How to delete in-use file in Windows

Sometimes, we can’t delete certain files because they are currently in use by another software or process. Each time we try to delete the in-use file, Windows will give a warning like this:

So how we can delete it? There are three ways that we can use to delete the in-use file.

1. Command Prompt

You can force delete the in-use file in command prompt. In Windows XP, go to Start > Run > type “cmd” > Ok. In the command prompt, go to the file directory and type this:

del filename.extension

Yea, replace the filename and extension with the filename and it’s extension. Eg: notepad.exe.

2. Safe Mode

If you find it is difficult to delete from command prompt, you can delete in Windows Safe Mode. When the computer boot up, press F8. An options screen will appear and choose Safe Mode from the list.

When boot up in Safe Mode, Windows will run only small amount of processes and you can delete the file without any problem.

3. Use Unlocker

To use command promptt, you need knowledge to handle it. To delete in Safe Mode, you need to boot up in Safe Mode and takes time. But to use a software is another method that you can use to delete the in-use file.

For software, I suggest you use Unlocker. Unlocker is a freeware tool (people love free things right ) that you can use to unlock the software from being locked by another program or process.

After you install it, right click on the in-use file and choose Unlocker from the pop-up menu. A new window will appear and click Unlock All to unlock the file and delete it. [tags]how to, tips, windows, unlocker, safe mode, command prompt, software[/tags]

Download Unlocker

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