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Need to Find Open File/Folder

Anonymous
2021-01-17T15:25:09+00:00

Hello - I have a folder that contains 20+GB files & sub-folders.  I need to rename the folder and am getting the message saying "Can't be completed because a file is open in another program.  Close the folder/file & try again."  

Then it says the folder name and the date created but nothing more that would help me find the open folder/file.  

Are there any tricks to find what is open?  I went thru all the programs that are open but cannot find anything that would have files in the folder in question but didn't see any files/folders open.  

Thanks - 

Larry

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-01-17T16:41:54+00:00

    Hi, my name is Jose. I'm an Independent Advisor and a Windows user like you. I'm happy to help you.

    Please try using CMD app. If that doesn't work, you need to scan the disk to fix any issue related to the file system.

    Please, open the parent folder where the target folder is located. In the address bar type CMD and press enter. The CMD will open in the parent folder path. Then close the file explorer. In CMD type: REN currentFolderName NewFolderName and press enter.

    If that doesn't work, go to my pc, right click the disk and select properties. Select tools tab and clickcthe check button.

    When the scan is done, try again to rename the folder.

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-01-18T12:43:27+00:00

    You are right. You have to use "". For example:

    Ren "The biggest hits" Allhits

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-01-18T03:21:46+00:00

    Thanks Jose,

        I'd like to use your suggested REN method but need to know how to deal with my folder name which consists of 4 or 5 words separated by a space.  Since there are spaces I suspect I cannot use the REName method, right?  Can I put the folder name in ' or "s?  

        I did the scan, it said it found no problems.  I closed the answer box and tried to rename the folder but got the same result about having a Open File somewhere.  

        I can try Mr Wiggins' suggestion when I have time tomorrow.  Maybe you can rewrite the suggestion & I can try again?

    Thanks for trying to help - 

    Larry

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-01-17T15:35:13+00:00

    Highlight and copy the folder name then paste it in the search box next to Start or you can open File Explorer and paste it in the search box (Search this PC).

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