I have something on my computer that I cannot delete.....?

Question

I have a file on my computer and the file type says "application (.exe) I cannot delete, move, or even rename the file. It just keeps telling me that I cannot bc it is currently being used by another program. The file is one created using Win RAR. I have tried safe mode and even gone in and ended all unnecessary processes, but it still claims that it is being used by another program. What do I do?

ok. good info and thanks. I downloaded unlocker. I have windows vista and it is telling me that the debugging priviledges are not set correctly. I found info on changing that for xp, but its apparently different for vista? Are the settings located elsewhere?

Answer 1

Try logging on as a different user and see if you can delete the file... Log in as administrator OR create a new local user which is atleast a Power User (Administrator if the file resides in your C:\Documents and Settings\[User] folder)
(where [user] is the actual name of the account you normally log in with)

Have you looked up what's running on startup?
Maybe it is part of the windows Start Up
Start | All Programs | Start Up
Click on Start | Run |
Type in Regedit
Click on the [+] next to HKey_Local_Machine / Software / Microsoft / Windows / Current Version / Run
See what's in the RUN key and delete anything that is connected to your .exe problem
Do the same for HKey_Current_User / Software / Microsoft / Windows / Current Version / Run
WARNING: deleting entries from the registry could cause Windows to stop functioning, only delete what is related to your EXE issue.

Last suggestion would be to run Spybot Search n Destroy and see if it's a piece of malware.

Answer 2

obviously see if you can unistall it at the add remove programs consul
then try this:

Delete unwanted icon or program
========================
For more success you need to able to see your hidden files.
Find out in the windows help support "show hidden files" will tell you how

Try to get a name; some key letters of the name of the thing you trying to get rid of.

In XP, click start - search and search all files and folders using part of the name (don’t use all of it)

in the results delete any thing you can find that is to do with your unwanted file. Make sure you understand what you are deleting.

If you can’t delete it right click - properties - try to remove the read only attribute, then should delete.

Delete any of its icons of the desktop.

Reboot and search again, as a file cannot be deleted if it was running. It should not be running now so delete it this time.

Answer 3

go to www.downloads.com search for a program called unlocker. its a program tha allows you to delete files than you dont want but cant delete on its own its pretty handy

Answer 4

i might first attempt to delete the archives mutually as your pc is booted in risk-free mode. in any different case, you ought to apply the command on the spot to locate the archives and delete them that way as properly. of direction, if it somewhat is merely too technical you ought to apply a record shredding application like StompSoft's digital record Shredder professional or comparable utility. As courses of those kinds will generally enable you to delete archives you won't be able to eliminate in any different case, as properly to removing them completely.

Answer 5

1-use program
tuneup utilities 2006
2-go to file recovery&destruction
3-press tuneup shredder
4-add the file which you want to delete
5-press next and the file will be deleted for ever

Answer 6

The easiest way instead going through regedit is download unlocker 1.8 it is free at http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Unlocker.shtml
once you install the program start it up than delete whatever the program is!

Answer 7

search on web for solution or
simply reinstall windows (or any OS)

Answer 8

formate your computer