Can't Rename Windows Folder: Folder in Use Error

Last reviewed on October 3, 2012

The problem: After attaching a file to an Outlook email message or saving an attachment, you can't move, delete, or rename the Windows folder the file is stored in and you receive an error message telling you the file is in use.

The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. Close the folder or file and try again.

Folder in use error dialog

This happens because Outlook keeps a lock on the last folder you accessed to Save or Insert attachments. It will release the lock on the current folder when you change folders or restart Outlook.

Solution

To release the lock, open a new message form, click Insert file and select a different folder. You don't need to select a file and actually insert it, you just need to select a new folder. Close the Insert file dialog and the new message form. Problem solved. Outlook released the lock on the previous folder and you rename, move, or delete it. It puts the lock on the new folder, so I recommend selecting My Documents or another folder you won't be renaming or deleting.

If you know you will be renaming, moving, or deleting the folder, you can click the Insert button and select a new folder right after attaching the file.

Folder in Use Video Demonstration

Written by

Diane Poremsky
A Microsoft Outlook Most Valuable Professional (MVP) since 1999 and involved in IT support since 1985, Diane is the author of several books and video training CDs and online training classes for Microsoft Outlook. You can find her helping people online in Outlook Forums as well as in the Microsoft Answers and TechNet forums.