Resolving the “File is open in another program” Windows Issue

Why can’t I delete or move a file or folder? What program is stopping me from deleting or moving a file or folder?

Windows message for file or folder that can’t be deleted

Solve the issue with the Microsoft Process Explorer

To help you resolve the ‘File is open in another program’ you can use The Process Explorer from Microsoft, amongst other things, will list the processes that are currently accessing the file or folder. You can download the Microsoft Process Explorer from here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

When you launch the Process Explorer pick Find from the menu.

Microsoft Process Explorer

Enter the file or folder name you are trying to move or delete and pick the Search button. The applications that are accessing the file will be listed in the Search Window.

Applications that are accessing the file or folder you are trying to delete

You will then know which program/application to close; or if there is a process that is currently using the file – which you can close in the normal way using the Windows Task Manager (Right-click on the Windows Taskbar and select Start Task Manager).