ArcPy with ArcMap cannot delete file

Question

I have a Python tool to calculate some simple statistics on a lot of features. I use arcpy.Statistics_analysis to create a DBF file with stats for a feature class, register the results, then pass to the following. So I would like to use a temporary file for each feature class, then delete it before passing to the next. Unfortunately this temporary file seems impossible to delete, also if I use arcpy.env.overwriteOutput = True

Any hint ?

here is my code

for fc in arcpy.ListFeatureClasses(feature_type='polygon'):
 if arcpy.Exists(outFolder + os.sep + "appo.dbf"):
 arcpy.Delete_management(outFolder + os.sep + "appo.dbf")
 arcpy.Statistics_analysis(fc, outFolder + os.sep + "appo.dbf", [["Ettari", "SUM"]])

the error message is

ExecuteError: ERROR 000601: Cannot delete C:\Terna\Connessioni\appo\appo.dbf. May be locked by another application.

Failed to execute (Delete)

• Vince: What do you mean by "register the results"? Locks are created on active tables. If it's still active, you shouldn't be able to delete it.
• David Remotti: I mean that i write numbers I get into a database. The temporary table is no more affected by my tool
• bixb0012: Where/how are you running this code? In the interactive Python window in Pro, in a Jupyter notebook in Pro, in a stand-alone Python session outside of Pro, etc...
• David Remotti: my toolbox in ArcGis Desktop 10.3.1
• bixb0012: Does the code work on the first iteration through the loop and then fail after?

Answer 1

Unlocker is a great freeware utility that can delete application-locked files.