How to delete a folder completely from your computer. How to delete a folder if it won't delete

Any computer user has at least once encountered a situation where, when trying to delete a folder (or file), the operating system Windows system does not allow this, displaying a message stating that they are open in another program.

It would seem that there is nothing simpler: just close everything active applications and obstacles to removal unnecessary folder will be eliminated. But it often happens that even after closing all programs, the operating system still gives out the same annoying message.

There may be many reasons for this, the main ones being the following:

• System error;
• actual use of the object by another program;
• data corruption;
• use of a folder or file by the system;
• presence of viruses or malicious files.

And deletion unnecessary objects is often simply necessary, since they take up space and sometimes can even significantly slow down the performance of the entire system as a whole. What to do in such cases?

How to delete a folder if it says that it is open in another program

If, after closing all programs and applications, the operating system continues to consider that the folder is occupied by another process, you will have to use more complex actions. There are several ways to solve the problem:

using the task manager;

using a special utility;

entering safe control mode;

using the console and special commands.

Since the reason why a folder cannot be deleted is not always obvious, you will have to apply these methods sequentially.

Often the best answer to this question is to simply restart the computer. It’s not for nothing that professional programmers have a saying: “seven troubles – one reset.” Often, after restarting, any version of the operating system can easily delete unnecessary objects.

Using Task Manager

If even after a reboot the notorious message continues to appear when trying to uninstall, then most likely some program or application continues to work in “hidden” or “sleep” mode.

In this case, turning to the built-in system task manager can help. It is called by pressing the key combination “Ctrl”, “Alt” and “Delete”. In the window that appears, all running applications and work processes.

By switching between the corresponding tabs, you can stop the operation of a particular program by right-clicking on it.

If it is not known which program is using the folder being deleted, then effective way is to stop all running applications (“cancel task”). Then you should try to remove it again. There are still questions on the topic of how to delete a folder on a computer if the system says that it is open in another program, then read on.

Note! Sometimes problems with deleting unnecessary objects are associated with blocked rights. Sometimes Windows requires the user to have higher hierarchical authority for operations with certain objects. In this case, you must log in as (or with rights) an administrator and the operation to delete the required objects will be successful.

Application of special programs and utilities

If the methods listed above do not have the desired effect, you can use specialized program. One of the most popular, powerful and effective free utilities Unlocker is of this kind.

Using this uninstaller is quite simple. After downloading and installing the program, when selecting an object to be deleted, right click mouse, in the drop-down context menu the corresponding line appears. All you have to do is click on it, select the “no action” option, click “delete” and confirm by clicking “ok”.

After the manipulations performed complete removal The junk folder should become accessible after a reboot.

Other ways to delete folders and files

There are also alternative methods deleting files and folders that require certain knowledge in using a computer, special programs and system files.

1. Using Safe Mode. The advantage of this method is that it is safe Windows mode does not load system dialog libraries. This is important in cases where the system is infected with a virus. To log in, you must press the F8 key several times when you turn on the computer. Then you need to select “safe mode”. A black screen should appear, without wallpaper or other embellishments. Now you can try to delete the unnecessary folder in the usual way. After which you need to reboot the system.
2. System rollback. When you click “Start” - “Run”, a command line appears in which you need to enter the command “msconfig” and click “ok”. The “System Configuration” window will appear on the monitor. In the “General” tab, you must select “Run system recovery”, then “Restore more than early state computer”, then – “Next”. On the calendar that appears, you need to select a date on which the folder to be deleted did not yet exist. This operation may lead to the loss of some information, but personal and system ones will not be affected.
3. You can try typing in the command line line chkdsk c:/f/r and press Enter. Here "c" is the drive name. If the non-deletable folder is on another drive, then you need to enter its name. After the disk scan is completed, its results will be displayed on the monitor. Next, enter the command exit and press the Enter key. After the system reboots, you can try to delete the folder in the usual way.

