When deleting some files through the OS, a notification appears that the operation cannot be completed because the file is in use by another program. Next, you will learn why this happens and what tools you can use to successfully remove unnecessary files.

Description of the problem

If you open a registered file type in an appropriate program, such as a text editor or music player, you cannot simply delete it by switching from the editor to Explorer and clicking “Delete.” The operating system will not allow erasure of data that is currently being used in the operation of the PC. In this case, one process (run by the user) tries to erase a file from the storage medium, and another process (run by the operating system or another program) blocks the deletion operation, believing that it will lead to a malfunction or some other problem.

In fact, each of these processes is important and necessary, but it happens that the file to be deleted is not opened by any program, and at the same time the OS does not allow it to be deleted. As a rule, this is due to the following reasons:

• Incorrect closing of a file by the program or incorrect termination of the program itself in the last session of its operation.
• A virus has entered the PC, and when trying to remove the infected program or the virus itself, it tries to defend itself, not allowing itself to be easily eliminated.
• The OS believes that some other user is currently working with the file - either from the same PC, or over the local network. Whether this is actually the case may be unknown, or it may even be known that there is and cannot be any other user. But in any case it is impossible to delete such a file.

Below we will look at several ways in which you can solve the problem of undeletable files.

Simple removal methods

Initially, we suggest you use simple methods to solve the problem (listed in order of speed):

• Reboot PC. Oddly enough, quite often it is this simple measure that allows you to shut down all OS processes and then successfully delete an unnecessary file.
• Try renaming the file, if you succeed, then try deleting it (don’t forget to copy this file in advance if you may need it in the future).
• Transfer the file to another logical drive/flash drive. If it works, delete it from a new location.
• Check the file attributes (they can be changed in the “Properties” context menu item). Clear the read-only, hidden, system, archive attributes and try deleting again.
• Check the date the file was created and last modified. If it is clearly inadequate (according to the OS, the file was created in 1980 or was last modified in 2060), try changing the date to a realistic one and delete it.
• If this file is typical and can be changed (for example, text in a format for “Word”), try opening it in a program appropriate for the file type, somehow changing the contents, saving the data in a new version, closing the program and trying to delete again . The same method can work with non-standard files, but the likelihood of a successful outcome is reduced.

A fairly simple method for deleting “busy” files and folders using the “Resource Monitor” and stopping the blocking process is described in a short, understandable video:

What should I do if I can't delete a file/folder due to permissions?

No access to file/folder. To delete this file/folder, you need to have “Administrator” rights - if such notifications appear when you try to delete a file/folder, you need to reconfigure the access rights. To do this, you will have to do the following manipulations (example of deleting a folder):

• Right-click on the folder, select “Properties” - “Security” - “Advanced”.
• In the “Owner” line, change the user to the one under which you are currently working in the system. To do this, you can click “Check names”, then check the box “Replace owner of subcontainers and objects” and click “OK”.
• The “Windows Security” window will appear and for some time the OS will do “Change Ownership”. Next, the PC will ask: “Do you want to change the permissions for this folder so that you have full control rights?” Answer - “Yes.”
• Next, we again see the “Properties” window, the “Security” tab. Click the “Change” button with a shield drawn, that is, we will just change our access rights to this folder, including the right to delete. For each user, put a checkmark in the top line “Full access” and “OK”.
• You will have to wait for some period of time, now your access rights to the folder and objects inside it will change. Don’t forget to uncheck the “Read Only” option in the “General” properties tab and confirm this attribute change.

After a short wait, you can usually safely delete the folder. If Windows asks for access rights again, try repeating the described procedure.

All manipulations for deleting a locked folder or file can be seen in the video:

What programs can delete undeletable files?

If none of the above methods helped, then in such a situation you already have to use tools to delete files.

Unlocker

One of the most popular tools in the CIS for deleting files that do not want to be deleted is the Unlocker program. It can be downloaded by following the link to the developer’s website: www.emptyloop.com.

Important! Old versions of Unlocker may not work on 64-bit operating systems - Windows 7, 8, 10. Do not download old versions on unknown sites where the content has not been updated for a long time.

