Can’t Delete Exe Files from Desktop
While you are trying to delete .exe files from the desktop you get a message saying: Cannot delete file: cannot read from the source file or disk (Windows XP) or File in use: The action can’t be completed because the file is open in another program (Windows Vista).
In most cases this is caused by explorer.exe, which is accessing to this file. You can kill explorer.exe via task manager (CTRL+ALT+DELETE). Note: your desktop will go blank. While explorer.exe is not running you can delete your file accessing it via task manager. To run it again, simply press Windows button (keyboard) + R, type explorer.exe and hit enter.
If method described above won’t work probably means that some 3rd party program is using exact .exe file you trying to remove.
In this case you can simply use a tool called Unlocker, which can be downloaded from our site:
Unlocker (210.6 KiB, 4,232 downloads)
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I didn’t try first method, but I can tell that I managed to delete file in use easily by using this tool.
Thanks!
I am glad you described this method, I finally managed to delete those .exe files from desktop.
I am glad you described right way to get ride of this file in use message!
thanks.. tool did the trick
cool.. you saved me of troubles.. I hope the .exe file I was trying to delete wasn’t a virus
I’ve been having this Cannot Delete .Exe File for quite sometime, tried a few ways still couldn’t solve it until today I got your UNLOCKER downloaded to my laptop & my problem’s gone! Thank You Very Much :) Keep Up The Splendid Job Guys
Note: I am not a windows user.
I am reading this, and what it sounds like to me is that explorer.exe is permanently viewing/running/using the files in the desktop directory. Always. Forever. As long as the explorer.exe is running. So the reason why the exes can’t be deleted is exactly the same reason why I can’t eject a drive while I’m editing a file that’s saved on the drive.
Is this bad programming or am I just confused?
to delete autorun.exe from ext harddisk or pendrive or hd :
1. ctrl + alt + del
2. delete explorer.exe
3. go back to task manager >>>File>> New Task (Run)
4. type explorer.exe (please dont go to windows folder and use explorer from there, just type explorer.exe
5. it works!
Super duper! I finally got rid of an annoying exe-file! I tried the Unlocker via another site, but that didn’t work out for me. I’m glad I found this simple option. Thank you! :-)
My virus scanner said the file is unsafe and this entire website links to viruses and trojans
Oh my god, thank you so much! :D
That unlocker tool did its job perfect!
The Unlocker is working fine thanx
Okay I got the unlocker but how do I use it?
I was trying to download maplestory & changed my mind and I got a MSSetup100.exe and I can’t delete it for the life of me!
the unlocker was a virus,it was instantly blocked by my avg and was reported a harmful file,be carefull
Warning: the unlocker was a virus… don’t use it
Was getting the message “the program is open in Windows Defender”. Easiest way to delete the file is actually to move the file to a different folder (not the desktop) where you can delete it. Seems odd that you can move the file but not delete it, but hey, that’s windows for you.
you can also delete the file with LongPathTool. :)