File Can't Be Deleted

Occasionally, you will try to delete a file, and it won't delete.

There are several possible reasons for this:

1. The file might still be in use by some program, even if the program is not visible.

2. If the file was copied from another machine, you might not have ownership

3. Windows itself might be doing something with the file.

The first thing to try is rebooting your system into safe mode (keep pressing the F8 key BEFORE the Windows logo appears). Then try deleting it. If that works, great, reboot and life is back to normal.

If you get the message "Permission denied", that means you don't have ownership. To get ownership, do the following:

1. In Windows Explorer, click on Tools/Folder Options/View/ and then uncheck "Use Simple File Sharing". Close the options dialog.

2. Right click the folder/file in question, and choose Properties. Select the Security tab (which is hidden when simple file sharing is in effect). Click on Advanced/Owner/Set Permissions. Now give Everyone full control.

3. Delete the file.

4. Don't forget to turn Simple File Sharing back on.

More information here:
HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP

HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions

HOW TO: Disable Simplified Sharing and Password-Protect a Shared Folder in Windows XP