There are both installable (built into the operating system) and “portable” versions. Each version has its own minor advantages and disadvantages, but for one-time removal, the portable version is recommended. However, if you regularly experience problems with deleting files, then it is better to install Unlocker.

During installation, it is possible to install Unlocker Assistant. This assistant program is constantly visible in the “Taskbar” and will automatically launch in cases where problems arise with uninstallation.

Working with the portable version of the program is very simple:

• Launch Unlocker.
• Select the desired file in the window that opens, and you will see processes that do not allow you to delete it. These are “blocking descriptors”.
• At the bottom left you can select action options - delete, unblock, transfer.

The principle of using the installed version is almost identical:

Agree and reboot.

Unlocker analogs

Unfortunately, official support for Unlocker has ended on Windows 7 (which usually does not prevent it from working normally under later versions of the OS), but for trouble-free operation under Windows 8 and Windows 10 it is better to use IObit Unlocker. The interface is very similar, Russified and generally does not cause any difficulties.

DeadLock

Unlike the previous program, this one must be launched on the computer in order to delete the desired file. You can download the application from the link: http://codedead.com/?page_id=822

Instructions for using the program:

• Open the application and go to the “File” tab.
• Select the file to be deleted.
• Right-click on the file, then select “Unlock” or “Remove”.

The disadvantage of this program is that it only supports an English-language interface.

Using Live-CD or Live-flash

A radical way to get rid of an unnecessary file is to launch the operating system not from the hard drive of your PC, but from a Live-CD or Live-flash. But for this you need at least the Live-CD itself plus a disk drive for it. It’s better if you have Live-flash (the same thing, but on a flash drive, you don’t need a disk drive), a USB port is enough here:

• Insert the Live media into the PC, boot from it (you may need to enter the BIOS).
• Find the stubborn file on your HDD and erase it. The OS from the Live media will not object in any case, since for it any file on your PC is a foreign body.
• Turn off your PC, remove the Live media, and boot your computer. The previously undeletable file will be deleted.

Unsure users should avoid this method in favor of using the special programs described above.

How to remove uninstallable programs

Some companies make it so that after installing their programs, your PC ends up with some additional programs that are completely unnecessary for you, and you did not give conscious consent to their installation. If you cannot remove such programs from the “Programs and Features” list using standard tools along the following path: “Start” - “Properties” - “Programs” - “Uninstall a program”, uninstaller programs will come to the rescue:

• Revo Uninstaller Pro is one of the most popular programs for uninstalling other programs. Russified. Completely removes all references to the software being removed not only from the disk, but also from the registry. There is startup control; permanently erases not only programs, but also unnecessary files; clears browser histories (not all, you can check by version) and document histories in MS Office; is automatically updated. The unique “hunter mode” allows you to find and remove a program that is not listed in the list of programs.
• IObit Uninstaller Free – Removes the entire package associated with the unwanted program. In addition, it has a forced removal function, which helps remove the most stubborn programs. Allows you to “roll back” Windows updates. Disables browser extensions and plugins. Creates a list of installed programs and saves to a file. Keeps a history of its work (uninstalling programs).
• Advanced Uninstaller Pro. Removes cookies and customizes toolbars in browsers. Optimizes the registry file. There's even a font manager for Windows!

If the case turns out to be very difficult, try paid versions of uninstallers, for example, Uninstall Tool. If they didn’t help, all you have to do is contact the support service, where a qualified specialist will help you.

How to delete undeletable files from a flash drive

Most of the above methods are suitable for deleting files from a flash drive. In addition, you will always have the “last argument” in stock - full formatting. After it, there will be no files, folders, or viruses left on the flash drive.

So, if a situation arises where it is impossible to delete a file by normal means, because the operating system (more precisely, some of its visible or hidden process) believes that the files are still in operation, you can use the above instructions to successfully complete the deletion and get rid of unnecessary file.

Typically, deleting files and folders is quick and painless, except for Windows warning messages that protect you from accidentally pressing a button. But in some cases, the system refuses to perform an action, citing the impossibility of executing the command. It's time to figure out the reasons for such errors.

In what cases may it be necessary to delete “undeletable” folders or files?

