Can't delete files

I decided to have a clearout of my documents library (various folders). When I try to delete some files I'm told that they are no longer in that folder; but they are, as the 'Properties' tab tells me so and I can click on them to open them. And of course, there they are in the list of files in front of me! So how can I delete them?

They might be read-only, so require their file attributes changed. Or, there might be some background program accessing the files/folders and preventing the deletion. Try a reboot.

In reply to a post by GeoffB:

When I try to delete some files I'm told that they are no longer in that folder

Does it actually say that, I'm surprised, or does it just say you can't delete them?

You may not have permission to delete them and need to access the Security Tab to change your permissions. You may not have a Security Tab, e.g. on XP Home, in which case you need to do it under Safe Mode or install this software: Scesp4i.exe

With XP you could try this (not sure with other Windows OS's):

1. Click Start > Run and type regsvr32 /u shimgvw.dll and click OK.

2. Click Start > Run and type regsvr32 /u shmedia.dll and click OK.

3. Delete the file that is corrupted.

4. Click Start > Run and type regsvr32 shimgvw.dll and click OK.

5. Click Start > Run and type regsvr32 shmedia.dll and click OK.

This is a not uncommon problem. Have a look at the possible fixes listed in this link: http://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/fix-could-not-find...

Doesn't the OS state the "File Is In Use" when trying to delete?

The trick seems to be to copy it to another folder, delete that, then delete the original.
Copying seems to re-awaken some lost identity in the original file.