Folder won't delete from desktop

[iaink]

A folder on my desktop will not delete despite being empty and not being used by any open program. Windows tells me that the folder cannot be deleted as it is being used by an open program. I don't want to try system restore unless I need to as I've just spent hours re-installing software. Any suggestions welcome.

[mahdiislam]

Press F5 or restart, should solve the problem

[42penguins]

I often have this problem.
Sometimes, for no reason at all, a folder or file (especially large videos, etc.) will be undeletable or unmovable from explorer for no apparent reason. Disable all services, close all programs, sill says it's in use.
Thought it was system restore, so I disabled that...still no effect.

F5 and restarting don't seem to work, but there is something that does...
command line! del and move work just fine on these crazy files/folders.

You can even open up a prompt, type "delete " and drag the file/folder onto the prompt, no need to type the location/name.

[nixon]

I have the solution for this problem!!!
It works!!
first u have to download Unlocker
once u have downloaded unlocker u have to right click on the file u wish to delete and then press unlocker
somethimg will show up and tell what action u want to take!!
thats it!!

[nixon]

i have the solution for this problem!!
first u have to download unlocker once u downloaded it!
u right click on the file u wish to delete and press unlocker then it wil tell u what action u want to take!!
then u put to delete it!!
thats it!!

[Raymond T]

I too had the same problem. "Unlocker" works great. Thanks for the tip.

[KennyKans]

There's another little app called WhoLockMe which is helpful.

The problem is well known. WhoLockMe finds the applications or services which locks up a file or folder. You'll get an option to kill the problem-applitcations, and then you'll be able to delete the file/folder.

Often Explorer itself is the problem. When killing Explorer, you might have to restart it. The lock on the problem-file should be removed however.

Good Luck.

[Reingold]

Thanks a lot for the info about Unlocker. It works great.