How to delete a file if it is busy. Deleting a folder

Let's start with the simplest and try delete non-deletable folder. Probably every user has a computer or laptop WinRar archiver, if not, download it and install it. Next, click on the folder that is not deleted with the right mouse button and select the “Add to Archive” tab. In the window that opens, check the box “Delete files after packaging” and click “Ok”. If after archiving the folder or file is deleted, then everything is fine, take the created archive and simply drag it to the trash.

If this method did not help and the folder is still not deleted, then move on to the next solution.

We transfer a non-deletable folder or file to another medium.

Let's try to move the folder or file to another medium. Insert a USB flash drive or external hard drive, right-click on the folder that is not being deleted and select the “Cut” tab. Open the flash drive or external hard and in the window, right-click and select the “Insert” tab. If everything works, just delete the folder or format the flash drive. If there is no result, read on.

We use Safe Mode to delete a non-deletable folder.

Everything here is quite simple, this method helped me personally, I think it will help you delete the folder without resorting to third party programs. Just go to Safe Mode, select the folder or file that you want to delete and delete in a standard way. Read how to enter safe mode. What does Safe Mode do? In simple words- To start in safe mode, the Windows system loads only the functionality that is necessary for windows loading, practically kills all unnecessary processes, so folders and files that are not deleted are deleted with a bang (not counting the Windows system folders). If you need to delete system folder or windows file, read.

How to delete a non-deletable folder using programs.

So let's try delete a folder that is not deleted using programs. As you can see, this warning says - The folder is already in use "The operation cannot be completed because these folders or files are open in another program."

To get started, go to "Dispatcher" windows tasks» to do this, press the combination Ctrl keys+ Shift + Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Delete. Click on the “Processes” item, then click on the “Display processes of all users” button, look for the process and click on the “End process” button, then delete the folder.

If you cannot determine which process is occupying a folder that is not being deleted, then we will need the Revo Uninstaller Pro program, you can download it from this link from Yandex disk. After installing the program, open it and select the “Hunting Mode” tab.

A target will appear on your desktop. Hold the mouse on the Target and point it at the folder or file to be deleted. In the Drop-down menu, click on the “Uninstall” tab.

In the window that opens, you will see the process that occupies the folder. In my case, this is the Explorer.exe process, click the “Next” button.

In this window, click “End the process and continue.” After this procedure, the folder or file should be deleted.

In my case, this cannot be done; if I terminate the Explorer.exe process, then everything will disappear from the desktop, all files, folders and shortcuts. If you have the same situation as me, then read on. By the way, I recommend reading the article at the link below on working with the Revo Uninstaller Pro program.

Download the program Unlocker, in my opinion this is one of the most best programs for deleting non-deletable folders and files. You can download from any site on the Internet; after installing the program, right-click on the folder or file to be deleted.

It happens that you simply need to delete a folder or file, but Windows does not allow you to do this and writes about errors like " this process busy" or "folder is not empty" or something else. Maybe you found some folder or file that you “didn’t like” and want to delete it. Maybe you know for sure that this is “unnecessary junk” that only takes up space, and Windows curses and does not allow. In general, it is not so important. Why can't I delete it?, How many How to remove and in this article you will find answers to this question.

Most often, such situations occur due to the fact that the files being deleted are occupied by other programs. But it also happens that it is impossible to delete a file even after closing all applications that can use this file. For example, a file or folder may become locked due to incorrect user actions and cannot be deleted in any way. These folders (files) remain “hanging” on the hard drive, take up space, and are not opened or deleted.

The file may not be deleted due to a failure that occurred during the process of writing or overwriting it. If you interrupt the recording process, the file is not completely saved, resulting in invalid entries in file system. And our beloved Windows, not knowing how to handle it, simply closes access to it, supposedly for security reasons.

So, let's start dancing with a tambourine!

Why is the file not deleted?

1) The file was blocked by an antivirus program. This often happens when an antivirus quarantines a file. Or the antivirus detected malware, but the treatment was postponed (waiting for its databases to be updated). In this case, in order to avoid infecting the computer, the user is blocked from accessing this file. Check quarantine antivirus program and delete the file using the antivirus itself, or disable the antivirus and delete the file manually.

