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Thread: Windows - which process is locking a file?

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    Taz
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    Windows - which process is locking a file?

    I have an application that is unable to rename a file (programmatically). I believe the file is being held open or is locked in some way by another process. How can I go about identifying which process is holding a file open?

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    Re: Windows - which process is locking a file?

    Process Explorer (procexp)

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s.../bb896653.aspx

    Goto find->find handle or dll

    either input file name, part of file name, or just c: to get every open file on c:

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    Taz
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    Re: Windows - which process is locking a file?

    Thanks, James. That works like a champ!

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    Re: Windows - which process is locking a file?

    This: http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/ is brilliant but doesn't work in x64 (yet)
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    Re: Windows - which process is locking a file?

    have an unlocker program my self comes in handy at times, windows can frustrate the hell outta you some times unable to delete files

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    Jay
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    Re: Windows - which process is locking a file?

    this can all be done by right clicking my computer and going to manage
    □ΞVΞ□

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    Seething Cauldron of Hatred TheAnimus's Avatar
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    Re: Windows - which process is locking a file?

    it should be remebered with this unlocker programs, why the file is locked in the first place.

    You can easily lead to read modify write problems.

    (courrupt files, and serously screw up the app that was using it)
    throw new ArgumentException (String, String, Exception)

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    Re: Windows - which process is locking a file?

    Quote Originally Posted by TheAnimus View Post
    it should be remebered with this unlocker programs, why the file is locked in the first place.
    Cos sometimes, someone done gone wrote some bad code.
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    Late Night Ninja! CrazyMonkey's Avatar
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    Re: Windows - which process is locking a file?

    Quote Originally Posted by TheAnimus View Post
    it should be remebered with this unlocker programs, why the file is locked in the first place.

    You can easily lead to read modify write problems.

    (courrupt files, and serously screw up the app that was using it)
    Never heard any issues of corruption when using Unlocker (As long as you unlock in windows).

    Deleting a file on boot can cause many issues if you dont fully understand what the file does

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