Why won't this screwy file delete?

[Ichi]

I downloaded an application, but it did not download fully. So, I tried to delete it. But when I try to, I get an error message saying that it was being used by another program :? . Well, I know no programs are using it. I even tried to delete it in safe mode, but with no avail. So how the hell do I delete it?

[A Person]

If you were using IE to download the file, IE hangs on to it untill the download is complete. So you have to download the file again to the exact same spot with the exact same name (to overwrite the old one).

If it still doesn't work, you could boot with a live cd, access the hard drive, and then delete the file.

[EmoMakesMeCry]

or try starting up in safe mode and then deleting the file.

[A Person]

or try starting up in safe mode and then deleting the file.

Good idea, thats probably easier than using a live cd.

[Ichi]

or try starting up in safe mode and then deleting the file.

Good idea, thats probably easier than using a live cd.

Umm, I said I did, remember? And it didn't work.

Live CD's don't like my computer for some reason. Maybe I could start up in DOS mode or something...

[Rich]

You can probably install the recovery console. I am assuming you are either running XP or 2000. IF you are, and your drives are formatted as NTFS, you will need the recovery console or to boot into command line only. You might be able to get access with a win98 boot disk but only if you use special utilities such as NTFS DOS.

[EmoMakesMeCry]

or try going into the registry and finding any references to that file and delete them. that's how i got rid of a stupid bitorrent file that didn't finish.

[Toric]

There is a much easier way with no restarting.

Go http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/procexp.shtml and download their free app called "Process Explorer"

With the name of the file in mind, search for it's handle using the "Find Handle" button. The stubborn file should be used by some 'explorer' process or something. you can end the process after selecting it from the find dialog, by right-clicking the hilighted process in the main window.

Now, after the process is closed down, clicking on the file on the desktop will activate the process again and you still can't delete. So you have to delete the file using the dos promt.. easy.

Use the Run dialog to open a cmd promt and navigate to your desktop (or where ever the file is). Then use the dir command to locate the name of the file and use del "name of file"

Done and done. :)

[Rich]

Ah yes, sysinternals. Great site. Their Autoruns program is also nice to kill those pesky apps you don't want starting up. TCPview is also another good one to monitor incoming and outgoing TCP/IP sessions. I forgot about the process explorer. Good call. :D

[Ichi]

Thanks everyone, this has helped alot :D ! I used Proccess Explorer, but nothing was using it. But I tried it in the recovery console, and that did it! Thanks loads!