2) The file is being used by another program. Think about what programs might use this file. Close them and try deleting the file again. If this doesn't help, use Task Manager to check the list of processes to see if the program is still running.

3) Administrator rights are required to delete a file. If you are working under account user, log in again as an administrator and try to delete the file.

4) The file is being used by another user local network . Please wait and try deleting the file later.

5) The file is being used by the system. Try deleting the file after restarting your computer or in safe mode.

6) The device is write protected. For example, SD memory cards and some USB flash drives have a special switch to lock the device.

There are several removal methods, I will start with the simplest and most effective and gradually move on to more complex ones.

1. Method:

Reboot

We programmers have a saying: “7 troubles - one reset.” You can figure out what it means yourself

But the point of the method is that you need to restart the computer and try to delete the file/folder again.

2. Method:

Safe Mode

You need to log in in Safe Mode.

What is the benefit of booting the system in safe mode? The thing is that Windows does not load its libraries to execute dialogs. To put it simply, if you have a virus on your computer (and this is possible), then in this safe mode it will not perform any actions. In this mode there is nothing superfluous, just a clean OS and a person.

In order to enter this mode, when you turn on the computer and after loading the BIOS (or in general you can from the very beginning of the “black screen” boot), press the key intensively without ceasing F8(no need to press and hold!!!). A black screen will appear in which you need to use the keys on your keyboard to select Additional options boot, and there is already Safe Mode (or just Safe Mode, you don’t need to select all sorts of things with command line support and so on. And that’ll do) and press Enter. If you did everything correctly, the system will boot and in the lower right corner there will be the inscription Safe Mode (it may also be in all corners). Don't be afraid of the black screen that will appear) without wallpaper and beauty.

Now you need to find the file that you just couldn’t delete and try to delete it. In any case (it worked or not), reboot.

3. Method:

Through the Unlocker program

It is precisely for such purposes that the good guys wrote such a program called Unlocker. It's very small free program to unlock files running in Windows. This utility allows you to close open file blockers, thereby making it possible to perform further actions on these files. Those. the program shows all processes blocking a file (folder) and can delete it, despite all the blockers.

In addition, the program allows you to rename files and their extensions or move a locked file to another location. This is also very convenient, because... Windows does not always allow you to do this quickly and calmly.

When installing, DO NOT agree to the proposed toolbar (or you really need it, then click Next) and uncheck Install Babylon Toolbar - RECOMMENDED. Otherwise, the installation is normal - everywhere Next I Accept Install and that’s it)

Just right-click on the file that is not being deleted (not moved/renamed) in the usual way and select the program icon from the menu. A window should appear in which you select Delete from the list and press the button OK.

If the file or folder is blocked, another window will appear. First you need to press the button Unlock everything and then Delete.

For those who don’t know what the bit depth is on the system, read

4. Method:

Through file managers

Of all the most popular and frequently used file managers, the most popular is Total Commander.

File managers have the ability to bypass some Windows bans, which we will use.

To delete a non-deletable file, we will need to download one of these file managers, FAR or Total Commander (I use Total Commander Podarok Edition). After downloading and installation, find your file in the list of directories and delete it by clicking either the right mouse button and selecting Delete, or pressing the Delete key on the keyboard.

These managers also have good opportunity- see everything that is hidden and encrypted (especially in different colors, like mine). If your folder is not deleted, then go into it through the manager and see what’s there. If you see hidden file, that means he is interfering. Then launch Task Manager ( ctrl+shift+esc), go to the Processes tab and look for this file in the list (it’s also good to click on the button at the bottom left of the Display the processes of all users manager), find and finish (del or RMB -> End process or the End process button in the lower right corner). The application is the same with files, we look for the file name and “kill”.

5. Method:

Another option with Unlocker

If your folder is not deleted, it says something like “the folder is not empty,” then create a new folder on the same disk, transfer the non-deletable folders to the new folder, delete the new folder using Unlocker

6. Method:

Using startup

Click “Start” => “Run” => In the “Run” line, enter msconfig => Click OK. You will see the System Setup window. Go to the “Startup” tab and in the list of downloadable items, find a name similar to your “not deleted” file.

