My Computer won't delete a folder?

Question

It says "Cannot delete ""folder name"" there has been a sharing violation. The source or destination file may be in use."
What does that mean? and how do I delete this folder?

Answer 1

Download this free program, Delete Doctor 2.1 and follow the instructions. This program will remove write, protected files, registry keys and dll's. Follow the instructions after you have download the file to save and then install.

http://www.download3k.com/Install-Delete-Doctor.html

Here is a little help. When you open Delete Doctor, click on browse, open "my programs", and look for the file name. When you find the file, double click on the file, and continue until you have the identical icon as you have on your monitor. Click on that icon and the file will be placed into Delete Doctor. Then you want to double click on "remove file after reboot". Reboot your pc and then go to start, run, type in: c://program files, click on browse, open my program files, and look for the file name. Delete the file and there should be no problem.

Sometimes if you don't reboot you will get "sharing violation". Reboot will always delete the folder unless is is write protected and then Delete Doctor, will override the write protected file.

Next open start, search for folders and type in the name of the file and let your pc scan for the file. If any related files are found delete all of them from the top down. Reboot again.

Minddoctor, France

Answer 2

If the folder is in use, this is the message you will get. Something that is active on your computer is using the folder, so your computer is denying you access to it. That's not to say it's GOOD that it's in use - if it's a virus, then that may be something that it's using, and something you want to get rid of. You need to shut down as many processes as you can to eliminate possible users of the folder, without shutting down the computer's operating system. If all else fails, and you KNOW that the file/folder shouldn't be present, you can go into the operating system via the MS-DOS prompt and delete the file, but this is an absolute last resort for a person who KNOWS what they are doing.

Answer 3

Considering that it's not a operating system folder, probably the folder contains files that are being use by some program that is running.

You can try starting windows in safe mode. In this safe mode, only Windows will run, no any software will be loaded. This way, you might be able do delete the file/folder.

To start in safe mode, start up your computer, immidately after the POST screen and right before Windows XP starts to load, press the F8 keys a few times until it shows an option where you can select Windows XP and so on. Press F8 again for more option, and you will see load windows in safe mode.

Answer 4

right click on that folder and choose properties the the share tab and uncheck the box making it a shared file. then you should be able to delete it.