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Unlock a file that is in use – Without a reboot

Post image for Unlock a file that is in use – Without a reboot

by Steve Wiseman on September 22, 2011 · 4 comments

in Tips,Utility


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A few weeks back I wrote about a way to delete or move a file on reboot.

Why would you want to do that?

It is probably in use by an application or service that you can’t seem to find (Usually maleware or a virus).

Many readers were kind enough to point me to a free tool offered by MalwareBytes – it is called FileAssassin.

It allows you to unlock any file in use, without the reboot.

It is very simple to use.

Launch the application, and pick the file you want to remove:

Pick Files

Select your options (Notice it can delete on reboot too)

FileAssassin Main Window

After you pick your file and options – execute. Now your file is unlocked, without a reboot.

Download it from here:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/fileassassin

It is free for commercial and personal use – another great tool to add to that flash drive you carry around 🙂

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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

1 OFF September 25, 2011 at 11:24 am

Does this tool works on Windows 7?
I have been a big fan of Unlocker, but since migrating to Win7 I have been unable to use it. =(
This could be the alternative I’m looking for.

2 David Chang September 26, 2011 at 10:38 am

Do you know if this program requires administrator rights to delete a file that is in use? I would like to allow my users to have this, but none of them have admin rights.

3 Steve Wiseman September 26, 2011 at 10:39 am

Yes. I tried it under 7 and it worked for me.

4 Steve Wiseman September 26, 2011 at 10:40 am

I am not sure David. The worst that can happen is they will get an access denied. Next time they run into this issue, have them give it a try and see if it works – let us know what you find 🙂

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