Delete locked files in Windows ... Why?
There have been some posts on Digg [1][2] about a new utility developed for Windows that allows users to remove restrictions on locked files. We have all encountered the infamous cannot delete folder/file message and are often forced to reboot to solve the problem. Sometimes rebooting doesn't even solve the problem.
What is the purpose of locking? Well, a file is locked specifically when it is being accessed but because of poor programming locks are sometimes forgotten and not reversed. Such a lock will prevent the user from moving, deleting, or sometimes editing the target file or folder.
While locking has prevented users from deleting or moving files in Windows Explorer, it is still possible to delete them the old fashioned way using the DOS command prompt. And when all else fails, programs have been made to allow for easy removal of unwanted locked files.
One such program, Unlocker, integrates with Windows and allows you to easily view the processes that have locked the file (below).
Dangerous???
My biggest concern with this sort of software is that inexperienced users can cause severe damage to Windows by unlocking and then deleting certain files. File locking is good in many cases because deleting a necessary file can cause a program or operating system to crash and possibly render it unrecoverable. If you are unsure about deleting a file, you are better off not deleting it or reading more about it before deleting it.
Ultimately, Operating Systems and programs implement these restrictions to prevent the users from damaging the computer and more often than not file locks are in place properly. If you are having a problem with a locked file, consult a computer technician or an online forum before deleting it.
What is the purpose of locking? Well, a file is locked specifically when it is being accessed but because of poor programming locks are sometimes forgotten and not reversed. Such a lock will prevent the user from moving, deleting, or sometimes editing the target file or folder.
While locking has prevented users from deleting or moving files in Windows Explorer, it is still possible to delete them the old fashioned way using the DOS command prompt. And when all else fails, programs have been made to allow for easy removal of unwanted locked files.
One such program, Unlocker, integrates with Windows and allows you to easily view the processes that have locked the file (below).
Dangerous???
My biggest concern with this sort of software is that inexperienced users can cause severe damage to Windows by unlocking and then deleting certain files. File locking is good in many cases because deleting a necessary file can cause a program or operating system to crash and possibly render it unrecoverable. If you are unsure about deleting a file, you are better off not deleting it or reading more about it before deleting it.
Ultimately, Operating Systems and programs implement these restrictions to prevent the users from damaging the computer and more often than not file locks are in place properly. If you are having a problem with a locked file, consult a computer technician or an online forum before deleting it.
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