Unable to empty recycle bin

I often am unable to delete, move or rename certain items - folders and files. It says the item is in use by another person or program and cannot be modified. Usually closing apps (or if that fails, a restart) means I can modify them. Any ideas?

That's annoying enough, but I have a more serious problem emptying my recycle bin. Certain items will not delete (same error message) even after a restart. They are always .psd photoshop files. Curiously the error message doesn't quote the filename, instead naming the file something like 'Dc147'.

Filess like Dc147 or similar also presents in my Temp directory, I can't delete it either, so I left them as is, not got problems.

I suggets you make a google search odf similar problem, maybe someone have the solution.

There are several utilities to solve such problems, I think they are named "unlock" or something like that.

like this:
http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

Tho, I didn't test it, so make sure to check its integrity first.

Wooo cheers jfk i needed that! i have the mexican motor mafia install on my desktop for last 5 months and i keep forgetting to try logging on in safe mode to delete it. I guess it never bothered me that much cos i often pile up my desktop with crap anyway, but from now im keeping it clean. I think this is what i need anyway.

PS. it worked!! youre the man.

That sorted it straight out! Brilliant, thanks very much.

Thanks for that jfk. Where were you in the last thread like this that popped up around 6 months ago??? =]

mrtricks, I just have to ask, you havn't somehow managed to set the windows temp path to the recycle bin folder, have you? =]

There area also tools out there that can delete files on next boot. Though, use them with care as they will let you delete anything, including vital system files.

Toby, not that I'm aware of.