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Thread ID: 58318 2005-05-28 05:29:00 Cannot delete avi file & slowing down PC sigmeister (8223) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
359146 2005-05-28 05:29:00 I have a 700+mb avi file that I want to get rid of. I cannot delete/rename/move/cut/open it ("it is being used by another person or program. Close any programs that might be using the file and try again..blah blah"). Ever since I had this file, PC has been running like a 3-legged dog. Hanging, freezing, can't change between users etc. I can't delete it under Safe Mode either. I even tried DEL under Safe Mode Command Prompt (that was testing my DOS commands...), but it wouldn't recognise the long file name (it's about 18 characters with spaces and _ in it).
Running Pentium4 1.8, 512 Mb RAM, Win XP Home, Nortons System Works, Zone Alarm Pro etc.
Nortons hasn't picked up any viruses, although I suspect thei avi file is hogging all my RAM for some reason.
Any thoughts anyone?
sigmeister (8223)
359147 2005-05-28 05:46:00 Have you tried removing it in Safe Mode? I see you've tried Safe Mode Command prompt but what about just ordinary Modus Safus? So whatever program it is supposedly running in isn't running?

I always look for the pathname, the complete file pathname to find out where it is. Where is it?

I'm only a long term newbie really but that's what I would do. Anyway, (and to give you a gentle bump) out of interest, where is it?.......m :confused:

And I'd try an online scan. Like a second opinion from the Doc. Have a look at the FAQs. HTH...m
mark c (247)
359148 2005-05-28 05:56:00 There is a program that has been recommended by others on this forum for files which are difficult to delete. Give this a try and see if it works for you.

MoveOnBoot (www.snapfiles.com)

Welcome to PressF1 as well. :)
Jen (38)
359149 2005-05-28 09:10:00 yer, use moveonboot, i had exactly the same problem a while ago. pf1 helped me out there. DaveBritton (7395)
359150 2005-05-29 03:30:00 Hi

Thanks Mark - yes I did try getting rid of it in Safe Made, got the same error message

Jen & Dave - thank you. Managed to get rid of it using MoveOnBoot. Great result.

Thanks all for your replies..!! You have restored my faith in humanity..!!

Cheers
Siggy
sigmeister (8223)
359151 2005-05-29 07:30:00 I have a 700+mb avi file that I want to get rid of. I cannot delete/rename/move/cut/open it ("it is being used by another person or program. Close any programs that might be using the file and try again..blah blah").

this (www.dr-hoiby.com) program will show what is using it. i see that the problem was solved, but i thought i would just suggest it :)
Prescott (11)
359152 2005-05-29 08:15:00 Thanks for that. I've managed to delete it, but this looks like a cool program. I'm sure it'll come in handy.

Many thanks!
sigmeister (8223)
359153 2005-05-29 21:39:00 It may be of interest that hijackthis has a delete on boot function as well, works pretty much the same as the moveonboot program, you nominate the file and reboot.

Shes hidden a few screens into the program.
Metla (12)
359154 2005-05-30 21:00:00 Thanks for that, I'll download and give it a go.
Cheers
sigmeister (8223)
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