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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: westernreservewc on February 06, 2021, 07:30:34 PM

Title: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
Post by: westernreservewc on February 06, 2021, 07:30:34 PM

I copied a MS Word doc from a thumb drive onto my hard drive. Now I can't delete it, rename it, or move it, because it says it's open in Avast Antivirus. How can I delete this file?

Title: Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
Post by: Pondus on February 06, 2021, 07:55:56 PM

tried restart computer and then delete again?

Title: Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
Post by: westernreservewc on February 06, 2021, 10:37:05 PM

I've restarted several times with no change.

Title: Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
Post by: Pondus on February 06, 2021, 10:39:30 PM

Is it protected by avast ransomware shield?

https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/Antivirus-Ransomware-Shield-FAQ/

https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/Use-Antivirus-Ransomware-Shield/

Title: Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
Post by: Cluster-Lizard2014 on February 07, 2021, 03:57:07 PM

Try starting the PC in Safe Mode and deleting it that way.

I've had a handful of cases like this, not involving AVAST, where it has said the same thing ie. it is being use by another program and that is the solution I've used which has worked.

Other times a simple shutdown and restart has resolved the problem too.

Title: Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
Post by: bob3160 on February 07, 2021, 04:31:44 PM

Quote from: Cluster-Lizard2014 on February 07, 2021, 03:57:07 PM

Try starting the PC in Safe Mode and deleting it that way.

I've had a handful of cases like this, not involving AVAST, where it has said the same thing ie. it is being use by another program and that is the solution I've used which has worked.

Other times a simple shutdown and restart has resolved the problem too.

A program designed for just such a problem, Unlocker.
I use the portable version, https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/unlocker_portable.html

Title: Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
Post by: Rednose on February 07, 2021, 04:52:43 PM

+1 for Unlocker :)

Greetz, Red.

Title: Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
Post by: Cluster-Lizard2014 on February 08, 2021, 01:45:27 PM

I like to keep it simple first so trying in Safe Mode first I'd still go with.

Of course if simple doesn't work Unlocker sounds like the sort of tool that will do the job the OP wants.

I think I have Unlocker somewhere but never used it or needed to use it but thanks for mentioning that and reminding me about it.   

Title: Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
Post by: bob3160 on February 08, 2021, 01:50:06 PM

Quote from: Cluster-Lizard2014 on February 08, 2021, 01:45:27 PM

I like to keep it simple first so trying in Safe Mode first I'd still go with.

Of course if simple doesn't work Unlocker sounds like the sort of tool that will do the job the OP wants.

I think I have Unlocker somewhere but never used it or needed to use it but thanks for mentioning that and reminding me about it.

You're welcome. If you don't have it, I provided the link to a safe download.

Title: Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
Post by: westernreservewc on February 08, 2021, 02:28:15 PM

Restarting in Safe Mode did the trick. Thank you all for your help.

Title: Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
Post by: Cluster-Lizard2014 on February 08, 2021, 05:53:20 PM

Good news, glad it worked.