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Deleting files that are in use. Blog about WordPress plugin settings and search engine optimization for beginner webmasters

When you try to delete a particular folder in the usual way, the system may display a message stating that the deletion is in this moment impossible. The notification usually states the reason why the section cannot be moved to the Trash. Let's look at the types of errors and take the necessary measures.

Why some folders are not deleted in Windows 10

The system resists deleting certain objects for the following reasons:

files located in this directory are currently being used by some applications. Completely close the utility and try deleting the folder with the files again; You won't be able to delete a folder if it contains a file that is currently being used by an application
The user does not have enough permissions to send the folder to the Trash. As a rule, this applies to system folders, which require administrator rights to delete;
Administrator rights are required to delete some folders
the folder with the files is used by the user on another computer if your PC is connected to local network. In this situation, all that remains is to wait for him to finish working with her;
There are incorrectly or incompletely recorded files in the folder. If the writing process to the hard drive is interrupted, the files are only partially saved and often do not start. As a result, they become “dead weight” for Windows: the OS does not know what to do with them and denies access to them;
Unexpected errors during folder deletion may occur due to the presence of damaged or incorrectly written files
the files in the folder have been quarantined by the antivirus utility. Remove the file from quarantine through the antivirus itself, and then try deleting it again.
The undeleted folder may contain files that are currently located in the “Quarantine” section of the antivirus

Is it possible to delete such folders?

You have the right to freely delete custom ones, which are usually located on local disk D. With directory cleaning on system disk You need to be as careful as possible because of the risk of deleting files important for the operation of the system. Deleting folders needed by the OS can cause it to crash or crash and cause the computer to shut down prematurely.

You cannot simply delete system files. The OS will issue various messages, such as asking for administrator permission, etc.

To delete most system folders you need administrator rights

Nevertheless, clearing system folders of “garbage” is useful: it rids the OS of files it does not need. But you need to know what can be deleted and what cannot. For example, you can delete folders from uninstalled programs in the Program Files section. For one reason or another, they could remain empty or with several files on the PC. In this situation, one of the following methods will be suitable.

In the Program Files folder, look for sections with programs that have been uninstalled for a long time and delete them, for example, using the “Command Line”

Before cleaning the system hard drive from unnecessary folders, it is recommended to create a restore point. If the removal is unsuccessful, you can return the system to its original state.

If a message appears on the screen asking for permission from TrustedInstaller (removal protection system components), deleting the folder is not recommended. If you are sure that it can be safely removed from the system, use the method with reconfiguring rights.

If you receive a message asking for permission from TrustedInstaller, delete folders and files only if you are absolutely sure that the system does not need them

If you doubt whether you can delete a particular directory on the system disk, find information about it on the Internet.

Ways to delete folders that don't want to disappear

Depending on the type of problem, choose one or more solutions to solve it, described in detail below.

Removing Windows.old, temporary files folder and other system directories

If you want to clean the system partition from garbage, for example, delete old Windows installations from the Windows.old folder and temporary files from Temp folders, but the system does not allow you to do this, use the Disk Cleanup tool:

Open "Control Panel" via " Windows Search", the "Start" menu or in any other way convenient for you. Click on the “Administration” section.
In the “Control Panel” window, find the “Administration” section and click on it once
Select Disk Cleanup.
In the list, click on “Disk Cleanup”
Select your system drive.
Select the drive you want to clean from the drop-down menu
Click on the “Clean up system files” button, because in the current window you can only get rid of some folders and their contents.
For deep cleaning, click on “Clean up system files”
Wait a while so that the system can estimate the amount of memory that can be freed. A window will open with a list of possible partitions to clean. Select the desired directories using the checkboxes, for example, “Previous Windows installations”. Start the process of deleting files from folders using the “OK” button.
Select the necessary items for cleaning and click “OK”
The system will ask if you are sure you want to remove all older versions of Windows. In this case, you will not be able to roll back to the previous update. If you really want to delete them and free up space on the system disk, click on “Yes”.
Click on “Yes” if we want to remove previous Windows installations
Removal will take quite a long time, so be patient.
Waiting for the removal to complete

Restarting the computer as a method to solve the problem

Deleting a partition on a hard drive may become impossible due to a single failure in the system or because it is currently using this file. In this case, you can simply restart your PC and the problem will disappear. Never use the Power button on your PC to turn it off.

