Windows 7 - File locking problem.

Hello there, I am new to this forum and I apologize if this is in the wrong place.

I seem to have a haunting problem that has followed me over an operating system reinstall twice now and the problem is this:

The main issue is when using Visual Studio Express (but not limited to) if I recompile a program it fails saying that it was unable to delete the previous executable but If I wait a couple of minutes and try again it goes through flawlessly.

Also when trying to install programs like Steam It fails on the same error, unable to delete the executable that it tries to overwrite.

It also crops up when trying to delete executable of a recently opened program especially if trying to delete the folder that the executable resides in.

I have spent many hours searching for an answer and found no working solution. The issue has followed me onto a completely fresh windows 7 install (from Home Premium to Ultimate), which is 100% legit.

Everything points to permission errors but I have tried everything I can think of.

Any thoughts or ideas as to solving the issue?

Many Thanks
Oli

It almost sounds like the process is still running.

Take a look at this link:

c# - Visual Studio build fails: unable to copy exe-file from obj\debug to bin\debug - Stack Overflow

Is the folder being shared with a virtual pc?

Run process explorer to see what's tying up the executable:

Process Explorer

Thanks for the fast reply.

I have taken a look at this before and it didn't work for me.

What baffles me is why its happening on a system wide scale. I just tried the process explorer and it shows that the executable gets killed off when it should and the error still comes up on a rebuild.

I've been using windows 7 since it was leaked many moons ago but I have never had to deal with this before.

I know that everything would suggest otherwise but the only thing I can think of is a hardware issue.

Thanks
Oli

Hmm, this may happen with AV software sometimes but usually only if the program is run for a very short period of time. The AV software will frequently do a quick scan on an exe when it is launched, (before it is actually launched) and releasing the file may lag a bit after launch possibly... Could try disabling your AV software if you have any and see if it goes away.

I had previously tried this before the reinstall and tried it again before any antivirus was installed and with Defender disabled as well..

Thanks
Oli

If this is happening on a new install, I wonder if it could be a driver-related issue? Please post your system specs:

http://www.sevenforums.com/profile.php?do=extra

Spec's Updated.

Thanks
Oli

If you got Task Manager >> Resource Monitor up and running to get the handle list for VS C++, maybe you could search on the .exe in question to get that at the top of the display (can't recall how to do a handle/search display search results). Then, maybe you can figure out what's happening.

I've had a look down that route before and nothing strange seems to be happening.. Nothing is locking it and the program isn't still running.. I'm currently doing a 3rd install.. And going to trial and error every driver and program that I install and see which one is the culprit.. If that fails then I might revert back to windows xp..

Many thanks
Oli

So a complete bare bones install has shown no issues with compiling and even installed steam without a problem.

No third party drivers have been installed except for the wifi card and Windows update has not been enabled.

Will post if I find the culprit.

Many thanks
Oli