I need help because I am trying to delete a file on my computer and it tells me that it is used by a program.?

Question

I downloaded a file and I can't get rid of it. I tried a virus check with Avast and also Adaware but nothing showed up. It keeps telling me that the file is used by another person or program.
The file is an EXE file that is 23.9MB.

I tried shutting down processes in the Windows Task Manager but nothing helped. I can't figure this one out. Any ideas would help.

Thanks so much...

Answer 1

You can try restarting your computer, but if this doesn't help...

http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

This file will unlock the file and allow it to be deleted. Hak.5 -watch the vids...know the know

Answer 2

This is very common. When I download a program an I delete from add/remove the primary file is still in my system. I know, because if I go to "start", =run, and type in: c://program files= left click on browser, left click on program files an all your programs will open. Now you look for the file by the name of the program and try and delete. If it say, "file is used by another program, unable to delete", all I do is reboot my pc and do the same process again an it will delete the entire file.

If for some reason the files still will not delete, then you can download a program that is not free, but you can use it to help rid you of the file during the evaluation period.

http://www.rosecitysoftware.com Download their, Registry First Aid program.

After you have installed the program, run "check the registry for errors", you will get a complete back up and then the program will scan. Delete all the check marks, including the green, yellow and red. Next go to "search the registry for errors", here you want to type in at the top the name of the program that will not delete. And then click on add. Now scan, an all associated registry keys will appear.

Don't be afraid, because you will have a backup of everything that you delete, which can be found at start, search for files, and type in: "backups", an open "RFA", and you have the option to restore the keys that were deleted or delete after you know your system is working 100% fine.

For your information I know the owner an I have used this software for over nine years and never once has it removed a valid registry key that I need for the running of my system.

Clinical Psychiatrist, France

Excuse my english.

Answer 3

So what it is is probably spyware. This is what you do

start>run>msconfig>click on circle that says start up in diagnostic mode>restart>then try to delete it. if it does not then it must be Microsoft software, then you can go to task manager to close what ever is running. But when you get down click on the circle that is normal start up so that you will have the programs you want to start start..

Answer 4

You should post the name of the file. Maybe you are wrong and it is a system file that you need to have running.

Answer 5

There is a good chance it is not spyware, but simply a program running. Does it have an icon on the lower right shortcut? If so right click that and choose "exit".

There is an article giving more detail at http://ask-leo.com/how_can_i_find_out_who_is_using_a_file_in_use.html

Answer 6

Could you please update your question and provide some additional information on the exact name of the exe file?

Knowing this will help resolve whether it is in fact a virus or just a normal file.

Thanks

Answer 7

Post the name of the file and we'll see what we can do to help.

Answer 8

Go into safe mode(tapping f8 when your computer starts up). Then find the file and delete it.

Answer 9

run pc . in safemode > hit delete . from there