Windows 7 may refuse to delete files or folders for several reasons:

• damage. Physical or software failure, virus operation;
• usage. The file is used by a running application or the system itself;
• lack of rights. The user account does not have sufficient permissions to delete.

Possible solutions

1. If the problem is a software glitch, it may be enough to restart the computer.
2. When using a file in another application, you need to determine which program is using it and close it. In some cases, you may also need to access the Windows Task Manager to stop background processes such as torrent clients.
   

   Sometimes the system refuses to delete even seemingly empty folders. This may be due to File Explorer settings not to show hidden files. In other words, the folders only appear empty; they contain information that is hidden from the user. Therefore, you should first make sure that these directories really do not contain information. Otherwise, you can unintentionally erase important data and disrupt the stability of the system.

3. If files and folders are visible, but they are not deleted due to the lack of rights of the account under which the system was logged in, you can do one of the following:
   • use another entry. Restarting the system as a user with administrative rights is the easiest and most painless option.
   • In this case, the OS settings do not change, and after carrying out all the necessary manipulations, you can return to the previous account;
   • get your license. You can increase the level of rights of the current account. However, this method reduces the computer’s security not only from careless user actions, but also from malware. The virus will cause much more damage to the PC if it entered as an administrator;

turn to third-party applications. There are utilities that specialize in forcibly deleting information, including protected information.

Uninstall by granting administrator rights

A user with normal rights can create, erase and modify most files and folders, but does not have access to modify system information, which serves to protect against unintentional and careless actions. The administrator account has no restrictions, within which you can regulate the operation of the entire system.

The best solution is to use the two entries alternately. User - for everyday work, administrator - for setting up the system.

Only an administrator can grant superuser rights to a regular account. Therefore, the following methods are only suitable if such an opportunity exists.

1. Through system settings
2. Press the Win key or the on-screen Start button. In the search bar located at the very bottom of the list that opens, enter the query “User Accounts”.
3. We go to the active line located at the top of the list of search results and open a window with the heading “Making changes to the user account.” Click on “Manage another account” in the central part.
4. By clicking on the tab, we will be taken to a window with a list of all accounts created by the system. We select the one to which we want to give administrative rights and change its type to “Administrator”.

Click on the “Change account type” button. Rights granted.

Using the command line requires some experience, but allows you to perform many operations faster. In order to call the desired window, we will again use the search bar.

Disabling TrustedInstaller

In fact, Windows 7 has a user with even greater rights than any administrator. To protect critical components, the system creates a TrustedInstaller account, which is assigned exclusive access rights to certain files.

If a user, even with administrative rights, tries to delete protected information, the system will refuse him and show a window with the message: “Request permission from TrustedInstaller to change this file.”

To bypass the protection, you must manually grant access to the desired file to administrators, after which you will be able to delete it.

1. In Explorer, select the file that you want to delete and right-click on it.
2. In the context menu that opens, select “Properties”.
3. Then go to the “Security” tab.
4. Click on the “Advanced” button.
5. In the “Advanced Security Settings” window, go to the “Owner” tab.
6. Click the “Change” on-screen button.
7. Windows 7 will offer several options to change the owner of a file. Immediately select the “Administrators” group and click “OK”.
8. We read the message that appears recognizing our rights and describing the necessary actions for them to come into force, and then click “OK”.
9. We repeat the previous steps. We need to clarify our powers.
10. Click the “Change” button and select the added “Administrators” group.
11. We put a checkmark on “Full access”, automatically receiving marks on all other items.
12. Click the “Apply” button, giving all accounts with administrative rights the ability to edit this file.

The same mechanism can be used to edit or move important files or folders. In this case, it is necessary to return all settings to their original state after completion of work, otherwise Windows 7 may begin to become unstable.

By editing the Startup list

An executable application can prevent the file from being deleted. If it is launched deliberately, it is enough to shut it down, and in some cases it is also useful to restart the computer. But programs that automatically start when Windows 7 starts will again end up in RAM and prevent you from deleting the necessary information. Therefore, you need to exclude them from the Startup list.

If we have correctly identified the application that is interfering with our task, the file will be deleted without problems. If another program interfered, you can repeat the process for it or use Windows restart in safe mode.

