How to Delete an Access Denied File in Windows XP

1. Click on the 'Start' button and choose 'Search.' Make sure 'All Files and Folders' is selected and type in the name of the file that is refusing to be deleted. Click 'Search' and computer will find the file in question.
2. Right-click on the troublesome file when it is found and choose 'Properties.' Write down the file location. It will usually look similar to 'c:\windows\system32\undeleteablefilename.exe.' Close the search window.
3. Click on the 'Start' button once more. This time choose 'Run.' Type 'CMD' and press 'Enter' to open a command prompt window. Close all other programs that are running, but leave the command prompt window open.
4. Click the 'Start' button once again and choose 'Run' once more. Type 'taskmgr.exe.' and press enter. Click on the tab entitled 'Processes' and you will be shown a list of running processes. Find the one entitled 'Explorer.exe.' Highlight it and press 'End Task.'
5. Go the command prompt window again and change the current directory to where the unmovable file is located. Use the command 'CD.' For example if the directory is 'System32' you would type 'cd\windows\system32' into the command prompt window. Press 'Enter.'
6. Type the file name of the unmovable file into the the command prompt window using the command 'DEL' in front of it. For example 'del undeletable.exe.' Press 'Enter' and the file will be deleted. Since you have closed most of the running processes in Windows, press the 'Control,' 'Alt' and 'Delete' buttons together to open up the 'Task Manager.' Choose 'Shut Down' followed by 'Restart' and your computer will be operational once more.