Closing utilities associated with a folder in Task Manager

If you want to delete a folder with text documents, which are currently open in Microsoft Office, the system will notify you that this action is impossible. She will ask you to close all utility windows and try again.

Close the window and try uninstalling again

But if the utility is closed and the folder is still not deleted, most likely the Microsoft process Office Word(or any other program through which the file was opened) is still hanging in the list of running processes. To stop the application completely, you can restart the computer or remove the task manually in the “Task Manager”:

Video: How to end a process in Task Manager

Changing Attributes

Incorrectly set folder attributes may prevent users from deleting them. To correct the situation, do the following:

In Windows Explorer, open the directory that contains the folder to be deleted. For example, this is the user's Photos folder. Right-click on it and click “Properties”.
In the folder context menu, click on “Properties”
An additional window will appear on the display. In the “General” tab, find the “Attributes” section and uncheck all the boxes. You need to uncheck the “Read Only” checkbox.
Uncheck the attributes in the “General” folder
Click the "Apply" button. A third window will appear, in which check the second item “To this folder and to all subfolders and files.” Click on "OK".
Apply changes to the folder and to all files and sections attached to it
Try deleting the directory again.

Reconfiguring access rights

If the folder cannot be removed because the user does not have administrator rights, it is necessary to configure the system so that the user becomes the owner of the folder and has full access to actions with it.

Find the folder in Windows Explorer and right-click on it. Select Properties.
Go to the “Security” tab and click on “Advanced”.
In the “Security” tab, click on the “Advanced” button
Click on the "Add" button.
Click on “Add” to go to the next window
Click on the blue “Select Subject” link.
Click on the first link “Select subject”
Click on the "Advanced" button.
Click on “Advanced” to see a list of accounts
Click on “Search” and select yourself in the list below (usually this is the very first item). Click on "OK".
Click on the “Search” button and select your account from the list
Confirm the subject by clicking on the “OK” button.
Click “OK” to save the selected account
In the second part of the window there will be a list of permissions. Check the box to the left of " Full access».
Check the “Full Control” option in the list of general permissions
Click on the "OK" button to make changes.
Click “OK” to save the permission values
Using the “Apply” button, save the changes made. Set yourself as the owner by clicking on the “Edit” link.
Click on the “Change” link to change the owner of the folder
Select the owner also using the “Advanced” and “Search” buttons.
Check the box next to "Replace owner of subcontainers and objects."
To save all changes, click on “Apply”
Click on "Apply" again and then on "OK" to close the window.
Restart your PC and try deleting the folder.

Video: how to get full access to a specific folder

Using the Command Line

You can get rid of the folder through the “Command Line”:

Video: how to force delete folders using Command Line

Removing in "Safe Mode"

An unnecessary partition may be deleted if the computer runs in “Safe Mode,” in which the system starts only the most important components. The folder will not be locked, you will have access to it. This method may work if there are unsuccessfully written files in the folder. To activate Safe Mode on Windows 10:

Press the Win + R combination on your keyboard to open the Run window. In the Open field, enter msconfig. It's best to copy and paste it to avoid mistakes. Click on "OK".
Enter the msconfig command in the “Open” field and click on “OK”
The System Configuration window will appear on the screen. Go to the "Download" section.
In the “System Configuration” window, check the box next to “Safe Mode”
Check the box to the left of “Safe Mode”. First click on “Apply” so that all changes are successfully saved, and then click on “OK” to close the window.
Click on “Apply” and “OK”, and then reboot the device
Restart your PC. When you restart the OS, it will load in the installed mode. Try deleting the annoying folder.
If you want the PC to boot later in normal mode, go to this window again, uncheck the box and save the changes.