If there is no such file in the list, then click on the “Disable all” button. Click on the “Apply” => “Close” button. The operating system will issue a warning that all changes made by the system setup program will take effect only after rebooting the computer. Click the "Reboot" button. The computer will restart. After downloading, try deleting the “undeletable” file again.

7. Method:

Using System Restore

In the “System Settings” window (which was the same as in the previous paragraph), select “General”. Click on the “Run System Restore” button. In the window that appears, select the option “Restore the computer to an earlier state”, click “Next”. In a new window, you will see a calendar in which you can select a system restore date. Select a date when the "not deleted" file was not on the computer. Click the "Next" button. Don't worry, System Restore will not affect your personal files.

8. Method:

Lack of access rights to delete files

Click right click mouse on the problematic object and select “Properties” from the drop-down list

In the window that opens, select the “Security” tab

Highlight your name in the list and select "Full Control"

- “Apply” and “OK”

Trying to delete

9. Method:

Use another operating system.

Try booting from a removable disk (or CD/DVD) (LiveCD or LiveUSB) with a different operating system. Then delete the file/folder.

10. Method:

Move somewhere.

Sometimes it helps to move (cut) the folder to an empty flash drive and then format it.

11. Method:

In the window, type the command chkdsk c: /f/r and click Enter, it should be taken into account that c: is the name of the disk that needs to be checked. If the drive you are checking has a different letter, then write it.

If the drive being checked is C:, then when you press Enter You will be prompted to check it the next time you reboot. When asked whether to check or not at the next reboot, enter Y and press Enter.

If the disk name is different, the scan will begin immediately. At the end of the check, the result of the check will appear. Type exit and click Enter.

Now you can delete a file that you did not want to delete. In the case of drive C, simply restart the computer and after checking, delete the non-deletable file.

12. Method:

If you open the command line via Start - All Programs...run the process as an administrator (RMB and Run as Administrator) and move to the folder with the non-deletable file (or folder) using the cd \ command in order to be in the root directory disk, and then cd folder_name to go to the desired folder.

When deleting some files through the OS, a notification appears that the operation cannot be completed because the file is in use by another program. Next, you will learn why this happens and what tools you can use to successfully remove unnecessary files.

Description of the problem

If you open a certain file of a registered type in the corresponding program, for example, text editor or music player, it cannot be deleted simply by switching from the editor to Explorer and clicking “Delete”. The operating system will not allow erasure of data that is used directly in at the moment in PC operation. In this case, one process ( started by user) is trying to erase a file from the storage medium, and another process (running by the operating system or another program) is blocking the deletion operation, believing that it will cause a malfunction or some other problem.

In fact, each of these processes is important and necessary, but it happens that the file to be deleted is not opened by any program, and at the same time the OS does not allow it to be deleted. As a rule, this is due to the following reasons:

Incorrect closing of a file by the program or incorrect termination of the program itself in the last session of its operation.
A virus has entered the PC, and when trying to remove the infected program or the virus itself, it tries to defend itself, not allowing itself to be easily eliminated.
The OS believes that some other user is currently working with the file - either from the same PC, or over the local network. Whether this is actually the case may be unknown, or it may even be known that there is and cannot be any other user. But in any case it is impossible to delete such a file.

Below we will look at several ways in which you can solve the problem of undeletable files.

Simple removal methods

Initially, we suggest you use simple methods solutions to the problem (listed in order of speed):

Reboot PC. Oddly enough, quite often it is this simple measure that allows you to shut down all OS processes and then successfully delete an unnecessary file.
Try renaming the file, if you succeed, then try deleting it (don’t forget to copy this file in advance if you may need it in the future).
Transfer the file to another logical drive/flash drive. If it works, delete it from a new location.
Check the file attributes (they can be changed in the context menu"Properties"). Clear the "read-only", "hidden", "system", "archive" attributes and try to delete again.
Check the creation date and last change file. If it is clearly inadequate (according to the OS, the file was created in 1980 or was last modified in 2060), try changing the date to a realistic one and delete it.
If this file is typical and can be changed (for example, text in a format for “Word”), try opening it in a program appropriate for the file type, somehow changing the contents, saving the data already in new version, close the program and try to uninstall again. The same method can work with non-standard files, but the likelihood of a successful outcome is reduced.

