When I try to delete the file, using the GUI it says
The action cannot be completed because the file is open in another
program
And using the del /f /q
command line it says
Access is denied
I have tried unlocking the file with Unlocker, as well as trying to locate which process is using the file with the Resource Monitor or the Process Explorer, but no locking handle was found in either case.
I am able to rename or move the file, but not to delete it or change its content.
Best Answer
We are always glad to help, but just to double-check (since you didn't elaborate), are you certain that this isn't a critical operating system file?
If you are confident that this isn't an essential OS or application file, you can always utilize a Linux Live CD of some type and navigate to the file accordingly. Under those circumstances, it won't be constrained by the Windows operating system and can easily be deleted.
If you are trying to completely delete the
Windows.old
folder, that is understandably frustrating. I have encountered similar problems following a Windows 10 upgrade, and was finally able to delete it by booting into a command prompt. Try utilizing the following method:shutdown /r /o /f /t 00
in the subsequent window, then press EnterAfter the system reboots, click on Troubleshoot
Click on Advanced Options
Click on Command Prompt
The ensuing window will ask you to Choose an account to continue
diskpart
and press Enter (as seen below)list volume
and press EnterIn the command prompt, type
exit
and press EnterEnsure that you substitute "D" in the command below with the actual drive letter of your Windows drive as displayed from step 10 (above).
RD /S /Q "D:\Windows.old"
and press Enter(Source: How to Delete Windows.old Folder in Windows 10)