DelLater

DelLater is a command-line utility that enables you to mark files for deletion at the next Windows startup. It mimics the method described by Microsoft as safe for eliminating files which are currently being used by the operating system (MoveFileEx).

This typically happens when an active process has an open handle to the file you're attempting to delete under normal circumstances (such as autostart apps). Another scenario is when a malware agent is blocking your access to that file.

The syntax is dellater.exe filename.filetype and it's revealed in a popup window when double-clicking the .exe file or calling its process from a Command Prompt dialog. Administrative privileges are not required. However, you should know that it doesn't work on Windows editions other than 95, 98, Millenium, 2000, XP and 2003. If you try this, the app shows an error dialog saying that it cannot find the specified file.

Once the command is given to the tool, it displays a notification message informing you that the file is marked for deletion after reboot, so it's necessary to restart the PC to apply modifications (system reboot is not automatically triggered). It doesn't integrate commands for deleting folders or multiple files at a time.