Cannot Delete a file on a network drive
I have a user with an Excel file on a shared network drive and the file cannot be deleted. The error we get is "action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program". It has been nearly two weeks since this problem started and they have given up and did a save-as to have a new working copy. I have removed all user permissions to the file, so that now the user(s) who were accessing the file cannot even see or use it. Now I just want to delete the file but cannot. Shy of rebooting the file server (a Windows Server 2008 machine), how else can I possibly remove whatever lock is currently on the file?
EVeuger
Check in computer management if the file is still open, you can close it there and remove it!
It's in computer management (on the file server) under shared folders>open files
ASKER
This is actually the first thing we tried - however, when I go there, it does not show up as an open file in the list of open files. That's part of the reason this one has us stumped. Any other ideas?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Sorry, just tried OH on a 2008 server and it doesn't work anymore, only on 2003 and earlier...
Found another open handle tool: Handle Tool
You can download it here: Handle download
Or the GUI version: Process explorer
I would go for the nightly reboot option first though...seems a lot less work!
You can download it here: Handle download
Or the GUI version: Process explorer
I would go for the nightly reboot option first though...seems a lot less work!
ASKER
I did in fact check out the Handle Tool at your suggestion. However, I'm reluctant to kill any processes and potentially cause server instability. I think your idea to just schedule an off-hours reboot is probably the most prudent approach. Especially since this is merely an annoyance. It is otherwise inconsequential. Thanks!