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
    2016-05-28T22:39:12+00:00

    I find this issue only applies to Adobe files.

    I can preview other file types and then do something with it, delete, move, copy etc.

    It is asinine for Microsoft to publish a software program, Windows Explorer, with a preview feature and then not allow Windows Explorer to use its built in functions to use the program because Windows Explorer used one of its function, preview" on a file.

    But then, Microsoft inflicts many asinine felonies upon us, the damn, stupid paying customer.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-05-28T22:34:32+00:00

    When I did my upgrade to Windows 10, I printed out the instructions to do a fresh install.

    An upgrade was done.

    Yet again, I followed Microsoft instructions to a "T" and they did not work.

    I find this issue applies only to Adobe files, nothing else.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-05-28T10:39:12+00:00

    LOL the incantation in this case is to do a fresh install of Windows 10. Not an upgrade. Install a new version using a USB or DVD: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

    When you move from experienced techs managing your software to kids and outsourced development this is what you get.

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-05-27T17:29:17+00:00

    If you look back through the thread you will discover that this is not a fix, it may have worked for you at this time but there is no fix nor is there one on the horizon.

    For example this option has never worked for me, it has always been necessary to sign out or reboot.

    I have even tried brute force methods with no results...

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