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I have an empty folder with the above name. When I try to delete it it says 'Cannot delete, it is being used by another program'.

I have tried EMCO 'MoveOnBoot' but it doesn't allow you to delete folders, only files.

Suggestions please.

Sorry I didn't google first. NOw have found and used 'Unlocker' from Brothersoft. It did the job.

Sorry to bother you

Edited by Member #690194 because: Problem solved
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Dani AI

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The error "Cannot delete, it is being used by another program" means some process holds an open handle to that folder, or the folder is a reparse/junction, or permissions prevent removal. The OP reports the immediate problem was solved with an unlocking tool; the steps below show safe, repeatable ways to find the lock and remove the folder without guessing which utility to try.

First confirm the folder really is empty and not hiding system files:

dir /a "C:\full\path\to\Real Player Downloads"

If nothing shows, search which process has the folder open. The GUI approach is to run Process Explorer as Administrator and use Find -> Find Handle or DLL, type part of the folder name, then identify the process. Process Explorer download and docs: Process Explorer.

A command-line alternative is the Sysinternals handle utility:

handle.exe "Real Player Downloads"

If a process appears, either close that application cleanly, stop the service, or (with caution) close the specific handle in Process Explorer. Closing handles can crash programs — prefer stopping the process first. Docs: Handle (command-line).

If no process holds the folder, check for reparse points (junctions) and other special cases:

dir /aL "C:\full\path\to"

To inspect junctions, see: Junction.

If permissions block deletion, take ownership and grant full control, then remove:

takeown /f "C:\full\path\to\Real Player Downloads" /r /d y
icacls "C:\full\path\to\Real Player Downloads" /grant %username%:F /T
rd /s /q "C:\full\path\to\Real Player Downloads"

On persistent locks, boot to Safe Mode or use a rescue environment (WinPE or a Linux live USB) and delete the folder from outside the running Windows instance.

Note: correctly pointed toward dedicated removal tools; for readers who prefer built-in diagnostics, the Process Explorer/handle path plus ownership fixes is safer and explains why the folder was locked.

Member Avatar for tigerbright

Hi , if you use the popular malwarebytes anti-spyware program then you could have used the bundled FileASSASSIN tool

Member Avatar for Member #690194

Thanks

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