Delete or Move System Locked Files with Unlocker- But Use Caution!
Posted by: Barry Cleave in Freeware, tags: Freeware, Locked File, Programs, System Files, System Utilities, Utilities, Windows, Windows XPWhat Is It?
Unlocker is a program that will unlock or release files and folders that have been locked by the system. It is simple to use as a standalone solution when a locked file or folder situation occurs or it can run in the background and monitor for problems.
Warning
Deleting some files may make the system crash or unbootable, or it may stop certain applications working. So proceed with care. Only use Unlocker on files you are sure it is safe to move or delete. The file/folder was originally locked for a good reason so be sure that it is now safe to unlock. As always make sure you have adequate backups of your system and data. .
Why Would You Want It?
Locked files or folders are generally ones that are currently opened by an application or a system process. They are automatically locked to prevent another process from changing them (when they may be altered by the process that already has the file open). Sometimes the lock is not released due to a malfunction or crash somewhere in the system or with an application. This leaves a file that cannot be moved or deleted.
A typical error message will show:
(Click on pictures to enlarge where necessary)
Other typical error messages may say:
- Cannot delete file: Access is denied
- There has been a sharing violation
- The source or destination file may be in use
- The file is in use by another program or user
- Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use
Why Do I Want It?
Unlocker provides a simple and unobtrusive way for me to unlock files quickly and easily when a problem occurs with moving or deleting a file. This may be using Windows Explorer or a file manager, Teracopy, Duplicate Cleaner or some other utility. I generally have Unlocker (Assistant) running in the background on my main PC’s and laptops.
What Does It Do – The Essentials?
Summary:
- Unlocks files whose locking handle is set
- Can be set to monitor for lock file/folder error messages
Pros: What’s Good?
Features & Benefits
- Freeware
- Easy to Use
- Automatic “locked file error” monitoring option
- Unlocks files/folders or terminates locking process
- Handles “No Locked File” situation usefully
Cons:What’s Not So Good?
- Short on Help
- Short on information about locked files and potential dangers
More About What it Does in Detail:
Go to Page 2 for details and screenshots
Go to Page 3 for ProReviewer Summary
Popularity: 18% [?]
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November 17th, 2008 at 2:29 pm - Edit
Usually, rebooting will break the file lock. If it doesn’t, something running at startup is creating the lock on each boot. If a reboot fixes the problem, I wouldn’t worry about it. If it’s still locked after rebooting, it might be a sign of something more serious. Unlocker will tell you what process has the lock. You should probably see if it’s process you want running. It could be malicious. Just <http://dadecoders.blogspot.com/2007/11/deleterename-locked-windows-files-with.html”breaking the lock and deleting the file could be a band-aid for a more serious problem.
I had just spent a good part of my morning trying to delete a PDF file that refused to go away. Still saying Cannot Delet “”" This folder is being used by another person or pragram</a.
Feeling dejected, I moved on to the next thing on my to-do list.
I highly recommend Unlocker. I have been using it for years and it has always saved my life. Without it, I would have smashed up my PC in frustration ages ago!
August 26th, 2009 at 6:10 am - Edit
excellent tools
November 13th, 2009 at 5:36 pm - Edit
Unlocker tool is excellent.
And when you cannot delete file because it is in use you can use unlocker tool at http://www.unlockertool.com , it closes the process that is using the file
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:13 am - Edit
Hi,
Everybody will be very much conscious when they delete any file from their system.
But few files will be locked. Even i too have left some unnecessary files just because they are locked by the system. Let me try this. Thank u so much