Have you ever gotten one of these messages while trying to un-install a program (or clean out stubborn malware)?

• Cannot delete folder: It is being used by another person or program
• Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use
• Cannot delete file: Access is denied
• The file is in use by another program or user
• There has been a sharing violation
• The source or destination file may be in use
• Cannot read from the source file or disk

That’s where Free File Unlocker can really help. From http://www.freefileunlocker.com/  :

“It’s fully integrated with Windows Explorer and a simple right mouse click unlocks the file or folder. Additional information about the processes locking the file is also shown and the processes or file handle can be killed and deleted. Free File Unlocker can also be executed from the command line and has the ability to provide locked file input lists, copy destination lists, move destination lists and rename lists.” – Free File Unlocker

A portable version is also available.

It shouldn’t be used cavalierly.

Care needs to be exercised when using this powerful program since the given file might be shared with another, or vital for your system. When confronted with a file you’re unsure about, do the net search to learn about the file. If still unsure, check http://www.sevenforums.com/  which is a very good source of knowledge, as well.

If still in doubt, ask yrag (and be prepared for the worst – j/k, yrag).

From the website:

“Close the file and directory handles in order to unlock them, delete the locked files or directories, move them, rename them or copy them. The locked files can be sent to the recycle bin or deleted permanently from the system. Moreover, the user can also kill the processes locking the files or directories, delete the processes files, if necessary. It is also possible to open in Windows Explorer the locked file and the processes files that lock it.” - http://www.freefileunlocker.com/

It has explorer integration:

It can also be run from cmd. I recommend running it from the ‘elevated command prompt’ (in the case you choose to run it this way).

I recommend making a restore point before deleting files, and a backup copy of the file which you can always delete if there are no problems after rebooting and using your usual programs.

*Because of its power, I also recommend installing this program for your use only, excluding all other users.*

Download link:  http://www.freefileunlocker.com/  the download comes via a link at the bottom of the page to c|net.

As usual with any installation, pay attention during the installation regarding “tool bars”, search engine and home page changes.