How do I delete QuickTime files?

Question

Level 1

9 points

How do I delete QuickTime files?

I know it sounds goofy but I can't delete QuickTime files, or change their name in Windows Explorer. The only way I can get rid of them is to take QuickTime off the computer altogether.

When I try to delete them or change the name I get a notice telling me the file is in use by a program... but there's no program running as far as I can tell.

Any help would be much appreciated

Dell Dimension 3100, Windows XP

Posted on Apr 10, 2008 6:22 PM

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Answer 1

Jacumba

Level 4

2,349 points

Apr 11, 2008 10:14 AM in response to Gabriel...

A possibility could be mulitible accounts, with Use Fast User Switching enabled in the User Accounts control panel. Or perhaps your using a Limited account without permissions to delete anything?

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Answer 2

Gabriel... Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 11, 2008 6:02 PM in response to Jacumba

Thanks for responding... I'm the only user and there are no limits on my user account. I can change the names, delete and modify any non .mov file. As long as QuickTime is in my computer I can't modify .mov files, once I remove QuickTime I can do whatever I want with them (except open them of course).

This problem is new as of a couple of months ago. In January I was able to do whatever I wanted with QuickTime, but I reinstalled QuickTime and lost the functions. I've reinstalled a few times since then to try and fix the problem but it seems stuck like this...

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Answer 3

APPLE27

Level 2

370 points

Apr 17, 2008 12:38 PM in response to Gabriel...

sounds like a job for safe mode.

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Answer 4

Gabriel... Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 20, 2008 3:52 AM in response to APPLE27

Thanks for responding. How would safe mode help (curious)? I can't seem to find anyone else who has had this problem... I can modify and Save As a different file name using QuickTime Pro, but I can't delete a QuickTime .mov file or change the file name when I'm in Windows Explorer... a pop-up comes up, tells me the file is in use and I can't modify it.

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Answer 5

Apr 21, 2008 12:03 AM in response to Gabriel...

Very interesting... I have the same problem and it only just started to happen a few weeks ago. I too have uninstalled and reinstalled quicktime, but the problem persists. I also have a Dell XPS system. One thing I've noticed is that explorer now displays thumbnails for all my quicktimes, never used to have that, and i sure don't want them. I have a strong feeling that the thumbs are causing the problem, but I can't find a way to turn them off.

I've tried finding the process that locks the files, but it must be deeply hidden cuz I can't find anything!

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Answer 6

Jun 27, 2008 4:08 PM in response to Gabriel...

I am having the same problem. I can't move .mov files unless I first uninstall Quicktime. When I reinstall QT I can no longer move .mov files. I installed versions 7.5, 7.4 and 7.3 with no luck. I also have found several others in multiple forums with the same problem and so far have not found a solution.

I have also noticed recently that I am getting the pop-up that says "com surrogate has stopped working". I don't know if that has something to do with it.

Is there anyone out there with any ideas.

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Answer 7

Wods

Level 1

0 points

Jul 24, 2008 1:37 AM in response to lawyerjim

I've got the same problem with my computer(s) at work. Both computers are HP xw6400 Workstations running Windows XP Pro.

It started a while ago (I think it was around the 7.4 update). When the Quicktime file is stored on a network drive, I'm not even able to delete it with another computer, untill I log my other computer off or shut it down.

Can it be caused by other programs?
I have Adobe After Effects 6.5, Photoshop CS, Illustrator CS, Encore 2.0 and Autodesk 3d Studio Max 2009 installed on my machine. The other one has Adobe CS3 Production Premium and Autodesk 3d Studio Max 2009 installed.

I hope they are coming with a solution for this very soon!

p.s. Lawyerjim, I don't get the message "com surrogate has stopped working", so I think thats not the problem.

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Answer 8

Aug 22, 2008 12:24 AM in response to Wods

Well there is a solution for that you can ask for it at www.help2help.co.cc
Just go to the technical support section and ask any question.

Message was edited by: how-can-i-help

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