Via Safe Mode

If a folder or file is not deleted due to a third-party application or malware, you can restart your computer in safe mode and thereby bypass the restriction.

Safe mode in Windows 7 involves minimal loading of system components.

The advantage of this method is that there is no need to leave the Windows 7 shell. The disadvantages include the fact that to reboot in normal mode, you will have to repeat the same steps, only this time disable safe mode.

In order to boot the system once in safe mode, you can use another method.

Having loaded using any of the listed methods, we find “stubborn” files using “Explorer” and delete them.

Using the command line

You can bypass the deletion ban using a low-level tool that is already a little familiar to us - the command line.

After the window loads, you must enter the required command.

Commands for forcibly deleting root directories and files - table

When using the command line to delete files or directories, keep the following in mind:

1. The information is erased irrevocably, that is, it cannot be restored from the Recycle Bin.
2. It is necessary to accurately, without errors and completely enter the name of the files to be deleted, including the extension and full path.

Through file managers

Most file managers have built-in capabilities for deleting protected files and folders.

For example, when working with the popular file manager Total Commander, to delete a file, just select it and press the F8 function key. The application will definitely clarify whether the user is confident in his actions.

Total Commander easily copes with most protected files and folders, limiting itself to just one more request to the user. But some information is beyond his capabilities, in which case it is better to use specialized applications.

Removal using third-party programs

If the need to delete protected files and folders arises regularly, it makes sense to install on your computer one of the applications that specialize in unlocking and destroying information.

Unlocker

A simple and convenient Unlocker program is automatically added to the context menu, which opens when you right-click on the file name.

An additional benefit of the application is the ability to see why a file is blocked and what process is using it.

It is likely that it is not at all necessary to use a “hard” removal; sometimes it is better to return to Windows 7, close the interfering program, and then erase the unlocked file. But you can do without this by simply selecting the “Delete” option.

The lock prevents not only deleting, but also simple operations such as moving a file or renaming it. Unlocker can help with this too.

Lockhunter

Another application with similar functionality is Lockhunter. This utility is even built into the Explorer context menu and can delete those files and folders that Unlocker cannot do.

The program interface is more similar to classic Windows, the main information is collected in one window, and the main operations are presented in the form of large buttons.

Although Lockhunter does not support the Russian language, the simplicity of the interface and free distribution make it very popular.

The program's wide capabilities can become a serious problem if used carelessly. Lockhunter can easily delete system files, thereby disrupting the performance of Windows 7.

The Fileassassin program works in a slightly different style:

The use of several special utilities with similar functionality can be justified by the fact that they have different operating algorithms. Files that one program could not delete can be erased by another.

System Restore

The mechanism of “rolling back” the system using backup points is a universal means of restoring the functionality of Windows 7 in the event of serious failures.

The system restores its “old” state by erasing additionally installed programs and settings, so as a last resort, you can use this radical remedy for those files and folders that cannot be erased.

A prerequisite for this method is the availability of suitable backup recovery points. It should be taken into account that some malware intentionally corrupts such files, so it is better to transfer such data to external media.

1. Launch the recovery utility. To do this, type “System Restore” in the search bar and press Enter.
2. The window that appears is more informational than functional, so click the “Next” on-screen button.
3. Select the one you need from the list of recovery points and click “Next”.
   

   Don't forget to save your working files to external media before restoring your system, otherwise they may be lost.

4. Once again, we make sure that this is the date to which we want to “downgrade” Windows 7, and click the “Finish” on-screen button.

Using a different operating system

All restrictions and access settings are important only when running a specific copy of Windows 7. From an external point of view, both the system itself and the files carefully protected by it are ordinary records on the hard drive. Therefore, all unnecessary information can be deleted by gaining access to the drive without starting the “main” Windows 7:

1. By downloading another copy of Windows 7 located on a second physical disk.
2. By running another operating system, such as Linux.
3. Using a bootable USB flash drive or “life disk”.
4. By physically removing the hard drive and connecting it as external storage to another computer.

This method will also be useful in combating some particularly stubborn viruses that penetrate RAM and block antivirus programs. By booting from external media, you can disinfect your computer without allowing malicious applications to start running.

