Deleting undeletable files

[Agent_sm1th]

I downloaded a file using a file-sharing program, and now i cannot delete/edit it. This means i cant rename it, cut it, move it or even play it (it is a .avi file) I would like to delete it as its probly doing my computer no good >_< How can i do so? i am using windows XP if thats of any relevance, and i use Emule if tht matters also.

[powerless]

When your computer is starting keep tapping the F8 key and you should get a screen with a few options to choose from. Select SAFE MODE and when your in safe mode delete the file.

[Agent_sm1th]

I tryed to do what u suggested powerless, However when i hit F8, i only got the choice of which drive to boot off, and not in which way... I also cannot find my win XP disc, but tryed with a 2000 one, and when tryin 2 boot off this, it just entered setup... So no luck >_<

[lisaj]

This is a Windows problem caused by Explorer having some very questionable file locking mechanisms. Bring up Task Manager and list the running processes. Locate and kill explorer.exe. The start bar and all your windows will disappear. Then, still using Task Manager go to File... New Task (Run)... and type "explorer" and they'll all reappear. Now, as quickly as you can, delete the file in question. Failing this, run "cmd" instead whilst explorer is down, and delete the file in DOS.

[Agent_sm1th]

thanx Lisaj, i tryed the explorer method, which didnt work... However i managed to work out how to do it with cmd, which worked like a charm, tho i had to abbreviate it to 6 chars and put a ~1 at the end. (just so if any1 else has this problem ; ) they'll no how)

[Gigadave]

This is a common problem of XP where it thinks that certain files (namely .avi ) are incomplete and will not allow playback or deletion. This can be remedied by either the DOS method or by using an .AVI clipping prog that will 'truncate' the file making XP think it is complete and allow it to be deleted.