I've had this problem ever since I did a clean install of XP last year. If I copy or cut a file from a folder, I cannot delete the folder unless I use the proggy Unlocker or I reboot/logoff. Windows Explorer thinks the file is still in use and won't allow the deleting of the folder.

This also happens when installing software and the install proggy does any sort of copying, deleting, etc.

Anyway, it's beyond nuisance status now and is simply giving problems.

Might a reinstall of XP over the current system files correct this? Or should I do another clean install?

I never have had that problem, If it ever happens i just copy a blank text document on the desktop. That seems to clear everything up.

You've never had it but when you do, you do x?

I use Process Explorer to kill the thread that's referencing the file when that happens, but it didn't happen to me every time.

I'd try another clean install.

This happens to me a lot when trying to move image files in explorer. If I select an image file, windows will pop some information up in the bar on the side, including a thumbnail of the image. Then when I try and move it, it tells me it can't because it's in use... by explorer. Oops. I get around it by selecting two images - one I want to move, and one I don't. I select the one I don't second, Explorer opens it, then happily moves the first, and refuses to move the second.

This is not an uncommon problem. Lots of programs leak file handles. Even explorer leaks them occasionally. This sounds like something gone very wrong in explorer itself, that's preventing it from releasing it's file handles.

It has happened to me mostly when I've been using the Picture and Fax Viewer to view images inside a folder, but forgot to close the Viewer before trying to delete the whole folder. However, I haven't bothered to use those freeing programs but have deleted the folder next day or something (since I shut down the PC for the night always). Still, this doesn't even happen every time consistently if memory serves. I try to avoid it, nevertheless.

This happens with any file on my PC.

Usually happens with Explorer for me. Sometimes it keeps folder handles open for no reason at all until you kill it or force the handle closed (I use handle.exe by sysinternals). This is in addition to the thumbnailer blocking file operations.

Occasionally a different program will do the same thing, I make sure it REALLY isn't using the file before closing the handle, then.