Error Message: Cannot Delete <Filename>. Access Is Denied. The Source File May Be in Use. (265216)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
This article was previously published under Q265216

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to delete an image file from the My Pictures folder or from another folder, you may receive the following error message:
Cannot delete Filename. Access is denied. The source file may be in use.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if you attempt to delete a large image file while the image is being drawn in the Image Preview window.

RESOLUTION

To work around this issue, wait until the image is drawn in the Image Preview window, or disable Web view. To disable Web view:
  1. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
  2. On the General tab, click Use Windows classic folders option.
  3. Click OK.
After you delete the image file, you can re-enable Web view by following the previous steps, but click Enable Web content in folders in step 2.

MORE INFORMATION

If Web view is enabled and you open the My Pictures folder or any customized folder that uses the Image Preview template, selected images are displayed in the Image Preview window. While the image is being drawn, a "Generating preview..." message is displayed in the Image Preview window and the file is locked and cannot be deleted.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/28/2004
Keywords:kbenv kberrmsg kbprb KB265216
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