Error message when you try to delete an empty folder on a network share that is hosted on a Windows Server 2003-based server or on a Windows XP Professional x64 Edition-based server: "Cannot delete <DIRECTORY>"

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Symptoms

You try to delete an empty folder on a network share that is hosted on a Windows Server 2003-based server or on a Windows XP Professional x64 Edition-based server. When you do this, you may receive the following error message:

Cannot delete <DIRECTORY>: It is being used by another person or program.

This problem occurs when hotfix 950298 is installed on the server.

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Resolution

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. However, it is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, you must be running one of the following operating systems on the server:

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1
Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition with Service Pack 2

Restart requirement

You must restart the server after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.