Video: how to activate “Safe Mode” in Windows 10

Using special utilities

Undeletable folders may contain locked program files that cannot be removed from the PC memory even after completely removing the utilities. Programs specifically block them so that the user can restore the utility if he wants to use it again. Special software can solve this unusual problem.

For example, let's take a small application called FileAssassin from the developer Malwarebytes. It installs quite quickly on your PC and does not require much space. The downside is that the utility is English language, but following simple instructions, you can easily unlock any folder and file in it:

Go to the official website of the utility. Click on Download. Open the downloaded installer and install the application, following the simple prompts in the window.
Click on the Dowload button to download the installer
Launch the software via the icon on the “Desktop”. The main program window will open.
In the initial FileAssassin window, check all the boxes in the list of options
Check the boxes next to all the items on the list.
Click on the button with three dots and open the folder you want to delete
Click the button to the right of the empty field with three dots. Select a folder in the additional window.
Click on Execute so that all the actions noted in the list are applied to the folder or file from it
Click on the Execute button. A message should appear on the screen indicating that the file was successfully deleted.
Click “OK” to close the window and see if the folder has been deleted

The choice of such programs is quite large. For Windows 10, utilities such as IObit Unlocker, LockHunter, Far Manager and others.

Using the Total Commander file manager

Total Commander- one of the most famous and successful file managers for Windows. The utility is paid, but at the beginning a trial period is provided for testing (1 month). Using this application, you can forcefully delete a folder that is not erased in regular Windows Explorer:

Go to official resource utilities. Download the program installer according to your system version (32-bit or 64-bit).
Download the Total Commander installer from the official website
Install the utility following the simple instructions in the window.
Launch the program via the icon on the “Desktop”. You will be promptly prompted to use free version product within a month.
You can use the program for free for a month
In the Commander window, find the folder that you previously could not delete. Left-click on it to select it. After that, click on F8.
We find in the program window the folder that we want to delete
Confirm deletion.
Click on “Yes” to delete the folder
The deletion option can also be launched in a way that is more familiar to all users. Right-click and select “Delete” from the large menu.
Select the “Delete” option in the folder context menu

There are a number of manipulations that can help in deleting a “stubborn” folder:

The problem of the inability to delete certain folders is more than solvable. The way out of the situation depends on the type of error: closing the program in which the folder file is open; obtaining full access to sections; changing attributes and even simply rebooting the system in the event of a single failure.

Quite often a situation arises when Windows does not allow you to delete a completely unnecessary, or even completely empty, file. Most often, the system displays a message stating that the file is being used by some mysterious application. Which one specifically? The operating system is silent about this, they say, sort out your problems yourself. So what to do in such a situation? Read the answer below.

Why is this happening?

There are several reasons why a file cannot be deleted. Let's look at each of them separately.

The file cannot be accessed, permission is required

Not the best common reason. Most relevant for PCs used with “guest” account. “Guests” cannot install or uninstall programs, change system settings or its password. In addition, when using such an “account”, the user does not have the rights to write files (edit, delete, etc.) outside his own home folder installed by the administrator. Most often, this access scheme is used on work or school PCs.

Guest account

To delete a write-protected file, contact your administrator or use his account.

Administrator account

However, if you own an account marked "Administrator" and Windows still insists that you do not have access, it is worth checking the read/write permissions the desired file. To do this, right-click on it and select “Properties” from the drop-down list. The Security tab will show a list of all users on your PC and the access rights for each of them. If there is a “Deny” checkbox somewhere, remove it using the “Change” key.

File permissions

File sharing error

The object is in use by another user

The problem is also more relevant for work or school machines that are part of a local network. This error means that the file is currently occupied by another user. To delete such a file, you must either wait until it is “freed” or simply disconnect from the local network.

The disc is write protected

The disk on which the deleted file is located is write-protected; nothing can be written, edited or deleted. More often this problem applies to flash drives and memory cards. With SD cards everything is simple - you need to remove write protection using a special slider on them. This slider overlaps one of the contacts responsible for write operations.

