Sharing Violation When Deleting a Folder

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you uncompress a directory structure on an NTFS volume and you quit the process for any reason (such as corrupt file or out of free space), you will receive a sharing violation when trying to delete the directory structure. The sharing violation always occurs in the directory of the last file accessed when you quit the uncompression process.

CAUSE

This is caused because Explorer.exe (Windows NT 4.0 shell) keeps an open handle to the directory.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, perform either of the following steps:

• Log off the computer and log back on, which should clear the handle. You should now be able to delete the directory.

  -or-

• Restart your system.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. A supported fix is now available, but has not been fully regression- tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.