How to force delete a file? [closed]

Question

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How can i force Windows XP to delete file that is currently being used by some application?

Maronite

This question should be reopened; it was asked as a programming question. The answer provided is fine. Batch scripts can invoke programs. I would recommend the Restart Manager API (msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc948910.aspx). – Outburst

Answer 1

You have to close that application first. There is no way to delete it, if it's used by some application.

UnLock IT is a neat utility that helps you to take control of any file or folder when it is locked by some application or system. For every locked resource, you get a list of locking processes and can unlock it by terminating those processes. EMCO Unlock IT offers Windows Explorer integration that allows unlocking files and folders by one click in the context menu.

There's also Unlocker (not recommended, see Warning below), which is a free tool which helps locate any file locking handles running, and give you the option to turn it off. Then you can go ahead and do anything you want with those files.

Warning: The installer includes a lot of undesirable stuff. You're almost certainly better off with UnLock IT.

Moloch

Wow thanks, thats exactly what i've been looking for. – Maronite

Just a word of caution: Processes locking a file often have a good reason for it. If you close the handle forcibly the program is free to crash. – Gadolinium

Just successfully removed a file locked by dozens of users (via a network share) with Unlocker. Much better tool than procexp in this aspect. – Munger

Unlocker is a great tool but it installs a bunch of addons, games and applications that you might not want. – Meal

UnLock IT worked for me. I was unable to download Unlocker - Chrome completely blocks all attempts to do so, labeling it as malware. I've edited the answer, including a warning label next to Unlocker and giving UnLock IT more prominence by moving it up. – Oppidan

For Windows 10 users, the rm command in Bash shell (Windows Subsystem for Linux) will remove a write-protected file after confirmation. – Inject