Probably, you have repeatedly encountered in the process of working with a computer with the impossibility of deleting certain folders and files. The system, when trying to delete a folder, claims that it is in use by another program and cannot be deleted. How to deal with this situation and remove unnecessary content?
Instructions
Step 1
First, restart your computer - it is possible that the folder was actually occupied by some process, and a restart will solve this problem.
Also check if any program that you are working with and which is running is installed in this folder, and check if there is data encryption in the properties of the folder. Also, the folder should not bear the name of the system folder.
Step 2
Don't forget to do a routine virus scan - some viruses block folders and files and protect them from being deleted.
Step 3
If all of the above steps are unsuccessful, open the folder with the file that is not being deleted. Go to folder properties in the "Service" section and open the "View" tab. Check to see if there is a check mark next to Use Simple File Sharing. If it is there, uncheck it, click OK and close the properties. After that, right-click on the file and call properties. In the "Security" tab, open "Advanced" and uncheck all the boxes for reading and execution. Try now to delete the locked file.
Step 4
A good Total Commander explorer that displays locked files and folders can also help you. If you find an encrypted file, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and in the processes see if there is something there that matches the name of the locked file. If the process is found, stop it and delete the file.
Step 5
If all these methods did not lead to anything, use the last and most reliable way to delete folders and files - download and install the Unlocker program. This program will allow you to delete even locked files and folders, as well as rename them, move and perform other operations. After you install the program, right-click on the folder or file you want to remove. You will see the Unlocker icon that appears in the context menu - click it, unlock the file in the window that opens and delete it.