Thus, to solve the problem with the inability to delete a folder or file when the Windows operating system ( latest versions, starting with XP) writes that they are busy with another program, you can various methods. Try to perform the operations listed above in order. Most likely, one of the methods will achieve the desired effect!

Everyone has no necessary files, which are then deleted, but what to do if folder is not deleted. There is a problem in which the OS does not allow you to get rid of an unnecessary folder or writes that the file is open and cannot be erased.

Causes of the problem

You need to understand why the folder is not deleted:

1. The antivirus application was blocking the data. If the antivirus considers the file infected or does not trust it, the program quarantines suspicious data and offers to disinfect the code. If treatment is delayed, the antivirus simply blocks the user from all access to data.
2. The folder is used by other programs. You need to remember if there is software that can use this file. If there is, close the applications and delete the file. If that doesn’t work, go to “Task Manager” and check to see if the application is active.
3. To clear a folder, administrator rights are required. When working under account with limited privileges, log out and log back in with administrator rights, and try to get rid of the folder again.
4. The file is being used by someone local network. Wait for it to finish and clean up.
5. The OS uses the data. Restart or try clearing data in security mode.

How to delete a folder that won't delete

When deleting a folder, the system gives us a window in which it writes the reason for the rejection of the uninstallation. There are different arguments, but one of them is that the data is involved, you will have to make it free before uninstalling it.

We do the following:

1. IN Windows versions 7 and XP press Ctrl + Alt + Del, and in Windows 8 and Windows 10 Windows + X. Go to the “Task Manager”.
2. We look through the processes and find an application that can potentially use the folder.
3. We delete the file itself.
4. When the file is used by the explorer.exe process, launch the console with administrator rights, cancel the task by entering the full_path_to_the_file for cleaning in the del line.

Return to the desktop, you can do this: run explorer.exe, to do this in the task manager select “File”, “ New task" and "explorer.exe".

Removing a locked file via bootable media

If a folder on your computer cannot be deleted, there is another method to get rid of it. Need to start with LiveCD disk or restorative Windows flash drives. When using the disk we can use both graphical interface, and the console.

The first step is to get an idea of ​​the directories on the disk using the dir command, then use del path_to_file.

When using a flash drive or disk, press Shift + F10 to enter the console. Select “Restore system”, the link is in the installation program.

It is best to always check the drive letter from which the folder is being deleted, as they do not always match those displayed in the system.

A program for deleting folders that cannot be deleted – Unlocker

Folder not being deleted from desktop? - it was created for just such a case Unlocker utility. The application is free, it helps to detect all processes and locked files, and makes it possible to delete data. In the utility, you can rename files and extensions, as well as move a locked file.

Removing an unnecessary file is easy:

1. Install the program.
2. RMB click on the file.
3. Select "Unlocker".
4. Click delete and confirm by clicking “OK”

When a folder is locked, another window appears. In it, first click on “Unblock all”, and then “Delete”.

The folder is not deleted, what should I do?

We try to delete using a file manager - Total Commander. This manager allows you to bypass some restrictions.

We perform the removal:

1. Load the FAR manager or Total Commander.
2. After installation, look for the folder in the list.
3. Click Delete.

The advantage of the manager is the detection of hidden and encrypted data. If the folder is not deleted, open it in the manager and look for hidden files; they are the ones that are interfering. To correct the situation, go to “Task Manager” - “Processes” - find the file - click “End Process”. After this we delete the section.

Delete using autoload

So, open “Start”, click “Run”. Enter msconfig and click OK. “System Setup” will be displayed. Go to “Startup” and find a file that is not removed.

Not finding the folder in this list, click “Disable all” - “Apply”, “Close”. A notification will appear that the changes will take effect after a restart. We reboot and try to delete the folder.

Removal using short names

Another method is to use a short name, because it may contain invalid characters. We go to the folder, to find out what the short name should look like, enter the command DIR /X or DIR /X /N, it will show all the files with their short names. A short name allows 8 characters per name and 3 characters per extension.

Press DEL to clear the folder by short name.

