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
    2014-02-01T07:47:02+00:00

    wow Valma. Sounds like a great idea.

    I tried to apply it, but it appears that "gpedit" is available only in Windows Pro.

    To achieve the same fix without gpedit:

    In Windows Explorer go to

    File/Options/Change folder and search options/

    Check the first entry on the View menu "Always show icons, never thumbnails.".

    http://www.nextofwindows.com/what-is-thumbs-db-files-and-how-to-disable-and-remove-them/

    I'm using Win 8.1... but the instructions should be quasi identical are for all post XP versions. (Problem didn't exist in XP. Ah, good old days.)

    There are some mixed reviews for this technique in various other forums addressing the locked folder headache. Mostly people missing thumbnails. But I'm certainly giving it a try.

    Thanks a million.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-02-06T17:54:49+00:00

    In Windows 8: Open File Explorer; click on the folder you need to delete; on the Ribbon (Toolbar), click 'View', 'Hidden Items'. The subfolders will be listed. Delete the subfolders from bottom to top, then delete the main folder.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-02-19T06:20:32+00:00

    I have been putting up with the "action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program error" bug since upgrading to Win 8 (never happened in XP). It amazes me that this issue goes back to 2009!!

    None of the above (or other fixes/workarounds) provide a satisfactory solution. Good one Microsoft ... instead of trying to make Windows prettier, how about fixing FUNDAMENTAL operational issues that drive users nuts!

    My solution ... bypass Windows file handling. Download a good FREE file manager application. I have downloaded a copy of Free Commander XE and it works (every time). I suspect other free file manager applications will also copy/delete without any issues. Interesting how these 3rd party software developers can produce software that works, while Microsoft developers sit on their hands and allow this issue to continue to bug users for the last 5 years!

    If Microsoft is still wondering why so many users have stayed with XP they should look at problems like this.

    Some gripes (5 from a very long list) from me to Microsoft ...

    • Fix bugs, instead of suggesting complex workarounds (that don't always work)
    • Get rid of the stupid toolbar ribbons, or at least allow the option to still have file menus
    • Put back the Start button (I use Start8, works great)
    • Stop trying to hide administrative (and other system) tools
    • Stop trying to control/thwart expert users. Professional and Enterprise versions should allow direct access for system tailoring (otherwise, what is the point of those versions?)

    Interested to hear from others about my comments.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-02-19T11:53:36+00:00

    Agree 100% with all you've said. Like you, I've resorted to a free file manager program. I'm using MultiCommander... another fabulous free program that also accelerates copy and move speeds, and has brilliant duplicate and folder comparison tools. (for anyone interested, Free Commander and MultiCommander can be had with several other safe free alternatives off http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-file-manager.htm )

    But for the occasional file that won't let itself be renamed or deleted on your desktop as you cleanup for the night, that trick of of Taylor42 of November 30 has worked hassle-free and in a flash for me every time.

    You select some other file and choose rename (or move or copy no matter). Start the operation, but don't finish it.  Go back to your stubborn file and it's unblocked.

    Bait and switch.

    cheers

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