Deleting a SPSS data file open in SPSS engine even after exiting SPSS

[Peter Watson-7]

 

Dear all,

 

I have created a data file (using OMS in a macro within SPSS) and cannot now delete this file. I have tried the erase command but get the following message.

Error # 2307 in column 13.  Text: U:\my documents\emm.sav

The specified file exists but cannot be erased - possibly because it is a

read-only file or is already in use.

Execution of this command stops.

 

When I try deleting the file in the folder I get an error message saying the file is open in SPSS engine and won’t delete even when I’m not using SPSS (ie have exited).  Has anyone come across this problem before?

 

Many thanks for any light anyone can shed on this!

 

Peter

 

 

 

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Peter Watson

MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit

15 Chaucer Road

Cambridge

CB2 7EF

 

Direct line:  [phone]

Line (via reception): [phone] x801

Fax:  [phone]

 

[Bruce Weaver]

Hi Peter.  I have not come across this problem, but here's what I would try, assuming a Windoze environment:  CTL-ALT-DEL to run the task manager, and then check to see if any SPSS processes are still hanging around.  If they are, kill them, and then try to delete the file.  ;-)

HTH.

Peter Watson-7 wrote

Dear all,

I have created a data file (using OMS in a macro within SPSS) and cannot now delete this file. I have tried the erase command but get the following message.
Error # 2307 in column 13.  Text: U:\my documents\emm.sav
The specified file exists but cannot be erased - possibly because it is a
read-only file or is already in use.
Execution of this command stops.

When I try deleting the file in the folder I get an error message saying the file is open in SPSS engine and won't delete even when I'm not using SPSS (ie have exited).  Has anyone come across this problem before?

Many thanks for any light anyone can shed on this!

Peter




---------------------------------------------------------------------

Peter Watson
MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit
15 Chaucer Road
Cambridge
CB2 7EF

Direct line:  [phone]
Line (via reception): [phone] x801
Fax:  [phone]

[David Marso]

If after following Bruce's advice, see if a reboot clears the file.
--

Bruce Weaver wrote

Hi Peter.  I have not come across this problem, but here's what I would try, assuming a Windoze environment:  CTL-ALT-DEL to run the task manager, and then check to see if any SPSS processes are still hanging around.  If they are, kill them, and then try to delete the file.  ;-)

HTH.

Peter Watson-7 wrote

Dear all,

I have created a data file (using OMS in a macro within SPSS) and cannot now delete this file. I have tried the erase command but get the following message.
Error # 2307 in column 13.  Text: U:\my documents\emm.sav
The specified file exists but cannot be erased - possibly because it is a
read-only file or is already in use.
Execution of this command stops.

When I try deleting the file in the folder I get an error message saying the file is open in SPSS engine and won't delete even when I'm not using SPSS (ie have exited).  Has anyone come across this problem before?

Many thanks for any light anyone can shed on this!

Peter




---------------------------------------------------------------------

Peter Watson
MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit
15 Chaucer Road
Cambridge
CB2 7EF

Direct line:  [phone]
Line (via reception): [phone] x801
Fax:  [phone]

[John F Hall]

 

 

From: Peter Watson [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: 14 November 2013 10:52
To: John F Hall
Subject: RE: Deleting a SPSS data file open in SPSS engine even after exiting SPSS

 

 

Many thanks John. Yes in the end I resorted to the cold reboot and this did work! I guess if in doubt reboot….

 

All best wishes,

 

Peter

 

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Peter Watson

MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit

15 Chaucer Road

Cambridge

CB2 7EF

 

Direct line:  [phone]

Line (via reception): [phone] x801

Fax:  [phone]

 

From: John F Hall [[hidden email]]
Sent: 13 November 2013 18:08
To: Peter Watson
Subject: RE: Deleting a SPSS data file open in SPSS engine even after exiting SPSS

 

Peter

 

I sometimes get this if the file is being referenced in another application (eg Word) even after “closing” SPSS.  A cold reboot is sometimes the only solution.

 

John

 

John F Hall (Mr)

[Retired academic survey researcher]

 

Email:   [hidden email] 

Website: www.surveyresearch.weebly.com

SPSS start page:  www.surveyresearch.weebly.com/spss-without-tears.html

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Peter Watson
Sent: 13 November 2013 12:55
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Deleting a SPSS data file open in SPSS engine even after exiting SPSS

 

 

Dear all,

 

I have created a data file (using OMS in a macro within SPSS) and cannot now delete this file. I have tried the erase command but get the following message.

Error # 2307 in column 13.  Text: U:\my documents\emm.sav

The specified file exists but cannot be erased - possibly because it is a

read-only file or is already in use.

Execution of this command stops.

 

When I try deleting the file in the folder I get an error message saying the file is open in SPSS engine and won’t delete even when I’m not using SPSS (ie have exited).  Has anyone come across this problem before?

 

Many thanks for any light anyone can shed on this!

 

Peter

 

 

 

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Peter Watson

MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit

15 Chaucer Road

Cambridge

CB2 7EF

 

Direct line:  [phone]

Line (via reception): [phone] x801

Fax:  [phone]