How do you remove a file that claims to be in use ?

Question

I downlaoded howtocusomisedrumsets.mov from a filesharing site. It wasnt what I expected but if I try to delete it I get an error message "file is in use by another programme" (which it isnt). My scanning software claims that there is spyware on the computer which cannot be deleted. How can I remove this (mov) file?

Answer 1

It is Windows that is locking this file, either for legitimate reasons, or due to spyware,etc.



The most effective way around this is to boot your computer with a non-Windows CD, which will prevent the file being locked, and allow you to delete it. The most common and easy to use is the Ubuntu Live CD. You don't have to install it, it just loads your computer without starting Windows, and you can use it to delete the stubborn file.



You simply download the CD image from the website, burn it to CD, and boot from it - it can be downloaded here:



http://www.ubuntu.com/GetUbuntu/download

Answer 2

Boot your system up in SAFE MODE (hold down the F8 button when booting) then delete the file. While still in Safe mode scan your PC for viruses etc. It may be able to rid them in SAFE MODE.

Answer 3

Try restarting and deleting the file as soon as your computer has finished booting. If that doesn't work, try booting into safe mode and then deleting it.

Answer 4

hit ctrl+shift+esc and close any processes that are run by your account, leaving those run by "system" etc, and then try to delete the file. If this still doesn't work, you could resort to a linux live cd, or another method of accessing the files without running from the hard disk, (slaving it to another machine)

Answer 5

The Safe Mode should be the way in the Add/Remove window to get rid of this program. If all else fails you will have to reformat your system.

Answer 6

Open task manager and find some video applications running. End those application and you will be able to delete the file.

It usually happens to me.

Usually logoff or restart options solve the problem.

Answer 7

I`ve just had a similar problem. I created a file to my desktop, tried to delete it & got the response you did. I did a system restore to just before I installed it & hey presto, its gone. ( I hope )

Answer 8

close the filesharing program other ppl may be downloading the file hence not allowing you to del .. close program del file restart computer .. scan

Answer 9

look in the bottom right hand corner of the task bar see if its running there click on it then exit program or you could press ctrl alt delete and exit there

Answer 10

Try Unlocker.

Answer 11

This one is easy to answer. Just disconnect from the Internet then uninstall.