Cannot delete files from desktop windows xp

Usually, after the file is no longer in use, the application will unlock it automatically, but that's not always the case. Sometimes, a file may not unlock successfully, and even if you try to take any action, you'll see a warning that the operation can't be completed because it's open by another program.

Before you take actions to delete the undeletable files, you can first try these simple tips and delete these files:. Files cannot be deleted if the file is open in an application. Usually, you could receive the information when you can't delete a file like a picture showing below. Step 1. Step 2.

Find the application that is currently using the file, and select "End task". Using Command Prompt for deletion is sometimes more efficient, and you definitely should give it a try.

Usually, when you come across a locked file, you can simply restart your device to unlock it. If it doesn't work, you can boot into Safe Mode to unlock and delete the file. While in Safe Mode, use File Explorer to locate and delete the files that were previously locked, then simply restart your device as you would normally to exit Safe Mode. There are many third-party applications that can help you with this problem and delete locked files. It can help to clean up junk files and wipe the whole data.

Click "Add Files" to select the files you need to shred, or you can drag files, documents, images, music files, etc. Step 4. The program will immediately shred all the selected files. When it finishes, click "Done". So be careful of what you delete if you're not sure of the consequences.

There are times you mistakenly deleted a needed file on your Windows 11, 10, 8. You can recover deleted files with easy-to-use data recovery software. The mini XP found some other folders within parent folder and I could remove them, but main problem still existed and with the 2 option "unlocker" it worked just fine to remove the folder Many thanks to all contributions Unlocker is great tool for this, I run into similar issues often so its more convenientthan booting into a linux distro.

But that will work also. Have you tried in Control Panel Folder Options go to the view tab under hidden folder select show hidden files and folders and click apply and okay. If this does not work try right click on file folder go to sharing and security see the local sharing and security uncheck the make this folder private.

Check the general tab see the attributes uncheck read only click appl the okay. Check by clicking on the advaced tab the second box for fast searching alow indexing service to index this folder then ckick okay. Change the owner to yourself and tick the Replace owner on subcontainers. Accept any warnings. To continue this discussion, please ask a new question. Get answers from your peers along with millions of IT pros who visit Spiceworks. When I try to delete parent folder it says cannot delete : The directory is not empty.

If the files do not get deleted using the command prompt option, boot into safe mode with networking and delete the file. For instructions on starting the computer in safe mode with networking, see To start the computer in safe mode. With respect to Dr. Watson debugger, Dr. Watson for Windows is a program error debugger that gathers information about your computer when an error or user-mode fault occurs with a program.

For more information, see: Description of the Dr. Watson for Windows Drwtsn How to disable or enable Dr. Watson for Windows. Was this reply helpful?