If you still have questions on the topic “What to do if the folder is not deleted?”, you can ask them in the comments

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Being the rightful owner of our computer, we naively think that it must obey us in everything. But no! Even this simple task like deleting a file or folder, it can be quite nerve-wracking. How many times did this window appear when trying to empty an unnecessary/empty folder?

Such files and folders appear as a result incorrect actions user. They can stay on your computer for a long time, take up space, and it is impossible to open, rename or delete it.

How to delete files and folders that are not deleted?

So, if when you try delete file or folder a dialog box appears, please read the message carefully. Perhaps the file is open in some program, which does not allow the system to delete it. For example, you are trying to delete a movie that is either still running in the player (the process is not stopped), or the file is being distributed via µTorrent. Or are you trying to delete a folder that contains music in this moment playing in the music player.

First of all, you should restart your computer, usually after this the folder is deleted without problems. If the file is still not deleted, you should carefully review running programs, the process may not be stopped or the folder may store encrypted data, in which case you need to uncheck the “encrypt data” box. Another option for the inability to delete a folder is if its name matches the name of the system folder. I hope everyone remembers that deleting system folders is not recommended? Then you need to check for viruses, since some viruses can block files, protecting them from being deleted. Attention! Important information, if you delete a folder, and it appears again and again on your computer, then most likely it is a virus, and you need to either install an anti-virus program, or update it, or install a new anti-virus program and perform full check for the presence of viruses. Another method for deleting such a folder is to try to cut it out and move it to a flash drive, later the flash drive can be formatted, the main thing is not to forget that formatting will delete all information from the flash drive, so the necessary files must be transferred to your PC.

So you can use one more method. You should go to the folder properties, and in the “Tools” section, select the “View” submenu, uncheck the “Use simple” general access to files" and save changes.

In the “Security” tab, you should open “Advanced” and in this menu uncheck all the checkboxes for the reading and execution items. Save the changes and try deleting the folder again.

You can also use it to delete conductor Total Commander, it displays locked files and folders. If you are using this explorer, you should launch it, then press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to launch Task Manager. Once you find an encrypted file in Total Commander, you should also look for it in the processes displayed in the task manager. If such a process has been found, then it should be stopped, after which delete a file.

There are also special programs for and folders. One of them, Unlocker, is very popular. Once you download and install it, you can move, rename, combine and delete locked files and folders. When installing the program, you should carefully read the test and clear unnecessary checkboxes, otherwise you risk installing unnecessary home page your browser and useless software. After installing the program, you right-click on the file or folder to be deleted, select “Unlocker” in the context menu

Then a window appears

at the top of which all the processes that are currently working with this file are listed, and at the bottom in the context menu you can choose what to do with this file, delete it, copy it, rename it or move it. For deleting a folder It is necessary either through the Task Manager or in the program itself to stop the processes. In the program you, by highlighting necessary files, click on “Unblock all”.

Well, that’s all, now the annoying folder can be deleted without difficulty!

I can only wish you success in the fight against folders that cannot be deleted!

Hi all. I propose to talk today about files that are not deleted from the computer. After all, there are always a lot of files on your computer, you download them from the Internet, dump them from a flash drive, and create them yourself. Each user periodically deletes unnecessary files. Some people do this just to free up disk space, others for security purposes, and others just to keep their computer in order. But it happens that the selected file is not deleted. The system writes that there is no access to it or that it is occupied by another process or is being used by another program. Also, sometimes a file is not deleted from the computer due to the fact that you do not have sufficient rights to do this.

Is it possible to delete such files from the computer?

If you are wondering how to delete a file that is not deleted, then you probably have good reasons destroy it. But you need to be careful and pay attention to what these files are and in which folders they are located. Often, novice users want to free up more space on their hard drive, so they go to system files and try to remove what is being used operating system. Even such files can be deleted, but this will lead to errors in the computer or make it impossible to boot. But in fact it will free up a very small amount of space.

Before deleting a file, you should analyze what it does and how it ended up on your computer. If you downloaded the program, installed it, but now want to delete the downloaded files, then you will not always be able to do this. They can still be used by the system until the next reboot. You can safely delete everything that you personally downloaded from the Internet. But sometimes such files may not be deleted. Let's figure it out.

