Why a project or folder can't be deleted
Kinescope doesn’t delete a project or folder while it’s in use: a file request uploads files to it, an integration imports videos into it, a live stream saves recordings to it, or a live stream inside it is on air. Instead of deleting, Kinescope opens a window that lists the reasons, with links to where you can resolve each one.
Who this article is for
- Administrators and content managers — tidy up the catalog and delete old projects and folders
- Live stream organizers — keep stream recordings in catalog folders and don’t want to cut a live stream by accident
How to find out what blocks deletion
- Delete a folder with “Delete” in its context menu, or a project with “Delete project” in the project menu.
- Confirm the deletion. For a project, enter its name first.
- If the project or folder is in use, nothing is deleted. The “Cannot delete folder “…”” or “Cannot delete project “…”” window opens with a list of reasons.
Each reason in the window shows:
- what blocks deletion, for example “File request Speaker materials uploads files here”;
- where it is — the “In …” line with the path from the item you’re deleting, for example “In Course materials / Module 1”;
- the “Open” link — leads to where you can resolve the reason. The link opens in a new tab, and the window stays open.
If there are more than five reasons, the window shows the first five. Click “Show N more” to see the rest.
The “Got it” and “Cancel” buttons close the window without deleting anything. Resolve the reasons and delete the project or folder again: the check runs anew on every attempt.
Which reasons block deletion
Kinescope checks the project or folder itself and everything nested in it, at any depth. So a project won’t be deleted if at least one nested folder has a reason.
| Reason in the window | When it appears | Where “Open” leads | How to resolve |
|---|---|---|---|
| “File request … uploads files here” | A file request uploads files to this folder or a nested one | “Settings” → “File requests” | Delete the file request |
| "… integration imports videos here" | An integration imports videos into this folder or a nested one | “Integrations” section | Disconnect the integration |
| “Live stream … saves recordings here” | The live stream has “Save video after live stream” on, and “Records storage location” is set to this folder or a nested one. A recurring event always blocks deletion, a one-time event blocks it until it’s finished or canceled | Live stream settings | In the live stream settings, choose another “Records storage location” or turn off “Save video after live stream” |
| “Live stream … is on air now” | A signal is connected to a live stream inside the folder or project. Deletion is blocked even if the broadcast hasn’t started yet | Live stream page | Disconnect the signal or wait for the broadcast to end |
Deleting several items at once
- Select several items in the catalog: hold Ctrl/Cmd and click each one.
- Choose “Delete” in the context menu of any selected item and confirm the deletion.
Each item is checked separately. Everything that isn’t in use is deleted, and folders in use stay in place. If not everything was deleted, a summary window opens, for example “Deleted 1 of 3 items” and “2 folders weren’t deleted because they’re in use.” Under each remaining folder, you’ll see its reasons with “Open” links.
What’s next?
After deleting a project or folder, we recommend:
- Recycle bin — deleted projects and folders go to the recycle bin, and you can restore them from there
- Organizing the media library — structure your catalog with projects, folders, and tags
- Advanced file upload — how file requests work
Still have questions? Write to the support chat within the Kinescope interface — our specialists will help!