Windows 7: Find out which program has a file or folder locked

1. 

   John Crenshaw
   Key Master

   Reputation:58

    

   Posted 5 months ago #

   Sometimes I try and rename or delete a file/folder I get an error message in Windows saying the file or folder is in use.

   But it doesn't tell me what program is using the file or folder.

   How can I find out which program is using the file/folder so I can shut it down or whatever?

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2. 

   John Crenshaw
   Key Master

   Reputation:58

    

   Best Answer

   Posted 5 months ago #

   Download ProcessExplorer free from Microsoft's SysInternals. It's a useful program for other things as well.

   • Open ProcessExplorer
   • Go to "Find"
   • Click "Find file handle or DLL"
   • Enter the name of the file or folder you're trying to rename/delete/move/etc...
   • The result will show you what process is using that file or folder

   Sometimes process names aren't very descriptive and it can be hard to determine which currently running program that process is linked to, so that part's up to you, but most times it's easy to figure out.

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