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
    2014-09-10T03:18:03+00:00

    I've been having the same problems, and none of the files or folders are open in a separate program.

    Your fix can't help me because the 'Launch folder windows in a separate process’ was already disabled, presumably bu default.

    Do you have any more suggestions?

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-09-10T05:54:55+00:00

    I read elsewhere where someone emptied their trash, another turned off the preview icons for the document and that worked to. There seems there is no specific answer to this issue, and Microsoft is IGNORING WHAT IS WRITTEN HERE instead of trying to fix their overpriced operating system.

    Wish I could help but my solution came from endless reading, testing and frustration. The problem is common, the solution is not.

    Good luck!

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  3. 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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  4. 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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