File in use when it's not?

[Ste_Moore01]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to delete a file that is no longer needed but it says it is in use by another user.

I've tried opening the file and it tells me who the user is, but I've asked this person and they are not in the file.

Is there any way of deleting the file even though it thinks someone is usign it.

 

[Joe4]

I have gotten that error message before when files have been closed "unnaturally" (cutting off power while in the file, re-booting computer while in file, etc). Essentially the "lock" on the file is not released.

In order to fix it, sometime re-booting the offending computer worked, but more often than not I have had to re-boot the server the file is found on. Then the lock was released and I was able to delete the file.

 

[Ste_Moore01]

Thanks for your reply.

The computer that the person who it says is using the file has been shut down and so has my computer.

Shutting down the server it is on is going to cause some trouble though.

Thanks anyway!

 

[madcapsyd]

This has worked for me in the past. run winfile.exe then highlight the offending file. click on file/properties and you will see an "Open BY" tab. Click on this and clear the entry.
Hope this helps

 

[madcapsyd]

addendum....you may have to copy winfile from an NT or older windows if it is not located under XP