Customize>Change Icon. This doesn't allow me to delete the file but, the different Icon lets me know that I should delete the file in the future after I have rebooted. 

    Is there a reason this bug hasn't been addressed by MS?

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-11-24T23:49:20+00:00

    In windows 8 in the view toolbar Press the Preview pane to turn preview pane off. 

    This opens a preview of the file which locks it from being deleted.

    Very best answer. Worked instantly. Thank you.

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