why can't i delete this file on my pc

Question

i am trying to install some software and it requires removing the following file:

• cd %SYSTEMROOT%\assembly\GAC
• rename Microsoft.Office.Interop.Outlook Microsoft.Office.Interop.Outlook.Old

the problem is when i do the rename it looks like its successful but it doesn't seem to actually delete Microsoft.Office.Interop.Outlook

i tried to explicitally do:

 del Microsoft.Office.Interop.Outlook 

and again it looks like it works but then when i do a "dir" i still see that file.

Do you have any suggestions on why this wouldn't allow me to delete this file. I have outlook closed when i am doing this so i wouldn't think outlook is locking the file.

Answer 1

1) you could use sysinternals ProcessMon to see what's using the file. Kill that, then delete the file.

2) You could also use the RunOnceEx registry key to have the file deleted on boot before you run anything that may use it. I don't have a windows box to create an example, maybe someone else can add to this answer.

Answer 2

Boot from a XP cd and get to the command prompt, delete it from there.

here is how to get to the command prompt from CD.

http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=5097