Windows: How to Delete Files that are Access Denied?

Problems

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

Solution

1. Download and Install Unlocker
2. Simply right click the folder or file and select Unlocker



3. If the folder or file is locked, a window listing of lockers will appear

4. Simply click Unlock All and you are done!

FAQ

• Does unlocker work on Windows Vista? Yes. If you want to disable UAC globally, go to "Control Panel" then "User Accounts" then again "User Accounts" then "Turn User Account Control" and set it to Off, then restart your computer.
• Does unlocker work on Windows XP 64 or Vista 64? Not yet, I am working on it.
• Can Unlocker be run in command line? Yes! Unlocker -H for command line options.
• What is "Error Debug Privileges"? It means that your Local Security Settings do not allow a Debug Privilege for your profile. Read Microsoft's documentation and set "Debug Programs" rights.
• What is "Error Backup Privileges"? It means that your Local Security Settings do not allow a Backup Privilege for your profile. Read Microsoft's documentation and set "Back up files and directories" rights.
• How to set privileges on Windows XP home edition? Download the resource kit here and from the command line set the privileges you need: SeBackupPrivilege, SeDebugPrivilege and SeLoadDriverPrivilege. Here is the example for the debug privileges: ntrights +r SeDebugPrivilege -u YourAccountName
• How to have Unlocker Explorer extension run in silent mode? I strongly advise not to use this, you should always look which processes lock a file, because some of them might be valid. However if you wish to ignore those recommendations install this in your registry.
• How to delete index.dat? It is very simple: 1/ in explorer right click the index.dat file and chose Unlocker, 2/ Select "Delete" in left bottom corner, 3/ click "Unlock All" and you are done!
• I unlock all handles but I still can not manually delete the file, and when I try again to unlock the file unlocker find again some locks, what should I do? Select "Delete" before clicking "Unlock All".
• What is Unlocker Assistant? Unlocker Assistant stays in your system tray bar and automatically launches Unlocker if you are trying to delete/rename/move a file that is locked. So for those who use Unlocker Assistant, no need to right click files or folders anymore. This feature can be deactivated during the install.
• Which visual style is used in the screenshots? Crystal dlb 2