Write protection slider on SD card

And if this problem arose when working with a regular flash drive or hard drive- everything is much worse. File system the media may be damaged. Checking with the appropriate application will help. For example, built in Windows utility"chkdsk". There is detailed information on how to do this.

The file or folder may be in use by some process

File opened in "Aimp"

The most common mistake when deleting files. The file is open in some program and cannot be deleted or edited. To remove it, you need to either close some mysterious program, or, which is much easier, use a special application.

Programs for deleting protected files

Since problems with deleting files arise quite often, there are many programs that can help solve them. Below - a small educational program similar applications.

Unlocker

The most popular file deletion program in the world. More popular, perhaps, is Windows Explorer itself. Uses a special algorithm to search for applications that use the file being deleted. If an application is found, Unlocker either closes it or “frees” the file from it.

The program does not have any separate settings and can be used by even the most inexperienced PC users. Once installed, it integrates into the Explorer context menu, allowing you to delete protected files with a couple of mouse clicks. In addition to deleting, you can rename protected files and move them.

To delete a file using Unlocker, right-click on it and select “Unlocker” from the context menu. A program window will open, displaying all applications that use the desired file. The “Unblock” key will not close the process, but will only free the file from it. The “Delete process” button will forcefully terminate it. In the left part of the same window, you can select an action with the file itself after completing the operation with the processes, for example, delete it or rename it.

Unlocker window

If for some reason the file is not deleted using Unlocker, the program will offer to try to delete it the next time the system reboots. In this case, the file will be deleted before the main applications are loaded.

LockHunter

A more serious tool for deleting files. It features built-in protection against accidental use. Unlike analogues, files are not deleted without leaving a trace, but in the trash, which allows you to restore them if necessary. In addition, LockHunter can search for and neutralize malware and applications that slow down the system as a whole.

IObit Unlocker

One of the most effective and convenient utilities for deleting files and folders. Its key feature is the ability to create a special list of files and folders for monitoring. IObit Unlocker will vigilantly monitor them and notify you when their status changes. Very convenient in some situations. It also supports integration into Explorer and Russian localization.

Which program should I use?

Despite the abundance of such utilities, most users recommend the Unlocker program. Perhaps she actually is the best. An intuitive interface that does not require any additional skills, the absence of unnecessary functions, integration into Explorer and the ability to delete upon boot make Unlocker almost indispensable. In addition, we can also note a “clean” installer, without elements of Yandex, Mail.ru, SafeProtect and other nonsense that they love to shove into the load with small programs. In a word, Unlocker can be safely recommended to everyone who is bothered by undeletable files.

And finally, one more thing. All of the listed applications have only one significant drawback - they will not warn you about deleting important system files. Therefore, it is better to think twice before getting rid of a file that the system itself does not allow you to delete.

Any computer user has at least once encountered a situation where a seemingly simple procedure, such as deleting a file, ended in failure. If this has not happened to you, then either you know how to prevent this situation, or you still have it ahead. That’s why today we’ll talk about how to delete a file or folder that cannot be deleted, and we’ll give several methods for solving this problem. We will help those who are faced with such a situation to solve it; for those who are new to this, they will be fully armed and ready to deal with undeletable files.

Reasons why a folder or file is not deleted

The inability to delete a file can be explained by several reasons:

Insufficient rights to perform the delete operation.
The file is being used by another user or program.
The folder or file is damaged.
The media on which the file of interest is located is protected from writing, and therefore from deletion.

You can solve the problem that has arisen in different ways: take advantage of the opportunities that exist in operating system, or resort to the help of third-party utilities that are designed to perform such actions. Let's look at all the methods for getting rid of unnecessary files.

You just need to make one caveat - are you sure that the file intended for deletion is really unnecessary? Windows OS protects the folders and files necessary for its stable functioning, and attempts to insist on one’s own way can lead to the “crash” of the system and the need to solve completely different problems. Before you start deleting files, make sure that they are truly “garbage”. You should be especially careful when disposing of objects in system folders.

