Trouble renaming folders, always get folder or file is open ?

[bobright]

Ok this is really annoying and I've about had it up to here..

Why is it everytime I want to rename a folder for instance of music, that has never even been opened yet, i always get "The action can't be completed because a folder or file in it is open in another program"??

I could see this happening if I've been playing the songs in these music folders when this occurs, as sometimes the files will linger in itunes or windows media player....but its not the case as I have not even loaded them in itunes.

I simply try and rename a folder and get this crap not always but quite a bit. What file or what could be in use in another program if I've not even opened any files in the darn folder? I never recall this happening with Windows XP

 

[not so gray matter]

You can tell what program is using a file and/or folder by using a simple program called Unlocker:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Unlocker.shtml

Once you find out what program is using the file, you can close it and safely rename/remove the file/folder.

 

[bobright]

Thanks for reply, this program says the folder isnt in use and even allows me to rename the folder(s) within the program. Yet when I want to rename normally I cant - what the heck gives?

This is a bug in Windows 7 and its ridiculous I'm about done with windows altogether, I have used PC since Windows 95 and it NEVER HAD all these problems. I also still cant pin anything to my taskbar. This is a shame.

 

[A Guy]

This is an oddity that doesn't happen to everyone, and it's cause is a 3rd party program usually. You can confirm this by doing a selective startup. But first, 2 things that work for others.

Disable thumbnails in folders

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11738-thumbnail-previews-enable-disable.html

and 2nd is...empty recycle bin.

I'll also suggest emptying temp files, CCleaner can actually do that and empty recycle bin easily enough.

Now if you want to nail down what is causing this, you're in for some detective work. Start with doing a selective startup

Start> Type msconfig in the search box> Enter

On the General tab> Click Selective Startup

Under Selective Startup> Unclick Load Startup Items

Click on Services tab> Click the Hide All Microsoft Services box> Click Disable All

Click OK

Click Restart

After restart, see if the problem is gone, you can troubleshoot what is causing it

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

To return to normal startup


Start> Type msconfig in the search box> Enter

On the General tab> Click Normal Startup> OK

Restart when prompted

A Guy

 

[thebirdbath]

MS needs to fix

This is in fact a huge bug in my opinion.

I'm on a reasonably new install of W7 (1 month) and I just downloaded about 20 zip files for a project. I'm unzipping each one and then renaming the directory that comes out of the zip. Problem is, it won't let me. It says its open in another program.

I have to actually click around on other things, open something new up and basically distract the OS's attention away on something else and then I can come back and rename the file.

Yeah, MS. This needs to be fixed. A quick google search shows many other people having this same problem dating back to Vista.

 

[Seeliewight]

A stupid question: is the directory still open in the zip program?

Another way to see which program has the file open is to run "Sysinternals Process Explorer". Once it is running, use the "Find DLL or File Handle" option and type in your directory name. It will give you a list of programs that has the directory open - you can then find your culprit.

This could also be an issue with your Anti Virus or other security program. Can you try renamiing with all of these disabled?

Hope this helps!

 

[whs]

At times I have encountered the same problem. A simple reboot usually fixes it. With a reboot, all handles are being released and the folder(s) should be "available".

 

[MacGyvr]

I have the same issue quite often. I just end up using Unlocker to do the job. I'll be damned if I'm going to reboot every time I want to delete a folder.

 

[whs]

I have the same issue quite often. I just end up using Unlocker to do the job. I'll be damned if I'm going to reboot every time I want to delete a folder.

A reboot is my fastest option (about 30 seconds).

 

[fourzerofive]

I just go contol+Alt+Del open windows task manager click on services tab then stop the windows media player network sharing service.

 

[fourzerofive]

I just go contol+Alt+Del open windows task manager click on services tab then stop the windows media player network sharing service.

This is just for my media files of course.

 

[Cosbie]

OK, here's what works for me:

1. Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/View

2. From 'Advanced Settings' (list box in View tab), check the 'Always show icons never thumbnails' check box and click 'Apply'

This works for me. The reason given to me was that that if you set Explorer to display thumbnails, it will automatically open all of them in the folder you are viewing. The 'program' that has them open is MS Picture Manager.

The downside of not displaying thumbnails is that your pictures won't display automatically. You will have to right click on the file and select 'Preview'

Hope it works for you