undeletable file

About this tag
This tag covers issues with files that cannot be deleted normally in Windows, often due to unusual filenames like a trailing period. Users share experiences and seek solutions for removing such stubborn files from the desktop or other locations. Common themes include accidental creation of files with special characters, failed deletion attempts, and the need for advanced methods beyond standard Windows tools. The content focuses on practical troubleshooting for Windows users encountering undeletable files, with an emphasis on understanding why Windows treats these files differently and how to force their removal.
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    Windows 7 Unable to Delete a .mkv Video File

    I have a .mkv video file which I cannot rename, move, or delete. Every time I do so this message shows: "The action cannot be completed because the file is open in windows explorer. Close the file and try again." If I try to delete the folder, a similar message pops up saying that a file is in...
  2. Windows 7 How to Remove an Undeletable File with a Trailing Period on Windows Desktop

    Sooooo I have no idea why this file will not delete. I had a simple .wav file called welcome.wav It was placed on the desktop When making a copy of it, (the copy was on the desktop, too) I accidentally named it "welcome.wav." If you can't see, this copied file had a period at the end of it...