The easiest way is to reboot

If the file is not removed from your computer and you see a message that it is being used by a process or program, then you need to restart your device. The main point here is that it is actually being used by a program or process, you don't see it, but the computer is using the file in its operation. For example, you opened a photo in a photo editor and made some changes, then saved the new one and closed the program. But when trying to delete old file problems arise. This is because you closed the program, but the process froze and did not close, the photo is attached to this process and you do not have the opportunity to delete it. In other words, the system has failed.

As a rule, restarting the computer closes all processes and programs, frees RAM from unnecessary information and you are calm, in a standard way, delete the file from your computer. Therefore, it makes sense to start removing from the very simple way, only after that proceed to further attempts.

Terminate the process manually

It is not always possible to restart the computer, because the programs you need may be open at the moment and you do not want to start your work from the very beginning. In this case, you can try to complete it yourself open process, which uses the file to delete. The uninstall error message usually indicates which program or process is using this file. Therefore, you need to go to the task manager, find this file and complete it.

Press the key combination Ctrl + Alt + Del and select " Task Manager».

Launch Task Manager

After that, you need to go to the “ Processes", find the process that was displayed in the error message. If such a process exists, then you right-click on it and select “ End the process" or " Cancel task" After the process is stopped, you can make another attempt to delete the file; if everything was done correctly, the file should be deleted from the computer without the need to reboot.

Select “End process” or “End task” (depending on your OS)

The file is not deleted due to insufficient access rights

Another common mistake when deleting is that you do not have access rights to perform this operation. This happens quite often, so you may encounter this problem. If a file cannot be deleted from your computer due to lack of access, then you need to analyze what kind of file it is. We decided that you shouldn’t delete everything on your computer; if you didn’t create or download this file, then you don’t always need to delete it.

The thing is that the developers of the operating system foresaw that inexperienced users they will try to delete something that should not be deleted, as the computer will stop working. That is why some system files are in a special legal field; only the system can gain unlimited access to them, only it can change and delete them. Therefore, you can delete such a file only by loading via LiveCD or having received system rights. You can do it, but is it worth it?

In order to make further actions with a file like this, you need to know what you are trying to delete. If you have a certain system file name in front of you, then you can surf the Internet without special problems find information about it and immediately understand whether you can delete it or whether it is better to leave everything as is. Very often, viruses are hidden under such system files, so they must be removed using antivirus program.

Deleting files via booting from LiveCD

Sometimes reboots and termination of various processes do not give you any positive result, the files are still not deleted from the computer. In this case, there is a win-win option, but it is accessible to more experienced users. But even a beginner, with a strong desire, can figure it out this method and implement it on your own. Its main essence is to boot under another, independent operating system, enter the file system and delete all unnecessary files.

In most cases, it is your operating system that does not allow you to delete this or that file that, in its opinion, it really needs. This is necessary for protection system information. It is the OS that does not give you access rights, it is the OS that uses the files in various processes and programs. The file itself is simple information on the disk, so deleting it without an OS is quite easy. But initially you need to do boot disk or a flash drive with LiveCD.

There is a lot of information on the Internet regarding this and the drive, so you won't have any problems. Once you boot from such a system, you can do whatever you want with your files on the disk. But remember that now there is no room for error; if you delete something that was not worth it, the computer will not be able to boot normally or will work with errors.

How to delete a file with Unlocker

If the file is not deleted from the computer and you see various errors, then it can help in solving this problem Unlocker program. This is absolutely free program, which you can easily download from the official website. The program is lightweight and installs in a few seconds. Immediately after installation, a new item appears in the context menu that appears when you right-click on a file.

When you right-click on a file, a new item appears

By clicking on this item, you will see a program window asking you to select what needs to be done with this file. In the drop-down list, you need to select the delete command and then say goodbye to the file. The program bypasses most of the obstacles in deleting a file and completes the task without any problems. But again you need to be careful in what you do. You must understand that this way you can delete system files without problems and obstacles, which is not a good idea.