Checking write protection

Before you start any drastic methods, you should make sure that you have the right to delete files. If they are located on flash drives or memory cards, then you need to start with the simplest thing - make sure that the mechanical switch that prevents writing/erasing is not set to the appropriate position that blocks such actions.

Virus check

The file may turn out to be a virus, one or another malware, or a part of it that cannot be removed. If you haven't scanned your computer for viruses in a while, you should do so. If suspicious programs have been found and neutralized, you should try to delete this file.

Checking file access

A helpful way to delete a file in some cases is to restart the computer. It is quite possible that the object that needs to be gotten rid of is the result of a particular program that was uninstalled incorrectly, or it was not done completely, and there are some program modules (DLLs, processes) left in the system that are still running and do not allow deletion. It is quite possible that after restarting the system, unnecessary processes will not work and the file will be freed from unnecessary care. Delete.

Another point is the prohibition on performing write/erase operations in this folder, set by the computer administrator. You need to go to the folder properties, and on the “Security” tab check the granted rights.

If read-only is allowed, then you should give full access to this folder, after which it will be possible to perform any actions with all the files located in it. You should be especially careful with system folders.

Using Task Manager

If, when trying to delete, a message is displayed that the file is open in another program, and a specific process (program) is indicated, then the situation is somewhat simplified, since it is known what exactly is preventing us from getting rid of the file that has become unnecessary.

To do this, simply close this program (if possible), or stop the running process. To do this, you need to open the “Task Manager”, which can be done by pressing the key combination “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “Esc”. After this, on the “Processes” tab, you need to find the process blocking access to the file and terminate it.

After this, you can try to delete the file. Most likely it will work out.

Using the Command Line

The file can be held system process“explorer”, which is responsible for the operation of the taskbar, desktop, etc. If you simply remove this process, then deleting the file may be problematic. At the same time, the command line will allow you to deal with those objects that cannot be deleted using Windows Explorer.

In order to use this tool, you need to launch the command line, for which, after clicking the “Start” button, enter “cmd” in the search field, right-click and select launch mode with administrative rights. A window will open in which you must enter commands to delete the file or folder.

You can try to delete the damaged file using this method.

Deleting a file

The "Del" command is used. You need to enter the line:

Del /F /Q /S<Путь_к_файлу> ,

/F – Forces deletion of files marked as read-only.

/Q – do not issue a confirmation request for the delete operation.

/S – delete subfolders and files in them.

The screenshot shows an example. Naturally, your path will be different.

Deleting a folder

To delete an entire folder, use another command:

Rd/S/Q<Путь_к_папке> ,

/S – delete subfolders and files.

/Q - do not issue a confirmation request for the delete operation.

An example is shown in the following screenshot.

Using Safe Mode

If you cannot stop a process blocking access to a file for one reason or another, or it is unclear what process is interfering, then this method can help, in which the system boots in safe mode. In this case, the required minimum of processes starts, and the one that “held” the file will remain in an inactivated state. You can try deleting the file.

Using a boot disk

It happens that even safe mode does not allow you to get rid of an unnecessary folder or file. Then loading from an external one might help. boot disk. As an option - HDD, on which you want to delete files, you can connect to another computer. Then, after booting from another media, your disk will be connected as a second (third, etc.) disk, the OS on which will not be running. Now all that remains is to find the desired file and delete it.

Using third party programs

In order to solve all problems with access to files and be able to delete them, regardless of whether they are in use or not, there are a number of utilities specifically designed to unlock objects that need to be destroyed.

FileASSASSIN

Free utility, which can be downloaded from the link. Among the advantages of the program are a simple interface, the ability to launch from the command line, unlock and (if such a mode is specified) delete a file.

To get rid of an unnecessary file, you need to specify the path to it, check the “Delete file” box and click the “Execute” button. That's all that needs to be done. If you work with command line you don't want, and also don't want to delve into processes and running programs, That this method– the ability to quickly and effectively solve all problems with blocked files.

