File locking problem.

[OliStabilize]

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

 

[Lemur]

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

 

[OliStabilize]

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

 

[fseal]

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.

 

[OliStabilize]

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

 

[Lemur]

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

 

[OliStabilize]

Spec's Updated.

Thanks
Oli

 

[JimLewandowski]

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.

 

[OliStabilize]

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

 

[OliStabilize]

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

 

[Lemur]

Please try the Intel update utility:

Intel® Driver Update Utility

You have two gpus for your notebook?

 

[JimLewandowski]

We could always take a stab and run a lock (Kernel) trace and see if that magical trace output can shed any light.

 

[OliStabilize]

I have switch able GPU's in the laptop.

3rd time lucky with the install it seems, I've just reinstalled my AV and the problem has reappeared. So looks like my AV was causing the problem after all.

NOD32 Anti-Virus 5.

I'm not sure if others are having any issues but I couldn't find anything else about it.

Thanks for all your help, I'm sorry it didn't turn out to be more complicated.

Oli

 

[JimLewandowski]

The correct answer was Microsoft Security Essentials.

 

[Lemur]

always +1 for mse

 

[OliStabilize]

hehe

Cheers guys

 

[OliStabilize]

Well looks like my issue is back.

It really does seem to be haunting me.

Going to have to reinstall windows again and pay more attention inbetween software installs.

What was the kernel trace idea? Wouldn't mind giving that a shot.

Thanks

 

[OliStabilize]

Well it seems the problem has appeared again after another fresh install.

It seemed to appear after a touchpad driver install, Synaptics jobby or a certain amount of restarts (there's a fair few going through each driver).

Removing the driver does not seem to fix it.

Any of suggestions?

Thanks
Oli

 

[fseal]

Well sadly in this case maybe it's an "issue" with the hard drive controller or driver or possibly the harddrive BIOS itself? May be a long shot but... if it's a problem on a completely stock (but updated) windows install...

You can try switching from IDE to AHCI mode or visa versa, that loads an entirely different driver. Or, if the SATA chipset is an intel chipset you can try installing the intel "iastore" driver instead of the microsoft driver... and then there is updating the BIOS on your harddrive which may be a touch scary (Though people do it al lthe time with no trouble generally).

 

[OliStabilize]

I was seriously contemplating it being a hardware related issue. I have installed the Intel iastore driver with no different results before and after.

Unfortunately Sony don't like people having the freedom to mess about with things in there bios's pretty much locked down with the most advanced option being able to toggle virtualisation (Yeah.. Thanks Sony).

I havn't looked into firmware upgrades for the hard drive. But this being a customized laptop from Sony its hard to actually find anything about it (Doesn't even exist on there 'Register your product page').. Again Thanks Sony ..

I never had this problem on the oem windows that came with it, at least not that I can remember anyway.

I would phone support and query it but past dealings has had them asking me 'if it is definitely plugged in?' (No really) and when I asked about sata 6gb support prior to purchasing they were adamant that it fully support 6mb drives.

Plus it costs loads to phone them ¬¬.

Again thanks for all your help, I will keep plodding on and tinkering.
Oli