Reference number: CH000714

Cannot delete file because it's being used by another person or program.

Issue:

Cannot delete file because it's being used by another person or program.

Additional information:

When attempting to delete a file or folder you may get an error message that contains the above message. Below is an additional example of what this error may look like. "xxxxxxx" is the location of the name of file or folder that is attempting to be deleted. 

Error Deleting File or Folder
Cannot remove folder xxxxxx: It is being used by another person or program.
Close any programs that might be using the file and try again.

Solution:

This error message is generated when the folder and/or files within the folder are locked because they are being used by Windows or another program. To successfully delete this file, try following the below steps.

1. Wait a minute and try deleting the file again, sometimes Windows or the program using the file may still be closing and therefore still using the file you're attempting to delete.
2. Locate the program using the file and close it. If you're uncertain which program is using the file, close all programs until you're able to delete the file.
3. Reboot the computer. If after closing all programs you're still unable to delete the file, it's likely that something in the background is still using the file.
4. If after rebooting the computer you're still unable to delete the file, boot the computer into Safe Mode and delete the file. Additional information about booting into Safe Mode can be found on document CHSAFE.