> y hard drive has a capacity of only 3 GB and in attempting to delete
> files to free up some space I get the message "Access Denied".  How can I
> get past this and get rid of these unwanted files?  They are in a folder
> that I no longer use, so I assume that they are not needed.

For files that you want deleted permanently that are giving you the "cannot delete file... in use by another program" message, when they are NOT in use by another program:
Restart the PC and hit F8 to reach the "Advanced Boot Options" menu.
From this menu choose "Safe Mode w/ Command Prompt", let it boot and log in normally to a local administrator account. Once logged in change directories to the location of the file in question. Once here let's use the "del" command to delete the problem file.
This method prevents the "explorer" shell from starting and "holding on" to the file.

If you don't feel comfortable deleting from a command prompt, sometimes regular Safe Mode will allow you to delete said files.

               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
                 our special coffee mugs and mouse pads
              with the PCBUILD logo...  at a great price!!!
             http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml