Can't update, HD is being used by Time Machine

I get the message that the Hard Drive can't be used because it's being used by Time Machine. Time Machine is turned off. Following advice on another thread I deleted a TM pref file, restarted, and selected none (which wasn't there previously). I have repaired permissions as well. Any ideas? Thanks.

progmanjum wrote:
I have a folder by that name. There is another folder within that and that is empty. Delete and restart?
yes.

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