James,

Many programs run in the background. You can't see any activity but these
hidden programs can use other files like "ntuser.dat." Do a "control,alt,
delete" and bring up the
"Windows Task Manager" window (WTM) which will show all of the applications
you have running. Switch to the process tab and you will see all of the
processes running (parts or whole program routines).  If you keep this
window open while you retry to delete the file and watch the process window
you might notice an increased activity level of the program that is
preventing you from deleting the file. Remember that deleting any listed
"WTM" file is temporary and it will return when the computer reboots. With
that in mind try deleting any program routines that show activity (the CPU
column). If you close the right program you will be able to delete the file
in question. Of course if you delete say Explorer or other system critical
files, then you won't be able to proceed without rebooting. Also, to find
where the process is for any application right click on it and select "go
to process" and it will take you to that process.

I use a program that in some cases allows me to delete what I can't in
other programs. It is called Z-Tree and is based on an old DOS program
called X-Tree . It's somewhat different and thus difficult to use unless
you have used DOS programs before.  You can get Z-Tree by doing a Goggle
search for the name. I think there is a limited time download.

I hope this helps.

J. Dent

At 06:08 PM 9/21/2004, you wrote:
>After I tried to change the location of the Outlook Express message
>folder, I started getting an error message "Cannot delete ntuser.dat.  It
>is being used by another person or program.  Close any program that may be
>using the file and try again."   The message comes every time I open
>Outlok Express but does not hinder the proper functioning of Outlook
>Express.    I know the ntuser.dat file contains the registry.  Attempts to
>change its name or delete it produced error returns.  .
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