Unable to move folder (and it's contained files)

Hi Guys,

This has happened a few times to me. I work a lot with professional Audio Production and I just tried to move some files that were created last year on the same PC (using windows 7 64-bit at the time) from one folder to another on the same partition. I used the 'take ownership' context item and even added my user name (only user on my PC) with all permissions. But I still couldn't move them (not one application or folder open that was using the files inside).

In the end I had to copy/paste and delete the originals afterwards. They deleted fine, but wouldn't allow moving. Any ideas why that happened and how to avoid this in future, so that I can just move the files?

It's happened to a few (seemingly) random folders since I've started using windows 8 64-bit, amongst hundreds I have in the parent folder from the same dates +/-.

You might have a hidden thumbs.db file locked in these folders. Open folder Options and turn on "Show hidden files" to see if that's the case.

Thanks for the suggestion. I have "Turns off the caching of thumbnails in hidden thumbs.db files" enabled via group policy since I first installed win8 (with hidden/system files set to visible). I just did a search for "thumbs.db" on all the contents of the parent folder, just in case, and nothing found. It's a strange one! :|

Should it happen again, I'll pop back with more info (without taking any further action). Pretty sure it will...

Use unlocker software. Unlocker - CNET Download.com

Hi, that was one of the first things I tried (v1.9.1), but it didn't seem to work with win8 64-bit? (worked perfectly on win7 64-bit).

I just tested it on a video I'm transcoding and it doesn't show the process that's using the file as in the past.

do you have UAC turned all the way down? If so turn it back on and see if you are being prompted when you try to move the files.

BleepingCrazy said:

Hi, that was one of the first things I tried (v1.9.1), but it didn't seem to work with win8 64-bit? (worked perfectly on win7 64-bit).

I just tested it on a video I'm transcoding and it doesn't show the process that's using the file as in the past.

Click to expand...

You could try Lockhunter, they came with 32 & 64 bit version and that's what I am using:

LockHunter is a free 64/32 bit tool to delete files blocked by any processes

Haxcid said:

do you have UAC turned all the way down? If so turn it back on and see if you are being prompted when you try to move the files.

Click to expand...

Good idea! I'll turn it right up the second I see this happening again.

topgundcp said:

You could try Lockhunter, thay came with 32 & 64 bit version and that's what I am using:

LockHunter is a free 64/32 bit tool to delete files blocked by any processes

Click to expand...

Thanks for the link! First time I've heard of this app.


Thanks for the feedback guys, I really appreciate you taking the time to help.