cannot delete Access 97 file

[Smallweed]

I've got a database file on my C-drive that I can't delete. I was able to
delete the associated lock (ldb) file fine but if I try to make any changes
to the file itself (delete, rename, move, compact and repair it, etc) it
won't let me, telling me that someone else has exclusive access to the file.
I've checked that I have no other applications reading the database (such as
Excel) and have rebooted in case there's something running I can't see in
Task Manager.

Does anyone have any ideas how I can get rid of this thing?! I need to
replace it with a newer version and it won't let me.

 

[Allen Browne]

Try rebooting the computer.

That should release any open connections.

 

[Smallweed]

Doesn't help unfortunately. I guess the file must be corrupted (it's an
Access 97 replica and I know these are prone to getting bloated and
corrupted!).

 

[Allen Browne]

Exactly what message do you receive when you try to delete it?

Are you logged in to Windows as a local computer adminsrator?

Can you delete the file if you boot Windows in safe mode?

Try runnind Scandisk (or Chkdsk) to see if you have crosslinked files on
your drive.

 

[Smallweed]

They sound good suggestions: thanks, I'll give them a go.