File cannot be delete

Question

I tried to delete the PDF file in window file explorer but it couldn't response, I have close all the application and yet it have no reaction when I click on the delete button or restart the program

Answer 1

If you are unable to delete a PDF file in Windows File Explorer, it could be due to several reasons. Here are some common causes and solutions:

1. File in Use: The file might be open in another application, which prevents it from being deleted. Ensure that all applications that might be using the PDF file are closed. You can also check the Task Manager to see if any processes are still running that might be using the file.
2. Permissions Issue: You might not have the necessary permissions to delete the file. If the file uses an Access Control List (ACL), you may need to take ownership of the file or change its permissions. Administrators can take ownership of any file, so you might try that if you have administrative access.
3. File System Issues: If the file system has issues, it may prevent file deletion. Running a disk check can help resolve these issues. You can do this by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and running the command chkdsk /f.
4. Trailing Characters in File Name: Sometimes, files with trailing spaces or special characters in their names can cause issues. If this is the case, you can use the subinacl utility to change ownership and permissions on the file.
5. System Restart: If all else fails, try restarting your computer. This can sometimes clear up any processes that are holding onto the file.

If you continue to experience issues, consider using specialized file deletion tools that can handle stubborn files.

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References:

• The process cannot access the file "<Path>" because it is being used by another process
• You can't delete a file or a folder on an NTFS file system volume

Answer 2

Hello,

There might be a program using the PDF file, try restarting in safe mode.

Use Shift + Restart method from the sign-in screen or Start Menu for easy access to recovery options, then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings and press 4 (or F4) for Safe Mode.

Hope this helps,

JC