Using WinXP Pro SP-3. I created some backup images on an external drive. When I try to delete one, I usually (but not always) get a message that the file can't be deleted because it's in use.I've logged off & on, rebooted, deleted temp files, stopped & later restarted services, closed & then reopened my external drive. Eventually, I can delete a file, but I can't figure out what application or service is using the file.1. Any ideas on what's happening?2. Are there any utilities that will tell me what app or service is using the file? (Using task manager doesn't help)Thanks,Phil1 person needs an answerI do too

I'm not an expert on backups for sure....as I just learned a little about them last night and today. From what I saw during the process though...MAYBE you have a setting within the backup process that is constantly writing to that specific file. Don't know if this info will help you...JMHO

Thanks for your response. There is no setting in the backup process that continually writes. Also, I have it with almost all the backup files on the external drive, even if I stop services related to the backup app. I think I need to locate some utility that will tell me what process is "using" those files.

There MAY be other processes running that would cause this. Microsoft is ALWAYS vague on this stuff...as an example...check out my questions about DPC's.

What is the name of the file?Hope this helps, Gerry Cornell

The names can very. They are all *.tib (where tib stands for True Image backup). What I need is a utility that will tell me what application or process is "using" the file.Thanks, Phil

Acronis True ImageHope this helps, Gerry Cornell

Hi Gerry:Thanks for the reply, but I know that a *.tib file is from Acronis True Image. True Image is not using the file, but something is...& prevents me from deleting the file. I know that TI is not using the image because I've shut it off, turned disabled all services connected to it, & still have trouble deleting the files.

Is Acronis True Image configured to load at start up?To identify what loads when you boot use Autoruns (freeware from Microsoft).http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Autoruns.mspx With Autoruns you can uncheck an item, which disables it from starting, or you can right click an item and then delete it. If you uncheck you can recheck to re-enable the item. It is a much safer approach than editing the Registry and better than using msconfig. Another useful feature of the programme is that you can right click an item and select Search Online to get information about the item selected. Hope this helps, Gerry Cornell