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        "Access Is Denied" Error Message When You Try To Delete A File/Folder

Section(s): TroubleShooting , Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous, Utilities
Published on Jan 07, 2009.
Last Modified on Sep 23, 2008.
Last Modified by Nirmal Sharma.
Rated 5 out of 5 based on 2 votes.

This article explains how you can use Process Explorer, a tool from Sysinternals (now subsidiary of Microsoft), to kill the lock on files and folders.

You will get "Access Is Denied" error message when you try to delete a file or folder. This happens when file or folder is being used by processes running in the system and you do not know which process it is!

Windows doesn't ship with any tool that can be used to find out which process is locking up the file or folder. You need to use Process Explorer tool to find the lock on the file and then kill the lock so that you can delete the file and folder.

Steps:

Download Process Explorer at here (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx)
Note the file name or folder you're trying to delete
Run Process Explorer > Find > Find Handle > Enter the file or folder name in "Handle or DLL Substring" Dialogue box
Click on Search
Right Click on the handle and then click "Close Handle" > Press Yes when promoted.

Now you can successfully delete the file or folder you are trying to delete.

About Nirmal Sharma

Nirmal is a Microsoft MVP in Directory Services and working as a Technical Architect/Consultant. He has been involved in Microsoft Technologies since 1994 and followed the progression of Microsoft Operating Systems and software. He is specialized in Directory Services, Microsoft Clustering, SQL, MOM, Exchange and Citrix. In his spare time, he likes to help others and write "internal" technical articles, white papers and tips on various Microsoft technologies. You can contact him at nirmal_sharma@mvps.org.