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Cannot Delete *.exe Files
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Posted by: RaXoR
I've downloaded some executable programs/installers for shareware programs, etc. and I can't delete some of them. There are 3 exe's lying around my hard drive that I can't get rid of: 1 on my desktop and 2 in a personal folder. Apparently, they're still "being used" by another program.
I can't figure out how to delete them... any suggestions?
Posted by: Shalome
First, run a virus scan and a spyware/adware scan to make sure they aren't evil files.
Free online virus scan: http://housecall.trendmicro.com
Free spyware/adware scanner: Spybot Search & Destroy
If after running those, the files still aren't deletable, boot in Safe Mode and try deleting the files again.
Posted by: Zendu
a slightly simplier way whould be to end the processes in task manager, then delete them
virus/adware scan is a must though, if youve been downloading programs
Posted by: Shalome
Zendu, the reason I suggested Safe Mode is because quite often, these things are bundled with a bunch of other programs that are all intertwined, and it's hard to figure out exactly which process is using them.
Posted by: RaXoR
Up-to-date Ad-aware and Spybot S&D have both been run since I downloaded the programs. As for ending processes, I'm not sure which ones I should terminate.
I'll attempt to restart in Safe Mode.
Posted by: EugeneSTM
I have similar problem.
I think problem not just with this particular program.
I may create txt file, fill it with random characters and rename to exe. It will be recognized as ms-dos exe. When I try to delete,rename,move it, I see message box "...file is used by another process...".
When I use program like IsUsedBy it tells me what my file is used by Explorer.
I think there is issue with explorer extensions which are added by another programs (sysinternals site have free tool which shows them). Maybe some of them affecting the way explorer recognizes programs (when it decides dos or win program or when trying to retrieve version of win program...) Still looking into it.
One think I can tell for sure, I'm using same version of windows (w2k sp4) at work and at home. They only differs by programs installed on them. Home computer have this problem and work pc haven't, work pc is some kind of cesspit while home pc well maintained...
Maybe we should exchange lists of installed software...
These "undeletable" programs deletes easily from dos (win98 boot diskette) or other OS if you have more than one OS installed.
BTW, first time I encountered this error when flashget incorrectly downloaded program (it was empty). Since then I clean reinstalled windows but after some time I get this error again.
Posted by: baby_biatch
you can try deleting this in the registry
click on START>> RUN.... "REGEDIT"
go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ then right click the name of the folder or program you want to remove then click on delete.
Posted by: EugeneSTM
Partial solution for those who can't delete programs.
Well I was right. If file which definitely shouldn't be used by any program can't be deleted because it is used - it's explorer extensions (well if it's not a virus).
On w2k/xp: check "c:\documents and settings\user name\local settings\temp" for file cmdlineext03.dll (maybe cmdlineext02.dll also, not sure) - it's the cause in my case (maybe in yours too because this file is relatively "popular").
This file cmdlineext03.dll is a separate story.
Check "www.livejournal.com/users/abates/57538.html". It seems many programs using it. In my case it's seems to be SecuRom (Sintf16.dll, Sintf32.dll, SintfNT.dll). Maybe I'm wrong, don't have enouth time to investigate.
You can't delete it either because it's in use.
Go to start->run "regsvr32 /u "c:\documents and settings\user name\local settings\temp\cmdlineext03.dll"" to unregister it. Rename it or move it to recycle bin.
You can't delete your problem file from desktop just now, because it is opened by explorer. You need to restart windows (the chances are after reboot you will again find this cmdlineext03.dll in your temp folder even if you deleted it - you need to clean it from registry (I found about 10 occurences but I won't delete them until I'm sure it's safe)).
Another way to delete undeletable file: you may use process explorer from sysinternals site. Try to delete file as you do it usually. After "Confirm File Delete" dialog pops up go to process explorer, select explorer.exe in list of the processes and close handle which named somethat like "File ...blablabla... full_path_to_your_problem_file". Now you may click Yes in "Confirm File Delete" dialog.
Posted by: JohnNJ2005
I went to a command prompt and had to delete the files in a dos prompt window.
They were .zip.exe named files (old stuff I pulled off kazaa over a year ago)
and when I was trying to clean up my hard drive these 2 files wouldnt let me delete them no matter what I tried, I went to that folder in a dos prompt, while still in windows,
and typed del instan*.* and it let me delete it, same with the second file.
WHen I used process explorer, it said the process using it was
EXPLORER.EXE which meant I couldnt use "Windows Explorer" or My Computer.
I know they both do the same thing, but im suprised what finally let me delete the little stinkers. Now I have 400mb more free space. Amazing how in 2005 the old fashioned dos prompt still helps out.
crazy world we live in.
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