Windows 10: Unable to delete an empty folder

Discus and support Unable to delete an empty folder in Windows 10 Network and Sharing to solve the problem; I'm getting error message "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program." The folder structure is:... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Network and Sharing' started by SweetTasha, Nov 19, 2020.

  1. SWEETTASHA
    SweetTasha Win User

    Unable to delete an empty folder


    I'm getting error message "The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program." The folder structure is:


    Documents/LOGS/Documents/Daily Logs
    Documents/LOGS/Documents/Musings
    Documents/LOGS/Documents/TEDHNICAL/
    Documents/LOGS/Documents/TECHNICAL DAILY LOGS


    Unable to delete an empty folder 256b2d22-94d5-491b-ac42-e7c5484c7ab8?upload=true.jpg


    Unable to delete an empty folder cf2c6316-e63a-455d-9e65-9c25e7c9986f?upload=true.jpg




    No other instance of File Explorer, except for the instance in which I'm trying to do the delete, is currently running. What other program ight have the folder open? Do I have to restart the system in Safe Mode to delete this folder?


    TIA for your suggestions.
    SweetTasha.

    :)
     
    SweetTasha, Nov 19, 2020
    #1
  2. OLI_RAMSAY
    oli_ramsay Win User

    Trouble deleting a folder

    Thanks for the suggestion but it says "delete folder failed for E:\....." for each folder I try.

    *Confused Unable to delete an empty folder :confused:

    Will I be forever stuck with these unnecessary folders? *Oh Well Unable to delete an empty folder :eek:hwell:
     
    oli_ramsay, Nov 19, 2020
    #2
  3. TOPGUNDCP
    topgundcp Win User
    Unable to delete a folder - Invalid folder name


    Suggestion:
    1. Run chkdsk x: /r to make sure that there's no HD corruption.
      x: is the drive containing the folder you want to delete.
    2. Try to delete the folder again. If still does not work, go to step 3.
    3. Download: Download - Linux Mint and create a bootable USB using: Rufus - Create bootable USB
    4. Boot up with Linux Mint and try to delete the folder again.
      NOTE: Unlike WinPE. Linux does not have any Windows permission imposed to it so it is easier to delete.
     
    topgundcp, Nov 19, 2020
    #3
  4. FREDERIK LONG
    Frederik Long Win User

    Unable to delete an empty folder

    Delete a file folder.

    In such cases it is often possible to use this 3-step process:

    1. Move the folder to C:\
    2. Reboot
    3. Delete the folder
     
    Frederik Long, Nov 19, 2020
    #4
Thema:

Unable to delete an empty folder

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