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
    2015-05-25T12:08:21+00:00

    I agree.  I would far rather have the company be straight and give me a workaround (or say re-boot) or something.  I just want to BE WORKING!

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-05-25T12:08:46+00:00

    I agree.  I would far rather have the company be straight and give me a workaround (or say re-boot) or something.  I just want to BE WORKING!

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  3. 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.

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  4. 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

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