How do I fix the file in use error?

1. File in use error

1.1. Uninstall the problematic applications Third-party applications can sometimes cause the File in use error to appear. Users reported that this problem occurred while working with ISO files. According to them, the cause of the problem was an application called Virtual Clone Drive. After removing the Virtual Clone Drive, the error was resolved completely. One way to instantly get rid of any kind of software from your PC is to go for a professional uninstaller. While you have the option to remove anything from the Add or remove programs in Windows, we suggest you to use dedicated uninstaller software. Removing from Windows will leave behind some files associated with the problematic application. This will prevent a future reinstallation and cause all sorts of issues. Dedicated software can find and successfully remove all files related to the app you want to delete. They can also completely uninstall stubborn apps that can’t be removed using the Add or remove panel. 1.2. Close all running applications If you’re getting the File in use error, it’s most likely that the file is being used by a different application. Sometimes, certain apps can use files in the background and cause this error to appear. To fix the issue, be sure to close all running applications and try to delete the file. In addition, restart your PC and try to delete the file again. If that doesn’t work, you might want to try moving all other files to a different folder. After doing that, try to delete the folder that has the problematic file in it. Lastly, you can try restarting File Explorer. Once Windows Explorer starts, try to delete the file again. If that doesn’t work, you can try to terminate the process that’s related to the problematic file. For example, if you can’t delete a PDF file, try terminating your PDF application from Task Manager. 1.3. Try to delete the file from Safe Mode If you can’t delete a file due to the File in use error, you might want to try removing it from Safe Mode. Once the Safe Mode starts, try to delete the file again. 1.4. Use Command Prompt If you don’t want to rely on third-party solutions to fix this problem, you can use Command Prompt instead. 1.5. Change the file extension of the problematic file According to users, you might be able to fix this problem simply by changing the file extension of the problematic file. In order to do that, first you need to turn on the option to show file extensions. To do that, follow these steps: After you change the file extension, try to delete the file again. 1.6. Switch to Details view According to users, the File in use error can appear due to your thumbnails. Sometimes, Windows has issues unloading thumbnails, preventing you from deleting your files. To fix the problem, you just have to switch to Details view in File Explorer and you should be able to delete the file. After switching to Details view, all thumbnails will be disabled and you should be able to delete the file. Users suggest moving the file to Desktop and closing the File Explorer window. By doing so, the preview pane won’t be available and you should be able to delete the problematic file with ease. 1.7. Disable thumbnail generation If you can’t access Group Policy Editor, you can disable thumbnail generation using Registry Editor. To do that, follow these steps: If you’re having problems with this error, you might be able to fix it by disabling thumbnail generation. You can do that by using the Group Policy Editor. This solution applies to network drives, but it might work for your local drive as well. 1.8. Use OpenFilesView tool Another third-party application that can help you with this problem is OpenFilesView tools. The application is simple to use. SPONSORED This is a simple application that allows you to close all processes related to a specific file. If the problematic file isn’t available on the list, you might have to try a different solution. 1.9. Use Process Explorer Several users reported that you might be able to fix the problem by using Process Explorer. Keep in mind that you might have to repeat this process few times in order to close all related applications. We have to mention that Process Explorer is an advanced tool, so you might find it hard to use if you’re a novice user. 1.10. Make sure that file isn’t blocked Sometimes, the File in use error can appear if the file you’re trying to delete is blocked. Windows sometimes blocks downloaded files in order to protect you from malware. Although this feature can be useful, it can also prevent you from removing certain files. After unblocking the file, try to delete it again. If you can’t find the Unblock button in the Properties window, it means that the file is already unblocked, so you should try a different solution. 1.11. Remove the virtual hard drive A few users reported that the File in use error appears while trying to remove a virtual hard drive .vhdx file. To fix this problem, you need to remove the virtual hard drive from your PC. Keep in mind that this solution only applies when deleting virtual hard drive files. If you have this problem with any other type of file, you should try a different solution. 1.12. Use Resource Monitor If you can’t delete a specific file, you might be able to solve the problem by using Resource Monitor, a Windows application that can give you a lot of information about open applications and files. Keep in mind that sometimes you won’t be able to find the problematic file using Resource Monitor. If that happens, you might have to check each process one by one and check the list of all associated handles. If you manage to find the folder that has the problematic file, you’ll be able to determine which application is using it. Resource Monitor is an advanced tool, so it might take you a while to get used to it especially if you’re a first time user.

2. How do I fix the File in use error in Excel?

2.1. Create a registry file and add it to your registry According to users, you might be able to fix the File in use error while opening Excel files by creating a .reg file and adding it to your registry. Keep in mind that this solution will modify your registry, therefore it’s advised to create a backup or System Restore point. 2.2. Disable the preview pane Users claim you can fix this problem simply by disabling the preview pane in File Explorer. We already explained how to do that in one of our previous solutions, so be sure to check it out. 2.3. Check the file name The File in use error can appear if the file name of your Excel document is too long. If the file name is too long, Excel can’t create the lock file. To fix the issue, you need to locate your Excel file and shorten its name. After renaming the file, you should be able to access it without issues. 2.4. Delete the hidden lock file Excel usually creates a temporary lock file alongside your Excel document. According to users, you simply have to locate and remove the lock file in order to fix this error. After removing the lock file, you should be able to access your Excel document without any issues. 2.5. Check the personal.xlsb file According to users, the File in use error in Excel appears after adding macros to the personal.xlsb file. To fix the problem, you need to find and delete that file. After doing that, you should be able to start Excel without any problems. The File in use error is an annoying problem that will prevent you from accessing your files. If you have this error on your PC, be sure to try some of our solutions and let us know how it works out for you!

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