Windows 7: Can not delete file just says preparing to recycle

Hello,

I have found that some files on an external HD will not transfer across when I try to move them to my laptop I get an error about that particular file. As it turns out I don't actually need this file anymore so I tried to delete it however when ever I try to click on the file it doesn't respond and I need task manager or if I try to delete it it just says preparing to recycle and will not do anything it just stays like this for ages until I hit cancel.... Any ideas?

Thanks

You could try using one of these free utilities to see if it will delete the file for you.

UNLOCKER 1.9.1 BY CEDRICK 'NITCH' COLLOMB

Malwarebytes : Remove any locked file with FileASSASSIN

As to why some files won't delete, it's hard to say. Your user account could be damaged or corrupt. You could create a new user account and see if that will let you delete the file.

User Account - Create

Does the file have a lock icon? Have you used any kind of encryption software? If you right-click on the file does a context menu open up with a "Share with" option? As I said, there are many possibilities why you can't delete it.