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
    2013-12-12T08:58:04+00:00

    Yep, this has worked for me without even restarting explorer. Not everytime, but definitely an easy try. Thanks a mil! Try this folks.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-30T20:47:29+00:00

    We keep checking back here because we are all furious about this situation, Mafury. But we are not Microsoft, and you are not the moderator of this forum. And we aren’t here to tell each other what we can and cannot do here. You seem to have nothing “clever” you wish to contribute, but might you consider sparing us your overbearing griping? Love the idea that I “took something away” from you. The workaround I mentioned is a standard Windows way out of Windows Explorer tie-ups of all types in all versions. Deplorably the locked file and folder outrage hasn’t been fixed in 8.1 either. None of us posting here are in a position to change that I don’t think. But we can choose between snapping at each other’s heels or exercising a little anger control. (Gave you a bug did I? Yippee!)

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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
    2013-11-30T14:54:22+00:00

    It's at the top of Windows Explorer where you see all your folders and files...

    If the View ribbon isn't open, it will open when you click View.

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