- Can't rename a file or folder
- Can't delete a file or folder
- Can't move a file or folder
- You are receiving one of the following errors when trying to delete, move or rename a folder or file:
- "Destination folder access denied"
- "You need permission to perform this action"
- "This action can't be completed because the folder is open in another program"
- "There has been a sharing violation. The source or destination file may be in use"
- "Cannot delete <file>. It is being used by another person or program. Close any programs that might be using the file and try again."
- You are using Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7
SOLUTION THAT WORKED FOR ME:
These errors mean that the file, or a file contained in the folder you are trying to delete/move/rename, has been "locked" by an open program. The file itself might not be open but an open program still has a lock on the file.
There are a number of quick solutions:
The Sysinternals homepage is here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals
Handle is available here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896655
There are a number of quick solutions:
- Close the folder (browse up one level above the folder) and try again. If you are trying to rename the folder while it is open, windows itself can lock the file.
- If trying to delete a folder, open the folder and delete the contents of the folder first. Then browse up one level above the folder and try deleting the folder again.
- Close all open programs, including windows explorer, and try again. Sometimes that does not work as a program can still remain open in the background even after you think you have closed it. If this is the case, log out of Windows then log back in. Immediately after logging in and before doing anything else, try to delete/move/rename the folder or file again.
Some better solutions that require administrator privileges:
Sometimes it's a hassle to close programs and logout, especially if you have a lot of programs open or are in the middle of doing something important. In these cases you can use one of two free Sysinternals programs, "Handle" or "Process Explorer" to help identify exactly which program is locking the file or folder.
The Sysinternals homepage is here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals
Handle is available here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896655
Process Explorer is available here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653
Note: you need to have administrator privileges to use Handle. You need administrator privileges to install Process Explorer but not to run it after installation.
In Process Explorer, click FIND --> FIND HANDLE OR DLL, then type either the folder or file name in the search field and click SEARCH.
Handle is a command line tool and there are easy to follow instructions on the Sysinternals website, but you can also add it to the Windows context menu. Adding the program to the context menu enables you to right click on a folder or file and quickly see what is locking it.
Go here for excellent and easy to follow instructions on adding Handle to the Windows context menu: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/view-open-handles-to-a-file-or-folder-from-the-context-menu/
OTHER POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:
Note: you need to have administrator privileges to use Handle. You need administrator privileges to install Process Explorer but not to run it after installation.
In Process Explorer, click FIND --> FIND HANDLE OR DLL, then type either the folder or file name in the search field and click SEARCH.
Handle is a command line tool and there are easy to follow instructions on the Sysinternals website, but you can also add it to the Windows context menu. Adding the program to the context menu enables you to right click on a folder or file and quickly see what is locking it.
Go here for excellent and easy to follow instructions on adding Handle to the Windows context menu: http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/view-open-handles-to-a-file-or-folder-from-the-context-menu/
OTHER POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:
- You may not have permission to modify the folder or file. To modify your access level:
- Right click on the file or folder, click PROPERTIES then click on the SECURITY tab.
- Click the ADVANCED button, then select the OWNER tab and click the EDIT button.
- Click OTHER USERS OR GROUPS button and type in your username, then OK x 3.
- Click your username in the list, tick the box marked FULL CONTROL, then OK. You should now be able to delete/move/rename the file or folder.
- If you face problems while opening files or folders, go here to troubleshoot: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Troubleshoot-access-denied-when-opening-files-or-folders
- If none of these work, call Microsoft Support, as it could be some hitherto unknown thing that will commit you to an insane asylum if you try to figure it out alone.
