Cannot delete file in Windows XP

Have you ever encountered such a problem when you’re using your computer? You happen to open a file and after reading through it you decide it is not important and wanted to delete it. But what happens is that you can’t! Windows would not allow you to delete it because, guess why, it’s still in use! This is a common seen problem in Windows XP especially in simple files like MP3s or in videos. If you’ve gone through this problem, here are some tips which can help you before you go to trash your computer.

If it gives you the message saying it’s in use, check if the file is open. If it is, close it and then try to delete it or try closing the program that you used to open the file because sometimes it so happens that the program hasn’t released it yet. Still having a problem there? Try renaming the file and then delete it there after. This usually works with an AVI file.

If the above mentioned step does not work, try rebooting your computer. Without opening any other programs go straight to the file first then delete it before you start any other programs.

If you are still not successful, download a free copy of Move on Boot. This is software allows you to Copy, Move or even Delete a file before Windows locks or alters the file. Search for the problem-causing file and then try to delete it. But you must remember one thing, that is to reboot your computer as soon as possible, but if you’re working on something, it can wait. This will still run when you open your computer.

If the problem still persists, it may be a virus or spyware in your system. It would be wise to have a good virus scanner or spyware removal and then run those programs.