Hi Geoff - In case the resources that Ramesh pointed you to don't do what
you need, here's a little additional info that may help:


From my Blog, Defending Your Machine, addy below in Signature:


Sometimes the tools below will find files which they are unable to delete
because they are in use.

A program called Copylock, here, http://noeld.com/programs.asp?cat=misc can
aid in the process of "replacing, moving, renaming or deleting one or many
files which are currently in use (e.g. system files like comctl32.dll, or
virus/trojan files.)"

Another is Killbox, here: http://www.downloads.subratam.org/KillBox.zip

A third which is a bit different but often very useful is Delete Invalid
File, here: http://www.purgeie.com/delinv.htm which handles invalid/UNC
file/folder name deleting, rather than the in use problem.

A fourth useful program is Unlocker, here:
..http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/ " Simply right click the folder or file
and select Unlocker. If the folder or file is locked, a window listing of
lockers will appear. Simply select the lockers and click Unlock and you are
done!" Works as advertised and is particularly helpful in identifying
malware components which are 'protecting' each other.

--
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP/DTS/AH-VSOP
My Blog, Defending Your Machine, here:
http://DefendingYourMachine.blogspot.com/



"Geoff" <geoffb41@NOSPAMozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:ukjFyJzCGHA.3856@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl
> Thanks Ramesh - will try those. Not my computer and I need to contact the
> owner of the "problem" computer to carry out your suggestions.
>
>
> "Ramesh, MS-MVP" <ramesh@XOX.mvps.org> wrote in message
> news:e1YGzeuCGHA.3980@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>> Geoff,
>>
>> Try the steps given here:
>> http://aumha.org/a/stubborn.php
>>
>> You Cannot Delete a File or a Folder
>> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=320081
>>
>> How to Remove Files with Reserved Names in Windows XP
>> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315226
>>
>> --
>> Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
>> Windows XP Shell/User
>>
>> Windows XP Troubleshooting
>> http://www.winhelponline.com
>>
>>
>> "Geoff" <geoffb41@NOSPAMozemail.com.au> wrote in message
>> news:uSe7kNtCGHA.3064@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>> Win XP Home SP2. File on desktop that was put there from an email. Now
>> does
>> not have a file extension. Cannot rename file and cannot delete file
>> ('cannot delete file cannot read from the source file or disk) is the
>> message. Tried to delete thru Safe Mode but this has not worked either.
>> Any
>> ideas on how to delete this file?
>> Thanks