Also pay attention to the fact that very often such programs spread viruses, which will worsen the performance of your computer. If you download Unlocker program, then do this only on the official website or from trusted sources. Be responsible about what you download onto your computer, and especially what programs you install. Sometimes after installation you don’t get exactly the new functions you expected, and you have to take your computer in for repairs.

It happens that you simply need to delete a folder or file, but Windows does not allow you to do this and writes about errors like " this process busy" or "the folder is not empty" or something else. Maybe you found some folder or file that you "didn't like" and want to delete it. Maybe you know exactly what it is " unnecessary trash"which only takes up space, but Windows complains and doesn’t allow it. In general, it’s not so important Why can't I delete it?, How many How to delete and in this article you will find answers to this question.

Most often, such situations occur due to the fact that the files being deleted are occupied by other programs. But it also happens that it is impossible to delete a file even after closing all applications that can use this file. For example, a file or folder may become locked due to incorrect user actions and cannot be deleted in any way. These folders (files) remain “hanging” on the hard drive, take up space, and are not opened or deleted.

The file may not be deleted due to a failure that occurred during the process of writing or overwriting it. If you interrupt the recording process, the file is not completely saved, resulting in invalid entries in file system. And our beloved Windows, not knowing how to handle it, simply closes access to it, supposedly for security reasons.

So, let's start dancing with a tambourine!

Why is the file not deleted?

1) The file was blocked by an antivirus program. This often happens when an antivirus quarantines a file. Or the antivirus detected malware, but the treatment was postponed (waiting for its databases to be updated). In this case, in order to avoid infecting the computer, the user is blocked from accessing this file. Check the quarantine of your antivirus program and delete the file using the antivirus itself, or disable the antivirus and delete the file manually.

2) The file is being used by another program. Think about what programs might use this file. Close them and try deleting the file again. If this doesn't help, use Task Manager to check the process list to see if the program is still running.

3) Administrator rights are required to delete a file. If you are running under a user account, log in again as an administrator and try deleting the file.

4) The file is being used by another user on the local network. Please wait and try deleting the file later.

5) The file is being used by the system. Try deleting the file after restarting your computer or in safe mode.

6) The device is write protected. For example, SD memory cards and some USB flash drives have a special switch to lock the device.

There are several removal methods, I will start with the simplest and most effective ones and gradually move on to more complex ones.

1. Method:

Reboot

We programmers have a saying: “7 troubles - one reset.” You can figure out what it means yourself

But the point of the method is that you need to restart the computer and try to delete the file/folder again.

2. Method:

Safe mode

You need to log in in Safe Mode.

What is the benefit of booting the system in safe mode? The thing is that Windows does not load its libraries to execute dialogs. To put it simply, if you have a virus on your computer (and this is possible), then in this safe mode it will not perform any actions. In this mode there is nothing superfluous, just a clean OS and a person.

In order to enter this mode, when you turn on the computer and after loading the BIOS (or in general you can from the very beginning of the “black screen” boot), press the key intensively without ceasing F8(no need to press and hold!!!). A black screen will appear in which you need to use the keys on your keyboard to select Additional options boot, and there’s already Safe Mode (or just Safe Mode, you don’t need to select all sorts of things. With support command line And so on. And so it will do) and press Enter. If you did everything correctly, the system will boot and in the lower right corner there will be an inscription Safe Mode (it may also be in all corners). Don't be afraid of the black screen that will appear) without wallpaper and beauty.

Now you need to find the file that you just couldn’t delete and try to delete it. In any case (it worked or not), reboot.

3. Method:

Through the Unlocker program

It is precisely for such purposes that the good guys wrote such a program called Unlocker. This is a very small, free program for unlocking files running on Windows. This utility allows you to close open file blockers, thereby making it possible to perform further actions on these files. Those. the program shows all processes blocking a file (folder) and can delete it, despite all the blockers.