If you don’t have your own bootable USB flash drive, you can download it from antivirus software developer sites, for example, DrWeb or Nod 32.

The disadvantages of this method are a consequence of its effectiveness - you can accidentally delete critical files and folders, disrupting the operation of Windows.

other methods

If the information that refuses to be deleted is located on an external storage device (SD card, flash drive or external hard drive), then you can solve the problem using a device with a mobile operating system, for example, Android. Some nuances:

1. The SD card can be inserted into the appropriate slot on your smartphone or tablet.
2. To connect a flash drive you need support for OTG technology and a suitable adapter.
3. To work with external hard drives, Android devices typically need to download additional apps and also have enough current to power the drive.

Before looking for ways to delete system-protected information, you should make sure that such a step will not harm the performance of Windows 7. It may be worth creating an additional restore point to minimize the negative consequences.

In addition, you should first use the safest methods and only if they are ineffective, move on to more “rough” ones:

1. User Tools. Find and disable programs and processes that are using the files you need. Restart your PC.
2. Windows Tools. Edit the Startup list, use safe startup mode if necessary.
3. Access settings. Gain administrative rights or access to account files.
4. Command line. Use system commands for low-level removal.
5. Third party applications. Use file managers or specialized programs.
6. System Restore. Use a backup restore point to roll back Windows 7.
7. External OS. Boot the operating system from external media or another computer.

How to delete protected folders and files without additional programs - video

System protections for critical information are often used by malware for their own purposes, so you need to be able to bypass restrictions and delete damaged files. Fortunately, quite effective applications have been created for these purposes, including free ones.

Almost every active user of a personal computer has at least once encountered the problem that it is impossible to delete a certain folder or file in the standard way.

In this article I will tell you in detail about the reasons why a PC refuses to remove uninstallable programs.

Let's start with the fact that there are no undeletable files in principle. There is data that cannot be eliminated. Any file or folder can be “thrown away” from the PC.

So, the file that won't be deleted?

Let's look at the reasons:

Virus attack on computer.

Access to delete is denied.

The data to be deleted is being used by some program.

The folder to be deleted contains an open file.

The data is necessary for the system to operate (located in the “Windows” folder).

Elimination methods:

Due to a virus attack on your PC, most often it is not possible to remove programs. To solve, try scanning your computer with any antivirus program and adding the found files to quarantine or disinfecting them. After the reboot, the process of removing uninstallable programs should be successful.

If access is denied, you just need to open it using and folder with an active administrator account.

Sometimes the user tries to delete the folder in which the launch shortcut is currently open. To delete such a folder, the program must be closed.

The operating system will not allow you to delete files and folders that are necessary for its stable operation.

Let's look at one of the reasons for the problem, how to delete a file that is not deleted. It lies in the fact that the data being deleted is occupied in some process.

If, when trying to get rid of any document on the monitor screen, you see the following message: “The operation cannot be completed or performed because the file or folder is being used by the program,” then you simply need to end all active processes in which this file/folder and try again.

There are situations when the user simply does not know and cannot clearly trace the active process that is preventing something from being deleted. For these cases, there are programs for deleting “undeletable” files.

Unlocker. A small, free utility for downloading and subsequent use on home computers. She knows exactly the answer to the question: “How to delete a file that cannot be deleted?” After installation, Unlocker will integrate into and help not only terminate active processes that are interfering with deletion, but also rename or move locked data. The program is characterized by a multilingual interface, support for Windows XP, 7, 2000 and Vista operating systems. Its RAM consumption is minimal, there are no special requirements for PC hardware, the occupied space is 200 KB.

Wise Free. As such, this program serves to remove unnecessary or incorrect information. When launched, the utility will definitely allow the user to create a backup copy of the registry, which will protect against deleting necessary files. This utility differs in that it has the ability to divide found registry errors into absolutely harmless and potentially dangerous. Safe errors can be safely removed, but getting rid of potentially dangerous ones can lead to unstable operation or failure of operating system processes. The utility operates in automatic mode, i.e. launching, eliminating errors and shutting down occurs without user intervention.

