Attempting to delete a file crashes Windows Explorer

Question

There's a file on my Desktop folder that I can't move (to another folder), delete or rename - it crashes explorer.exe. I tried deleting this file before sleeping, but I couldn't. I figured I'd be able to do so after restarting - I'm not.

I created this file with FFMPEG by trimming a video with -s nn -to nn- this behavior with the file is unexpected.

I tried deleting it through cmd (del /f) and Powershell (remove-item) but both programs gave no output - after pressing enter, the caret kept blinking in the first empty line indefinitely. I ran them as admin.

I can't change permissions on it either (though I'm already the owner) - doing so also crashes explorer.

• Product: Windows 10 Pro
• Version: 1903
• Build: 10.0.18362.239

.

Event Viewer Reports for the crash:

• https://ybin.me/p/c09d83efac001fdd#UNYfsovPxHlcwMJtbiVrBeAw5UkF8Oke/jR76J5+tfo=
• https://ybin.me/p/c31a12cc4a4cce40#Me50AhFODFKT43tW/SArKt/NSneNkQquk+HNew6uudA=

Solution

Try LockHunter, or alternatives, which can show how the file is being used. A file generated by ffmpeg is probably safe to forcibly delete, but use caution on files that might be needed by the system.

Also, try checking the disk for errors -- full scan.

Comments

[Moab]

Delete it using Windows command prompt.

[Unknow0059]

@Moab As described in the question, I did try doing that.

[Unknow0059]

@DrMoishePippik Downloading LockHunter, clicking on Unlock It! fixed it. I was then able to permanently delete the file. Could you type that as the answer so you get the credit?

[Moab]

Open command prompt and don't close it, then open task manager and kill the Windows explorer process, then try the delete command again, then restart explorer using File>run new task, explorer.exe.

[DrMoishe Pippik]

@Unknow0059, done, and I'm glad it helped. Out of curiosity, did you see what process had the file locked?

[Unknow0059]

@DrMoishePippik yes, check the last link I edited into the question. It was dllhost - I don't understand why, however.

[slhck]

If you solved the question, please don't put that into the question, but simply accept the answer that gives the solution. Thanks.