Cannot delete item from desktop

[djs]

I had to access some very old DOS based Lotus 1-2-3
files - Release 2.4. I installed my old software and
wanted a shortcut to it on the desktop. Instead of
creating a shortcut, I actually moved the 123.exe file
from its folder to the desktop. When I try to delete it,
I get a message saying: "Cannot delete 123. It is being
used by another person or program. Close any programs
that might be using the file and try again."

Nothing or no one is using the file. The computer is part
of a network at home. But even when this computer is the
only one on, I still can't delete it.

Anyone with any ideas?
DJS

 

[Guest]

You'll find adding & removing programs a whole lot easier (aswell as having less chance of deleting something important & increasing memory space ) if you use the add/remove programs Tool in the control panel found via green start on right

then you can simply scroll down, locate the bit of software you don't want anymore & remove it safely that way:

I remember when I thought that if you deleted the icon on the desk top the rest of it just disapeared- no just luck I'm afraid

And deleting a program like that, can cause you to accidently delete part of windows (software sort of 'weaves it's way in' to the system & you have to unknot it correctly to avoid problems

I still get problems deleteing on occassions, it's normally because I've left something in the recyle bin, emptying that & using a good registary cleaning tool now & again seem to do the trick though.

 

[Chessy]

If you do not have administrative rights, then it is
possible that your ability to delete files, changes
properties, etc have been limited. Make sure you have
full administrative rights.

Here's another off the wall possibility. I set my mouse
to SELECT by pointing and Open or RUN by single-clicking.
Once I double-clicked and got the same message.

Another possibility. 123 is open but you do not see it
own the screen. Go to the Task Manager and look to see
what applications and processes are running. There may be
an open copy of 123 that is not appearing on the screen.
This happened to me last week.

 

[djs]

Thanks for your response. This version of Lotus 1-2-3 is
a DOS based program and doesn't install itself into
Windows. It doesn't show up in the Add/Remove programs
list.
DJS

-----Original Message-----
You'll find adding & removing programs a whole lot

easier (aswell as having less chance of deleting
something important & increasing memory space ) if you
use the add/remove programs Tool in the control panel
found via green start on right.

then you can simply scroll down, locate the bit of

software you don't want anymore & remove it safely that
way

I remember when I thought that if you deleted the icon

on the desk top the rest of it just disapeared- no just
luck I'm afraid.

And deleting a program like that, can cause you to

accidently delete part of windows (software sort
of 'weaves it's way in' to the system & you have to
unknot it correctly to avoid problems)

I still get problems deleteing on occassions, it's

normally because I've left something in the recyle bin,
emptying that & using a good registary cleaning tool now
& again seem to do the trick though.

 

[AJ]

try booting into safe mode to delete the file... or try
going to the control panel and remove the old program.

 

[DJS]

Thanks for that. I do have administrative rights. I
select my programs in the usual double clicking way. And
I have checked the task manager and there is no 123
process running.
DJS

 

[DJS]

Thanks AJ. I have tried booting in safe mode. And,
because it's a DOS based program, it doesn't install
itself into Windows and doesn't appear as a program in
Add/Remove programs.
DJS