Hmmm. All of a sudden I can't delete anything on my desktop. I get the message that I can't delete it -- "may be a source file in use." Now how can all of these files be in use? I know they aren't. I have downloaded zip files and shortcuts that plop there during an install, etc. on the desktop. I like to use my desktop -- and I like to clean it up after periods of downloading, etc. Any clues? Thanks, and I'm glad I found this board. Windows ME, HP Pavilion 9680c 650, 256 mgs ram, 40 gig hd. Thank you, Layne

Hit the CTRL-Alt-Delete at the same time and see what is running in the background, maybe the short cut you are trying to delete is being used there, and what are they short cuts to.

Also can try restarting in Safe Mode, so you can be sure that it doesn't load any programs. -Burbble

Sounds suspicious - there's no way Windows is using these files (not all of them anyway) so do an online virus check at: http://housecall.antivirus.com/ Post back to let us know what you find...

Thanks for the responses. No, the files are not in use...that is obvious. And, thanks for the suggestion to go to House Call. No viruses. (I use EZ Anitvirus.) So what could be amiss? I did some experimenting. I went into Explorer and I was unable to delete any files! Now what could be preventing this operation? Thanks!

Did the problem still occur in Safe Mode? Also, check for a restore point that is before the problem occured, and restore back to it. -Burbble

If not above. Something to look at. Also, if they are images go to folder options web view and use windows classic folders. Never mind this last thing. You said you can't delete anything. http://support.microsoft.com/search/preview.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q246726 http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q136517