XP error messages say i can't rename or delete

[alexsmith]

Hi,

I am a semi-pro photographer and therefore have loads of photo files which i keep in folders on an external hard drive on XP home edition. Recently, when i go to edit, rename or delete a photograph, an error message comes up saying that i can't rename/delete file or folder becuase another program or person is using it. It is not constant and I can never predict which files will be affected.

Any ideas would be great because I am having to come up with excuses for my agent who needs photos to be submitted!!!!!!

Thanks, Alex.

[EzyStvy]

Many times you will encounter this error if you opened the pics right before trying to rename them.

Many times a simple reboot will cure the problem.