Which program should I use? Any! These are the simplest, most useful and easy-to-use utilities.

I think that most likely, after installing any of them, the question of how to delete a file that is not deleted will be closed! All the best!

Hi all! Today I will tell you Howdelete a file or folder that cannot be deleted in different ways, in case you have already tried everything you could, but it still didn’t help. I decided to write this article because I myself once encountered a similar problem, that my design themes that were in the folder did not want to be deleted or moved. Why, they couldn’t even be opened or renamed.

Often when PC users try to delete such files, The following messages may appear: the file cannot be deleted, access is blocked, the disk may be full or write-protected, the file is occupied by another application, this process is busy, the folder is not empty. These errors occur for many different reasons, which you must first understand and understand what the problem may be before you try to do anything. So, there are not many reasons for this, here are some of them:

— You are trying to delete a file that is used by other programs. For example, if you were watching a movie or listening to music, but before you had time to close the player, you are already trying to delete the file being played, then no matter how hard you try, you will not be able to do this until you close all the corresponding applications that use this file in the PC ( Personal Computer). It also sometimes happens that this file or folder is used by other applications, but you do not see them, although they are displayed in the task manager, which will be discussed below.

— You are trying to delete a file that is used by other users. For example, you downloaded it through a torrent tracker and then wanted to delete it, but for some reason it just doesn’t want to be deleted. The thing is that another user is downloading this game from you over the Internet, and until you turn off the Internet or exit the torrent program, the file will not be deleted.

-You don't have enough rights to do this. What does this even mean? Am I the owner of my computer or who? The fact is that you probably, like me once, could have placed your files or folders in folders of the Windows operating system, to which access is denied for your own safety. This restriction was created to prevent you from ruining your computer by deleting some important file from the Windows operating system.

— Files or folders that you wanted to delete were quarantined by your antivirus program. In other words, your antivirus didn’t like something about them, so it blocked them so that they couldn’t do any harm to your PC.

Ok, we figured out the reasons. Now all that’s left for you to delete your non-deletable file is to simply try all the methods that I described for you below.

How to delete a file or folder that cannot be deleted via a computer?

Method 1. Just restart your computer, in most cases this will be enough.

Method 2. Turn on task manager. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete if you have Windows 7 or XP and Windows + X if you have Windows 8. A window will appear in front of you, go to “processes”.

All programs that are currently running on your computer will be displayed here. Try to find exactly the one that might use your file. If it doesn’t work, then just select any one at random and click “end process” each time trying to delete the file again.

Method 3. Turn off your computer and turn it on again. During the boot process, press the F8 key many times. A black screen will appear in front of you, where there will be several options to boot your PC. Select "safe mode". As soon as the computer boots, try to delete the file or at least move it to another location.

Method 4. If the file is simply not deleted, but can be transferred, then you can proceed as follows. Just drag your file onto an empty flash drive and format it. Be careful, after this process everything will be deleted from it!

Method 5. Open your computer and find your non-deletable file on the desktop. At the top of the window, click “service”, then “folder options”, go to the “view” tab and uncheck the box if it is next to “use simple file sharing” and save the changes. Try deleting your file or folder.

Method 6. Change administrator rights. Right-click on our file, select “property”, then in the window that opens “security” and click “advanced”.

Another window will appear, click on “owner”. Here simply select another administrator and click “apply”. Personally, this operation helped me remove restrictions from my WordPress templates, which I wrote about.

Method 7. Disable all processes associated with this file. This procedure is very similar to the task manager, but it has a more effective effect. Click "Start" on your desktop, then "Run." In the window that appears, enter msconfig and press OK.

Another window will appear in front of you. Here go to the “startup” tab and in the list of running processes try to find the name of your non-deletable file and uncheck it, and click ok.

How to delete files and folders that cannot be deleted using special programs?

Method 8. To solve this problem, a very cool and at the same time simple program “UnLocker” was created a long time ago, which is capable of deleting files that cannot be deleted in 90% of cases. You can download the program from the official website. During the installation process, be careful and uncheck the box where you are offered to install another application in addition to the program. If you don’t do this, then at the end of the installation your antivirus program will swear for a long time.