Having problems deleting a file or folder?

More than likely another software program happens to be using the file or folder at a particular time, or for some reason another program has a 'lock' on the file or folder, preventing its access.

If you are SURE the file or folder is not important, you may be able to delete it by rebooting your system, then trying again. If that still doesn't work, consider booting Windows XP into 'Safe Mode'. This is a special diagnostic mode of Windows XP that, among other things, does not run most of Windows XP's startup jobs. This way, another software program should not get the lock on your particular file or folder.

To enter Safe Mode:

1. Restart your machine.

2. Once the computer has performed the memory and/or BIOS test (depending on the manufacturer), hold down the F8 key.

3. The "Windows XP Advanced Options" menu should appear. Select "Safe Mode".

If this doesn't work, or your machine shows a "Keyboard error", reboot your system and try again. Tap the F8 key a little later in the boot process.

Once you have entered Safe Mode, now try deleting your file or folder.

If this still doesn't work, use the information in Microsoft Knowledge Base article 308421 to take ownership of a file, then try removing it. More information can be found at URL: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?
scid=kb;en-us;308421

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