In addition, the program allows you to rename files and their extensions or move a locked file to another location. This is also very convenient, because... Windows does not always allow you to do this quickly and calmly.

When installing, DO NOT agree to the proposed toolbar (or you really need it, then click Next) and uncheck Install Babylon Toolbar - RECOMMENDED. Otherwise, the installation is normal - everywhere Next I Accept Install and that’s it)

Just right-click on the file that is not being deleted (not moved/renamed) in the usual way and select the program icon from the menu. A window should appear in which you select Delete from the list and press the button OK.

If the file or folder is blocked, another window will appear. First you need to press the button Unlock everything, and then Delete.

For those who don’t know what the bit depth is on the system, read

4. Method:

Through file managers

Of all the most popular and frequently used file managers the most popular is Total Commander.

File managers have the ability to bypass some Windows bans, which we will use.

To delete a non-deletable file, we will need to download one of these file managers, FAR or Total Commander (I use Total Commander Podarok Edition). After downloading and installation, find your file in the list of directories and delete it by clicking either the right mouse button and selecting Delete, or Delete key on keyboard.

These managers also have good opportunity- see everything that is hidden and encrypted (especially different colors, like mine). If your folder is not deleted, then go into it through the manager and see what’s there. If you see hidden file, that means he is interfering. Then launch Task Manager ( ctrl+shift+esc), go to the Processes tab and look for this file in the list (it’s also a good idea to click on the button at the bottom left of the Display the processes of all users manager), find and finish (del or RMB -> End process or the End process button in the lower right corner). The application is the same with files, we look for the file name and “kill”.

5. Method:

Another option with Unlocker

If your folder is not deleted, it says something like “folder is not empty,” then create new folder on the same disk, transfer undeletable folders to a new folder, delete the new folder using Unlocker

6. Method:

Using startup

Click “Start” => “Run” => In the “Run” line, enter msconfig => Click OK. You will see the System Setup window. Go to the “Startup” tab and in the list of downloadable items, find a name similar to your “not deleted” file.

If there is no such file in the list, then click on the “Disable all” button. Click on the “Apply” => “Close” button. The operating system will issue a warning that all changes made by the system setup program will take effect only after rebooting the computer. Click the "Reboot" button. The computer will restart. After downloading, try deleting the “undeletable” file again.

7. Method:

Using System Restore

In the “System Settings” window (which was the same as in the previous paragraph), select “General”. Click on the “Run System Restore” button. In the window that appears, select the option “Restore the computer to an earlier state”, click “Next”. In a new window, you will see a calendar in which you can select a system restore date. Select a date when the "not deleted" file was not on the computer. Click "Next". Don't worry, System Restore will not affect your personal files.

8. Method:

Lack of access rights to delete files

Right-click on the problematic object and select "Properties" from the drop-down list

In the window that opens, select the “Security” tab

Highlight your name in the list and select "Full Control"

- “Apply” and “OK”

Trying to delete

9. Method:

Use a different operating system.

Try booting from a removable disk (or CD/DVD) (LiveCD or LiveUSB) with a different operating system. Then delete the file/folder.

10. Method:

Move somewhere.

Sometimes it helps to move (cut) the folder to an empty flash drive and then format it.

11. Method:

In the window, type the command chkdsk c: /f/r and click Enter, it should be taken into account that c: is the name of the disk that needs to be checked. If the drive you are checking has a different letter, then write it.

If the drive being checked is C:, then when you press Enter You will be prompted to check it the next time you reboot. When asked whether to check or not at the next reboot, enter Y and press Enter.

If the disk name is different, the scan will begin immediately. At the end of the check, the result of the check will appear. Type exit and click Enter.

Now you can delete a file that you did not want to delete. In the case of drive C, simply restart the computer and after checking, delete the non-deletable file.

12. Method:

If you open the command line via Start - All Programs...run the process as an administrator (RMB and Run as Administrator) and move to the folder with the non-deletable file (or folder) using the cd \ command in order to be in the root directory disk, and then cd folder_name to go to the desired folder.