Unlocker

Perhaps, the most famous program, known for a long time and used often. You can find it at this link, where it is required versions for 32 and 64 bit OS. There is also a portable version for those who do not like to install many programs on the system, but prefer to run the necessary tools to maintain the system autonomously.

There is one more advantage to using portable versions: when installing such programs, you often install several more utilities, browser extensions, etc., which you don’t need at all, which will annoy you with advertising, and from which, sometimes, you don’t really care. just get rid of it. You have to be careful when installing such software. As a rule, this does not happen with portable versions.

The program itself is extremely simple. When launched, a window will open where you need to specify the location of the file that needs to be deleted.

You just need to click the “Ok” button, after which a new window will appear in which you will need to confirm the action that needs to be performed on the file. If no file locks are found, the following window will appear:

You must indicate what to do with the file - delete, leave as is, transfer, etc.

Other programs

In addition to those listed, there are other utilities that perform the same job. As an example, we can cite: Delete Doctor, Free File Unlocker, MoveOnBoot, Tizer UnLocker, Wize Force Deleter. Their operating principle is similar, so you can choose the one you liked and which helped solve problems with undeletable files or folders.

Conclusion

How to delete files or folders, which method to choose - it all depends on the specific situation. Some people prefer to use specialized “software”, others do not like to clutter the system with many highly specialized utilities and prefer to use all the built-in capabilities of the OS.

The main thing is to have an idea about in different ways problem solving and the ability to apply them in practice. We hope that at least one of the methods we suggested helped you.

When deleting some files through the OS, a notification appears that the operation cannot be completed because the file is in use by another program. Next, you will learn why this happens and what tools you can use to successfully remove unnecessary files.

Description of the problem

If you open a certain file of a registered type in the corresponding program, for example, text editor or music player, it cannot be deleted simply by switching from the editor to Explorer and clicking “Delete”. The operating system will not allow erasure of data that is currently being used in the operation of the PC. In this case, one process (run by the user) tries to erase a file from the storage medium, and another process (run by the operating system or another program) blocks the deletion operation, believing that it will lead to a malfunction or some other problem.

In fact, each of these processes is important and necessary, but it happens that the file to be deleted is not opened by any program, and at the same time the OS does not allow it to be deleted. As a rule, this is due to the following reasons:

Incorrect closing of a file by the program or incorrect termination of the program itself in the last session of its operation.
A virus has entered the PC, and when trying to remove the infected program or the virus itself, it tries to defend itself, not allowing itself to be easily eliminated.
The OS believes that some other user is currently working with the file - either from the same PC, or over the local network. Whether this is actually the case may be unknown, or it may even be known that there is and cannot be any other user. But in any case it is impossible to delete such a file.

Below we will look at several ways in which you can solve the problem of undeletable files.

Simple removal methods

Initially, we suggest you use simple methods solutions to the problem (listed in order of speed):

Reboot PC. Oddly enough, quite often it is this simple measure that allows you to shut down all OS processes and then successfully delete an unnecessary file.
Try renaming the file, if you succeed, then try deleting it (don’t forget to copy this file in advance if you may need it in the future).
Transfer the file to another logical drive/flash drive. If it works, delete it from a new location.
Check the file attributes (they can be changed in the context menu"Properties"). Clear the read-only, hidden, system, archive attributes and try deleting again.
Check the creation date and last change file. If it is clearly inadequate (according to the OS, the file was created in 1980 or was last modified in 2060), try changing the date to a realistic one and delete it.
If this file is typical and can be changed (for example, text in a format for “Word”), try opening it in a program appropriate for the file type, somehow changing the contents, saving the data already in new version, close the program and try to uninstall again. The same method can work with non-standard files, but the likelihood of a successful outcome is reduced.

A fairly simple method for deleting “busy” files and folders using the “Resource Monitor” and stopping the blocking process is described in a short, understandable video:

What should I do if I can't delete a file/folder due to permissions?

