something won't let me delete a file
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All, I've a situation where I'd like to delete a directory and I'm told that I can't because something won't let me (I forget the exact message I got). It's a directory that I've created and I would think that I could delete it, but ... Is there a way (preferrably a utility of some sort) to determine what is holding onto it? Awhile back, I think that I remember someone asking about how to determine who is holding onto a file that couldn't be moved/deleted or something to that affect. Again, if I remember correctly, someone else said that there was a utility that would somehow determine who was holding/touching/whatever so that the OS wouldn't let it be operated on. Does this sound familar to anyone? I tried searching the lounge but apparently didn't remember the correct keywords. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mike
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All, I've a situation where I'd like to delete a directory and I'm told that I can't because something won't let me (I forget the exact message I got). It's a directory that I've created and I would think that I could delete it, but ... Is there a way (preferrably a utility of some sort) to determine what is holding onto it? Awhile back, I think that I remember someone asking about how to determine who is holding onto a file that couldn't be moved/deleted or something to that affect. Again, if I remember correctly, someone else said that there was a utility that would somehow determine who was holding/touching/whatever so that the OS wouldn't let it be operated on. Does this sound familar to anyone? I tried searching the lounge but apparently didn't remember the correct keywords. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mike
rm -f <filename> :-D
Simply Elegant Designs JimmyRopes Designs
Think inside the box! ProActive Secure Systems
I'm on-line therefore I am. JimmyRopes -
All, I've a situation where I'd like to delete a directory and I'm told that I can't because something won't let me (I forget the exact message I got). It's a directory that I've created and I would think that I could delete it, but ... Is there a way (preferrably a utility of some sort) to determine what is holding onto it? Awhile back, I think that I remember someone asking about how to determine who is holding onto a file that couldn't be moved/deleted or something to that affect. Again, if I remember correctly, someone else said that there was a utility that would somehow determine who was holding/touching/whatever so that the OS wouldn't let it be operated on. Does this sound familar to anyone? I tried searching the lounge but apparently didn't remember the correct keywords. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mike
I've had instances where for some reason I couldn't delete a directory until I deleted one of its sub-directories. Never figured out where it drew the line as other directories with subs deleted fine... Roy
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Thanks Neil, I'll have to take a look at it. It looks good and I like all the stuff that Mark Russinovich has written that I've ended up using. I didn't realize that it would show who is holding it. That will be nice to know. Thanks again.
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rm -f <filename> :-D
Simply Elegant Designs JimmyRopes Designs
Think inside the box! ProActive Secure Systems
I'm on-line therefore I am. JimmyRopes -
I've had instances where for some reason I couldn't delete a directory until I deleted one of its sub-directories. Never figured out where it drew the line as other directories with subs deleted fine... Roy
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Thanks Neil, I'll have to take a look at it. It looks good and I like all the stuff that Mark Russinovich has written that I've ended up using. I didn't realize that it would show who is holding it. That will be nice to know. Thanks again.
I bet it's a service or driver.
Roger Irrelevant "he's completely hatstand"
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All, I've a situation where I'd like to delete a directory and I'm told that I can't because something won't let me (I forget the exact message I got). It's a directory that I've created and I would think that I could delete it, but ... Is there a way (preferrably a utility of some sort) to determine what is holding onto it? Awhile back, I think that I remember someone asking about how to determine who is holding onto a file that couldn't be moved/deleted or something to that affect. Again, if I remember correctly, someone else said that there was a utility that would somehow determine who was holding/touching/whatever so that the OS wouldn't let it be operated on. Does this sound familar to anyone? I tried searching the lounge but apparently didn't remember the correct keywords. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mike
Process explorer; previously SysInternals, now part Microsoft. You can search for handles and then kill the process (as long as it's not a system process - you wouldn't want to kill those!) http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.mspx[^]
Never argue with an imbecile; they bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience.
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All, I've a situation where I'd like to delete a directory and I'm told that I can't because something won't let me (I forget the exact message I got). It's a directory that I've created and I would think that I could delete it, but ... Is there a way (preferrably a utility of some sort) to determine what is holding onto it? Awhile back, I think that I remember someone asking about how to determine who is holding onto a file that couldn't be moved/deleted or something to that affect. Again, if I remember correctly, someone else said that there was a utility that would somehow determine who was holding/touching/whatever so that the OS wouldn't let it be operated on. Does this sound familar to anyone? I tried searching the lounge but apparently didn't remember the correct keywords. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mike
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It does .. search for a handle on a specific file name, and it'll list the processes that are locking the file. - Malhar
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I bet it's a service or driver.
Roger Irrelevant "he's completely hatstand"
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Process explorer; previously SysInternals, now part Microsoft. You can search for handles and then kill the process (as long as it's not a system process - you wouldn't want to kill those!) http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.mspx[^]
Never argue with an imbecile; they bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience.