Fred,

A virus scan is running fulltime.
All other files within the same directory (all .jpg's) delete without a problem.
I will try setting the hidden attribute on one the files that currently deletes and check the results.
Tks.

>While this is only a guess, it still sounds like some task that's running, whether it's one of yours or not, has that file open. Have you checked for any virii? Depending on which version of the OS you're using and how you're logged into the system, you may be able to find out what program has that file open.
>
>
>>The file is on my local PC and the hard drive is not available on the network.
>>Also, the file thumbs.db is not open - at least by any of my applications.
>>Windows Explore is not running.
>>Other than that, I really don't know what the operating system XP PRO has open.
>>
>>>>I have been reading the threads here on deleting all files from a directory and have some questions/concerns.
>>>>
>>>>The environment would be VFP 7 runtime with O/S W98, ME, 2000 and XP PRO.
>>>>The specific problem that I have is with the file 'thumbs.db' which is a hidden file that has been added (on my XP PRO pc) to a subdirectory that contains .jpg's.
>>>>
>>>>If I use erase, the file is not deleted. If I use adir() the file is in the resultant array, but again does not delete. If I try to remove the 'hidden' attribute with 'run attrib -h filename.ext', the attribute is not removed.
>>>>
>>>>One of the recommendations suggested using Windows Script Hosting.
>>>>But can't this feature be disabled and therefore my application would not function properly?
>>>>
>>>>Also, according to previous threads, it is optional in W98.
>>>>
>>>>Lastly, I am concerned about forcing the end user to install/enable Windows Script Hosting.
>>>>
>>>>Thank you in advance for any advice.
>>>
>>>If the file is "open" or in use by some other program that's still active, you can't delete it. That's possibly what you're seeing.