How to delete those pesky “locked” files in Windows
October 13th, 2006 by Ross McKillop |
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This could also be called “How to use Unlocker”
Unlocker is a free Windows utility that lets you know what programs are getting in the way of deleting a file. For more info, read on..
The “file in use” error comes in many forms -
And (or):
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.
Save yourself the time of trying to figure out what program is using the file you’re trying to delete by downloading and installing Unlocker (freeware!)
Using Unlocker:
- If you installed Unlocker with the default settings, the next time you try to delete a file that’s in use, you’ll get a pop-up message similar to the one below
- If only one item is returned, select it and click Unlock (if multiple items are returned, click Unlock All)
- If unlock doesn’t work, right-click on the problem file/folder and choose Unlocker
- Depending on the file or folder, you’ll be presented with different options. It’s always a good idea to exercise caution when using a program like this - so go easy on Killing Processes and make sure that the file you’re deleting is one that should be deleted. Windows can be very unforgiving.
- When all else fails, Unlocker will offer to delete the file as soon as your PC reboots.
For more info, see the Unlocker FAQ section.
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6 Responses to “How to delete those pesky “locked” files in Windows”
By qureyoon on Oct 13, 2006 | Reply
hmm… based on your screenshots, i think this one deserves a try
if it’s good i’ll post it to my blog ^^
thx for the info ^^ always love your articles
By Ross on Oct 13, 2006 | Reply
qureyoon - thanks for the kind words
Ross
By Dreux on Oct 19, 2006 | Reply
In case you’re paranoid like me here is “safest” way to delete those pesky files. I say safest because you are trusting a total stranger by using sofware you’ve never heard of. That being said, I tried Unlocker and it didn’t work, forcing me to find out how to do it another way.
Step 1: Turn off Simple File Sharing
Open “My Computer”
Tools -> Folder Options…
Goto “View” tab
Goto the last checkbox in the “Advanced settings”
Uncheck “Use simple file sharing (Recommended)”
Step 2: Find the file you can’t delete in Windows Explorer
Right-click on that file or folder
Select “Properties”
Goto the “Security” tab
Click the “Advanced” button at the bottom of the window
Select the “Owner” tab
Change the “Current owner of this item: ” to your username and
select the checkbox “Replace owner on subcontainers and object”
Step 3: “OK” out of the properties and you should now be able to delete the file!
By Henrik on Nov 6, 2006 | Reply
I’ve used for some time now, and i think it’s great.
Used it several times to delete that annoying “index.dat” in “Temporary Internet Files”
By flix on Dec 18, 2007 | Reply
is there and equivalent program for mac??
By Dri-Anna on May 11, 2008 | Reply
A big Thank You for Unblocker.
Do you have a locked Folder which you would like to delete? Unblocker will do it.
When performing a scan to delete files do you get a dialog that it can’t do it? Unblocker does it every time.
No I do not have any connection with Unblocker or the folks that it belongs too.
I am just a very satisfied User of this Free Application.