No access to file/folder. To delete this file/folder, you need to have “Administrator” rights - if such notifications appear when you try to delete a file/folder, you need to reconfigure the access rights. To do this, you will have to do the following manipulations (example of deleting a folder):

Right-click on the folder, select “Properties” - “Security” - “Advanced”.
In the “Owner” line, change the user to the one under which you are currently working in the system. To do this, you can click “Check names”, then check the box “Replace owner of subcontainers and objects” and click “OK”.
The window “ Windows Security" and for some time the OS will do a "Change of Ownership". Next, the PC will ask: “Do you want to change the permissions for this folder so that you have full control rights?” Answer - “Yes”.
Next, we again see the “Properties” window, the “Security” tab. Click the “Change” button with a shield drawn, that is, we will just change our access rights to this folder, including the right to delete. For each user, put a checkmark in the top line “Full access” and “OK”.
You will have to wait for some period of time, now your access rights to the folder and objects inside it will change. Don’t forget to uncheck the “Read Only” option in the “General” properties tab and confirm this attribute change.

After a short wait, you can usually safely delete the folder. If Windows asks for access rights again, try repeating the described procedure.

All manipulations for deleting a locked folder or file can be seen in the video:

What programs can delete undeletable files?

If none of the above methods helped, then in such a situation you already have to use tools to delete files.

Unlocker

One of the most popular tools in the CIS for deleting files that do not want to be deleted is the Unlocker program. It can be downloaded by following the link to the developer’s website: www.emptyloop.com.

Important! Old Unlocker versions may not work on 64-bit operating systems - Windows 7, 8, 10. Do not download old versions on unknown sites where the content has not been updated for a long time.

There are both installable (built into the operating system) and “portable” versions. Each version has its own minor advantages and disadvantages, but for one-time removal, the portable version is recommended. However, if you regularly experience problems with deleting files, then it is better to install Unlocker.

During installation, it is possible to install Unlocker Assistant. This assistant program is constantly visible in the “Taskbar” and will automatically launch in cases where problems arise with uninstallation.

Working with the portable version of the program is very simple:

Launch Unlocker.
Select the desired file in the window that opens, and you will see processes that do not allow you to delete it. These are “blocking descriptors”.
At the bottom left you can select action options - delete, unblock, transfer.

The principle of using the installed version is almost identical:

Agree and reboot.

Unlocker analogs

Unfortunately, official support Unlocker ended on Windows 7 (which usually does not prevent it from working normally under later versions of the OS), but for trouble-free operation under Windows 8 and Windows 10 it is better to use IObit Unlocker. The interface is very similar, Russified and generally does not cause any difficulties.

DeadLock

Unlike the previous program, this one must be launched on the computer in order to delete the desired file. You can download the application from the link: http://codedead.com/?page_id=822

Instructions for using the program:

Open the application and go to the “File” tab.
Select the file to be deleted.
Right-click on the file, then select “Unlock” or “Remove”.

The disadvantage of this program is that it only supports an English-language interface.

Using Live-CD or Live-flash

A radical way to get rid of an unnecessary file is to start the operating system not with hard drive your PC, but from Live-CD or Live-flash. But for this you need at least the Live-CD itself plus a disk drive for it. It’s better if you have Live-flash (the same thing, but on a flash drive, you don’t need a disk drive), a USB port is enough here:

Insert the Live media into the PC, boot from it (you may need to enter the BIOS).
Find the stubborn file on your HDD and erase it. The OS from the Live media will not object in any case, since for it any file on your PC is a foreign body.
Turn off your PC, remove the Live media, and boot your computer. The previously undeletable file will be deleted.

Unsure users should avoid this method in favor of using special programs described above.

