cannot delete sth.exe. It is being used by another person or

[guitarman]

I usually hit this error when i want to delet unwanted file "cannot delete dcetup.exe. It is being used by another person or program. Close any programs that might be using the file and try again."

How??

[Singachea]

I also used to face this problem.

This is what I have tried so far:

1. Refresh your computer and try to delete it again

*If step 1 doesn't work, try:

2. You may go to to Windows Task Manager (Alt+Ctrl+Delete) and try to end process unwanted service in Process tab. try to delete it again

*If step 2 doesn't work, try:

3. You may have to use Command-prompt: Start-->Run-->type cmd--->yourUnwantedFileFolder--->type del filename.extension

I think there are many methods besides these; please share

[guitarman]

Hey thank Chea, the last method works for me . I mean use the del command in command prompt. Thanks!!

[khemer_85]

Try this software below to remove hard head files
http://www.scancomplete.com/download/killbox/

Or you may be try to restart your PC in safe mode and remove those files.

[khemer_85]

can also try the unlocker software at http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

[indogo]

Or have a mini linux live cd handy...boot up /mount and delete

...or...keep with fat32 and dual boot to a dos based file manager

or perhaps install the recovery console.(never tried it)

or do the frustration dance

or a good old windows 98 boot floppy

oh endless possibilities.

Process explorer can sometimes help in situ

ps starting and stopping explorer is usually ok too

mike

[guitarman]

[indogo]

Well blank is right but other programs are still running.
You can still bring up task manager (ctr alt del) and select 'run' from the menu...enter 'explorer.exe' and the desktop will return.

Programs can be minimised but there is no tray.

You can use an open file dialogue from say notepad to be able to browse around and delete / alter files using the right click menu.

Or perhaps start progman.exe (its in system32) before stopping explorer and run from there.

Handy for when malware has attached itself to explorer

mike

[indogo]

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/processexplorer.html

very useful..shows bugs that hide from task manager and rogue dll's attached to normal processes...option to kill / pause too

mike

[Class-A]

Process explorer works perfectly