Err Msg: Access is Denied. You Don't Have Permissions or the File is in Use

ID: Q245068


The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0


SYMPTOMS

When you try to delete a file, you may receive the following error message:

Access is denied. You don't have permissions or the file is in use.


CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the file you are deleting is in use or damaged, or if you do not have permission to change the file.


RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure you have the necessary NTFS file system permissions:


    1. In Windows NT Explorer, right-click the file, and then click Properties.


    2. On the Security tab, click Permissions.


    3. In the Type Of Access box, click Change.


  2. If your permissions are correct but you still cannot gain access to the file, use Systems Internals' Handle utility to troubleshoot the issue with this file. The Handles utility lists information about open handles and files. To obtain this utility, download it from the following Systems Internals Web site:


  3. http://www.sysinternals.com/nthandle.htm
The third-party products discussed in this article are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words: handles ntfs permissions

Keywords :
Version : winnt:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb


Last Reviewed: January 4, 2000
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