Cannot delete files using traditional methods. Error message: 'The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process'.Which it's not - turned off everything - tried explorer, norton commander, boot-up repair, rename, everything - file is not protected in any way other than this error message.

What kind of file are u trying to delete?

I'm not sure about the English expressions but it should be sth. like: hit F8 during boot up --> start with MS-DOS Prompt and delete files with dos command (hope you guys still know all those DOS commands?) ;) CYA

In addition - One of my files has been copied onto a win2k machine and a winME laptop and the same error message is appearing. Same symptoms as above - same error messages. Please Please Please - any ideas?????? File attributes are okay - no protection.

Well, since this is XP forum I should mention that you can't boot into msdos prompt with XP (or 2000) So your only solution is to have a bootdisk made on a system running Win9x If your XP drive is NTFS you cant access it and then you need to do a lot of work to be able to read the drive, but if it FAT32 boot up with the floppy and go delete the files you want and be happy :)

You can also try this: (I don't have XP here right now but this works on NT/2000) Go to the "SERVICES" on Admin tools and find "PROTECTED STORAGE" and STOP that service. Then try to delete the files. If it doesnt work, the only way is to boot with a floppy.

Booger, well your're right, there's no real MS-DOS in XP. But by pressing F8 during boot up you can get do "Safe Mode (Just prompt)" or sth. like that. When I had the same problem it just worked fine. I coul delete the file in Safe Mode an Prompt.