How to remove uninstallable programs

Some companies make it so that after installing their programs, your PC ends up with some additional programs that are completely unnecessary for you, and you did not give conscious consent to their installation. If you cannot remove such programs from the “Programs and Features” list using standard tools along the following path: “Start” - “Properties” - “Programs” - “Uninstall a program”, uninstaller programs will come to the rescue:

Revo Uninstaller Pro is one of the most popular programs for uninstalling other programs. Russified. Completely removes all references to the software being removed not only from the disk, but also from the registry. There is startup control; irrevocably erases not only programs, but also unnecessary files; clears browser histories (not all, you can check by version) and document histories in MS Office; is automatically updated. The unique “hunter mode” allows you to find and remove a program that is not listed in the list of programs.
IObit Uninstaller Free – Removes the entire package associated with the unwanted program. In addition, it has a forced removal function, which helps to remove the most stubborn programs. Allows you to “roll back” Windows updates. Disables browser extensions and plugins. Creates a list installed programs and saves it to a file. Keeps a history of its work (uninstalling programs).
Advanced Uninstaller Pro. Removes cookies and customizes toolbars in browsers. Optimizes the registry file. There's even a font manager for Windows!

If the case turns out to be very difficult, try paid versions uninstallers, for example, Uninstall Tool. If they didn’t help, all you have to do is contact the support service, where a qualified specialist will help you.

How to delete undeletable files from a flash drive

Most of the above methods are suitable for deleting files from a flash drive. In addition, you will always have the “last argument” in stock - complete formatting. After it, there will be no files, folders, or viruses left on the flash drive.

So, if a situation arises where it is impossible to delete a file by normal means, because the operating system (more precisely, some of its visible or hidden process) believes that the files are still in operation, you can use the above instructions to successfully complete the deletion and get rid of unnecessary file.

Users regularly write new information to the PC, erase unnecessary files, install and uninstall applications, create and delete folders. This process is endless.

However, not everything always goes according to plan and the system prohibits the PC owner from performing some actions. Below is a guide on how to delete a non-deletable file or folder on a Windows 7 computer.

The main causes of the problem

There are many reasons why the system does not allow you to remove any component.

Knowing the root of the problem, you can get rid of the unwanted element using Windows 7 itself, and in all other cases third-party applications will help.

Among the main reasons for difficulties when removing a component, the following should be noted:

Blocking it with antivirus software. Sometimes the security utility sends a file to quarantine and waits for the database to be updated to carry out treatment.

In this case, for the computer owner, a reasonable option is complete removal dangerous element, which can be done using the tools of the antivirus program itself.

If the security program does not provide such tools, it is recommended to temporarily deactivate it and manually clean the infected component (in this guide below, specific methods are indicated on how this can be done using the “Seven” tools or third-party utilities);

Removal methods using Windows 7 tools

Before installing third-party utilities, it is advisable to try to use the built-in tools of the Seven.

Through directory properties

The following sequential steps must be performed:

Using Task Manager

Often the procedure is interfered with by some ongoing process.

You will need to complete the following steps:

Restarting Windows 7

This is the simplest method, but very often it turns out to be effective. You just need to restart the PC.

If a normal restart does not lead to success, then you can remove the damaged element by booting into safe mode.

Using third party programs

If there is no positive result from using the methods described above, you will need to use alternative applications.

Some utilities can even remove components involved in the operating system itself. Therefore, when such powerful tools are used, it is recommended to know exactly the purpose of the element being removed, otherwise its uninstallation may lead to a crash in the OS.

Unlocker

This utility is freely distributed and easily erases most user-specified items from the PC's memory.

You need to do the following:

By performing these simple steps, you can forcefully remove any elements that the PC owner wants to get rid of forever. The Revo Uninstaller application has similar functions.

The interfaces of these programs are made in an intuitive style and contain explanatory information, so even a beginner can work in them without first studying the instructions.

However, you should not uninstall items whose purpose the user is not sure of.

Find more popular file manager very difficult. Total Commander (TC) is used by many users, so if this file shell is already installed on the PC, then with its help you can successfully bypass some of the Seven’s prohibitions.

There are many modifications of TC, they differ significantly in interface and number of built-in utilities, but almost all versions successfully cope with the removal of the required elements.

You need to do the following:

Note: instead of a physical button, you can equally well use the special virtual key “F8 Delete” provided by the application developers, which you simply need to click once with the left mouse button.