Author Topic: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus  (Read 3301 times)

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Offline westernreservewc

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Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
« 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?

Offline Pondus

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Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
« Reply #1 on: February 06, 2021, 07:55:56 PM »
tried restart computer and then delete again?


Offline westernreservewc

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Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
« Reply #2 on: February 06, 2021, 10:37:05 PM »
I've restarted several times with no change.

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Offline Cluster-Lizard2014

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Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
« Reply #4 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.

Offline bob3160

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Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
« Reply #5 on: February 07, 2021, 04:31:44 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
Free Security Seminar: https://bit.ly/bobg2023  -  Important: http://www.organdonor.gov/ -- My Web Site: http://bob3160.strikingly.com/ - Win 11 Pro v22H2 64bit, 16 Gig Ram, 1TB SSD, Avast Free 23.5.6066, How to Successfully Install Avast http://goo.gl/VLXdeRepair & Clean Install https://goo.gl/t7aJGq -- My Online Activity https://bit.ly/BobGInternet

Offline Rednose

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Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
« Reply #6 on: February 07, 2021, 04:52:43 PM »
+1 for Unlocker :)

Greetz, Red.
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Offline Cluster-Lizard2014

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Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
« Reply #7 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.   

Offline bob3160

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Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
« Reply #8 on: February 08, 2021, 01:50:06 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.
Free Security Seminar: https://bit.ly/bobg2023  -  Important: http://www.organdonor.gov/ -- My Web Site: http://bob3160.strikingly.com/ - Win 11 Pro v22H2 64bit, 16 Gig Ram, 1TB SSD, Avast Free 23.5.6066, How to Successfully Install Avast http://goo.gl/VLXdeRepair & Clean Install https://goo.gl/t7aJGq -- My Online Activity https://bit.ly/BobGInternet

Offline westernreservewc

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Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
« Reply #9 on: February 08, 2021, 02:28:15 PM »
Restarting in Safe Mode did the trick. Thank you all for your help.

Offline Cluster-Lizard2014

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Re: Can't move or delete a file, says it's open in Avast Antivirus
« Reply #10 on: February 08, 2021, 05:53:20 PM »
Good news, glad it worked.