A fairly simple method for deleting “busy” files and folders using the “Resource Monitor” and stopping the blocking process is described in a short, understandable video:

What should I do if I can't delete a file/folder due to permissions?

No access to file/folder. To delete this file/folder, you need to have “Administrator” rights - if such notifications appear when you try to delete a file/folder, you need to reconfigure the access rights. To do this, you will have to do the following manipulations (example of deleting a folder):

Right-click on the folder, select “Properties” - “Security” - “Advanced”.
In the “Owner” line, change the user to the one under which you are currently working in the system. To do this, you can click “Check names”, then check the box “Replace owner of subcontainers and objects” and click “OK”.
The window “ Windows Security" and for some time the OS will do a "Change of Ownership". Next, the PC will ask: “Do you want to change the permissions for this folder so that you have full access rights?” Answer - “Yes”.
Next, we again see the “Properties” window, the “Security” tab. Click the “Change” button with a shield drawn, that is, we will just change our access rights to this folder, including the right to delete. For each user, put a checkmark in the top line “Full access” and “OK”.
You will have to wait for some period of time, now your access rights to the folder and objects inside it will change. Don’t forget to uncheck the “Read Only” option in the “General” properties tab and confirm this attribute change.

After a short wait, you can usually safely delete the folder. If Windows asks for access rights again, try repeating the described procedure.

All manipulations for deleting a locked folder or file can be seen in the video:

What programs can you use to delete undeletable files?

If none of the above methods helped, then in such a situation you already have to use tools to delete files.

Unlocker

One of the most popular tools in the CIS for deleting files that do not want to be deleted is the Unlocker program. It can be downloaded by following the link to the developer’s website: www.emptyloop.com.

Important! Old versions of Unlocker may not work on 64-bit operating systems - Windows 7, 8, 10. Do not download old versions on unknown sites where the content has not been updated for a long time.

There are both installable (built into the operating system) and “portable” versions. Each version has its own minor advantages and disadvantages, but for one-time removal, the portable version is recommended. However, if you regularly experience problems with deleting files, then it is better to install Unlocker.

During installation, it is possible to install Unlocker Assistant. This assistant program is constantly visible in the “Taskbar” and will be automatically launched in cases where problems with uninstallation arise.

Working with the portable version of the program is very simple:

Launch Unlocker.
Select the desired file in the window that opens, and you will see processes that do not allow you to delete it. These are “blocking descriptors”.
At the bottom left you can select action options - delete, unblock, transfer.

The principle of using the installed version is almost identical:

Agree and reboot.

Unlocker analogs

Unfortunately, official support for Unlocker has ended on Windows 7 (which usually does not prevent it from working normally under later versions of the OS), but for trouble-free operation under Windows 8 and Windows 10 it is better to use IObit Unlocker. The interface is very similar, Russified and generally does not cause any difficulties.

DeadLock

Unlike the previous program, this one must be launched on the computer in order to perform the removal the desired file. You can download the application from the link: http://codedead.com/?page_id=822

Instructions for using the program:

Open the application and go to the “File” tab.
Select the file to be deleted.
Right-click on the file, then select “Unlock” or “Remove”.

The disadvantage of this program is that it only supports an English-language interface.

Using Live-CD or Live-flash

A radical way to get rid of an unnecessary file is to start the operating system not with hard drive your PC, but from Live-CD or Live-flash. But for this you need at least the Live-CD itself plus a disk drive for it. It’s better if you have Live-flash (the same thing, but on a flash drive, you don’t need a disk drive), a USB port is enough here:

Insert the Live media into the PC, boot from it (you may need to enter the BIOS).
Find the stubborn file on your HDD and erase it. The OS from the Live media will not object in any case, since for it any file on your PC is a foreign body.
Turn off your PC, remove the Live media, and boot your computer. The previously undeletable file will be deleted.

Unsure users should avoid this method in favor of using the special programs described above.

