Error Deleting File or Folder. Cannot delete (FILE): Access denied

The message:
"Error Deleting File or Folder. Cannot delete (FILE): Access denied. Make
sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not
currently in use."

The answer is not - give yourself permission. The answer is not changing
the Read Only box. The answer is nothing in the Knowledge Base.

This problem has plagued me for quite some time, but intermittently. I
create a folder or a particular file and when i try to delete it, it will not.

There is something else happening and it has nothing to do with file
permissions as that knowledge base answer was of no use.

In the past, I was able to use the COMMAND PROMPT to delete the file from my
desktop. Now, I cannot even do that. It should have been deleted or erased
20 trys ago if it had worked. It is usually something that is happening
quickly - moving files or switching around locations.

I had to use this info
to delete a file.

Are you logged on as administrator?

If the file is locked, then you can not delete the file. Nothing must be
using the file or folder.

Start up in safe mode and try again.

That *usually* works :-)

To start in safe mode press F8 (Function Key 8) at just the fight
moment. It's not easy :-( I usually press it just as windows is about
to start the boot process (a microsecond after the hardware screen
ends, in other words) and press it several times in a row.

Administrator would be the easy first choice - something locked stops you
from access and logically ... something like administrator controls.

Not the issue.

The only other thing I have done in such situations is to use the
Recovery Console in Windows XP. I have no idea if this exists in Vista.
Below is a very brief summary:

Boot from the Windows installation CD (if the system was preloaded and
if you're unlucky, you might not have one) and go to the recovery
console instead of going on to the installation[1]. You might be able
to delete the file from there. The interface is similar to DOS or the
command-line interface, but worse... Navigate to the directory in
question and say del filename. Use quote marks around the filename if
there are any embedded spaces in the name..

[1] When the CD boots all the way to the screen that says Welcome to
Setup, press the R key instead of going on to regular setup This is not
the same as a Repair Installation, but in both cases the magic command
is R. I've been confused by this :-) It's more confusing than it should
be - if your system is messed up, as mine was once, the R for repair
is not there, so you end up in the recovery console, scratching your
head and swearing...

Also, it is possible that you can get to the recovery console from the
regular boot screen, according to "Windows XP Inside Out" - but I don't
get how to do this.

Yet another idea:

Remove the drive from your computer and connect it to another - either
internally or by an external adapter. Be sure the power is off on both
computers, of course (and even unplug them from the power line) when
swapping the drive.

Boot the other computer (from its *own* disk, of course) and access the
drive by whatever letter Windows has given it. See if you can now
remove the file on that computer. Again, try using a command-prompt
boot or recovery console boot, if a Windows boot doesn't work.

Note that if your drive is NTFS, you'll have to use an XP or Vista
computer to do the above.

We're getting deeper into desperate measures, aren't we...

And will require a good deal of patience.

Another mod to the above idea: mount the disk on a Linux box that is
equipped to read & write NTFS. Then you will be free of Windows's
controls on that file.

I *think* you will be free of Windows's machinations. I suddenly
realized that I might be assuming too much here.

Oh i had the same problem,these files become stacked and are due to long paths,use the tool available at ,it is a tool which deletes and also searches such undeleteable files and also assists in installation and sharing of long pathed files

The main reason behind this message is that some other program is using the file. Identify and close that programs as mentioned in globinch.com (Windows : Cannot Delete File : Access Denied – File Unlocker)