Problems with Windows Explorer - Windows 8

stevenrw · Dec 16, 2012, 15:40:22

Bloody Windows 8! Has anybody had the following. When trying to rename a file or folder in explorer in Windows 8 Ultimate (64 bit) and I keep getting an error message to the effect "Unable to modify this file as it is open in another program" - or words to that effect. Of course there is no other program running. This has only just started.
Anybody found a fix for this? I'm seriously thinking about going back to XP. At least the basics worked on that.

Glenn · Dec 16, 2012, 15:58:12

It maybe service that is running causing the error

Steve · Dec 16, 2012, 16:09:00

Ask Den when he's around!

Lona · Dec 16, 2012, 16:25:01

I would run ccleaner to delete recently used files then try renaming it again without opening it.

Den · Dec 16, 2012, 18:32:27

Just tried renaming a file with no problems at all. How did you access the file. Move mouse to right top corner and activate charms, click on file and type in the file name you want to access. Then right click on file and rename it.

Simon · Dec 16, 2012, 18:39:58

Activate charms? Sounds like something out of Harry Potter!

stevenrw · Dec 16, 2012, 23:06:19

Den, I just highlight the file/folder in windows explorer and right click select rename from the dropdown menu, same as I've done since everybody at football matches wore hats. This is a new thing. It doesn't do it with every folder/file and it doesn't do it all the time. Sometimes it'll do it, then you come back in a couple of minutes and it'll work fine. I've been on W7 for about a year and it has only just started. I've done a bit of digging since posting this and it may be about thumbnails not being released. Why Microsoft can't get the basics right is a mystery to me. Its not like they just started out with this operating system malarky is it?

cavillas · Dec 17, 2012, 16:47:43

Could be the Indexing system that is stopping you renaming the folder for a while.

pctech · Dec 17, 2012, 17:05:35

It meant that something in the folder is locked as it is either being used by the OS or an application.

Technical Ben · Dec 17, 2012, 20:56:22

Quote from: stevenrw on Dec 16, 2012, 23:06:19
Den, I just highlight the file/folder in windows explorer and right click select rename from the dropdown menu, same as I've done since everybody at football matches wore hats. This is a new thing. It doesn't do it with every folder/file and it doesn't do it all the time. Sometimes it'll do it, then you come back in a couple of minutes and it'll work fine. I've been on W7 for about a year and it has only just started. I've done a bit of digging since posting this and it may be about thumbnails not being released. Why Microsoft can't get the basics right is a mystery to me. Its not like they just started out with this operating system malarky is it?

If that is the case, would deleting thumbnails (usually from "clean disk space" although no idea what they changed the name to or the charm for that in Windows 8!

) help?

stevenrw · Dec 17, 2012, 22:15:46

Quote from: pctech on Dec 17, 2012, 17:05:35
It meant that something in the folder is locked as it is either being used by the OS or an application.

Yes of course thats what it is telling me. If the file/folder was actually open in another application I wouldn't be trying to modify it, nor would I be bothering you good folk! But there are no files open anywhere. Nor are these system files/folders. These are simply my own folders under My Documents. That's why I'm trying to get a resolution.

Glenn · Dec 17, 2012, 22:17:12

Show hidden files and folders, if it is still in W8, it may show other files in the folder.