How to remove uninstallable programs

Some companies make it so that after installing their programs, your PC ends up with some additional programs that are completely unnecessary for you, and you did not give conscious consent to their installation. If you cannot remove such programs from the “Programs and Features” list using standard tools along the following path: “Start” - “Properties” - “Programs” - “Uninstall a program”, uninstaller programs will come to the rescue:

Revo Uninstaller Pro is one of the most popular programs to remove other programs. Russified. Completely removes all references to the software being removed not only from the disk, but also from the registry. There is startup control; irrevocably erases not only programs, but also unnecessary files; clears browser histories (not all, you can check by version) and document histories in MS Office; is automatically updated. The unique “hunter mode” allows you to find and remove a program that is not listed in the list of programs.
IObit Uninstaller Free – removes the entire package associated with unwanted program. In addition, it has a forced removal function, which helps remove the most stubborn programs. Allows you to “roll back” Windows updates. Disables browser extensions and plugins. Creates a list installed programs and saves it to a file. Keeps a history of its work (uninstalling programs).
Advanced Uninstaller Pro. Removes cookies and customizes toolbars in browsers. Optimizes the registry file. There's even a font manager for Windows!

If the case turns out to be very difficult, try paid versions uninstallers, for example, Uninstall Tool. If they didn’t help, all you have to do is contact the support service, where a qualified specialist will help you.

How to delete undeletable files from a flash drive

Most of the above methods are suitable for deleting files from a flash drive. In addition, you will always have the “last argument” in stock - complete formatting. After it, there will be no files, folders, or viruses left on the flash drive.

So, if a situation arises where it is impossible to delete a file by normal means, because the operating system (more precisely, some of its visible or hidden process) believes that the files are still in operation, you can use the above instructions to successfully complete the deletion and get rid of unnecessary file.

This often happens when certain files are not deleted. And the system writes that this file or folder is occupied by another process. This can happen both in Windows XP and in Windows 7, 8, 10. Today we will look at methods for eliminating this problem when files are not deleted.

So, imagine, you installed some program on your computer, used it, and you didn’t like it. What are your actions? Of course, delete it. After uninstallation, the program was allegedly removed, but the folder with some program files remained. When you try to delete such a file, an error appears:

Let's look at ways in which you can delete files that cannot be deleted using standard means.

1st method. The simplest
If the file is not deleted, restart your computer and try deleting it again. In many cases this helps. If the problem persists, then read below.

2nd method. Task Manager
In the operating room Windows system 7 and XP, to get to the Task Manager, you need to press the key combination Ctrl + Alt + Del.
In Windows 8 and 10, just press the combination Windows keys+ X and select Task Manager from the menu that appears.

The Task Manager we called will open, where you need to find the process that is using the file and remove the task from it. Then try deleting the file again.

3rd method. Usage boot disk or flash drives
The next method is to start the computer with LiveCD or a bootable USB flash drive and then deleting the file or folder. In the first case, we need to use a standard graphic Windows interface to find and delete the required file, or use the command line. If you use bootable USB flash drive with Windows 7, 8 or 10, then during installation you can call command line by pressing Shift + F10. There is also “System Restore”, thanks to which you can return the computer to its previous state. By the way, the drive letters may be different, so use the dir c: command to display the contents of that drive. Thanks to this, you can easily understand what kind of local disk it is.

4th method. Deleting files in safe mode
It's very simple here. You need to go into safe mode, find the required file or folder and delete it. In safe mode, only operating system programs are launched, while all your installed third-party utilities (messengers, drivers, antiviruses, etc.) do not start. Therefore, the probability of successfully deleting the required file is very high.

5th method. Using a special Unlocker programs
This program, called Unlocker, helps delete files that are used by some process. Very useful utility, coping with her tasks with a bang. You can download it at https://yadi.sk/d/PkczjpOKjbeje

When the program downloads, install it.

Next, select Advanced and uncheck all the boxes,

The essence of the Unlocker program is downloading from RAM processes that are used by the file. The program can find and terminate a process that is even hidden in the Task Manager. In general, an excellent utility that every system administrator should have.

It is possible that you need to delete a folder, but Vidnovs 7 prohibits you from performing this action. Errors appear with the text “The folder is already in use.” Even if you are absolutely sure that the object is of no value and needs to be removed urgently, the system does not allow you to perform this action.

Most likely, this problem is caused by the fact that the folder being deleted is busy third party application. But even after all applications that could be used in it have been closed, the folder may not be deleted. For example, an electronic data storage may be blocked due to incorrect user operations. These elements become “dead weight” on the hard drive and uselessly take up memory.