CNET Editors' review
It's annoying to try to delete a file or folder, only to be told you can't because it's locked, usually because it's already open in another application. Most of the time, simply closing stuff and trying again does the job. When it doesn't, try a file unlocker, a simple tool that frees files and folders from whatever has them locked, even when you're not sure what's holding up the show. We tried IOBit's Unlocker, a free utility that unlocks files and folders so that you can delete or modify them.
IOBit Unlocker opened with a tool tip noting that users can access the program directly from context menus in Explorer, which we appreciate. The program's interface could hardly be simpler, but it's well-suited to the task. We could either drag and drop files and folders into the main window or click Add and do it the "hard way," by browsing to a destination. We created and saved a Word document and then tried (unsuccessfully) to delete it in Explorer. Next we clicked IOBit Unlocker's context menu entry. Another interface opened; this one containing an Unlock button as well as a check box to enable Forced Mode, which terminates all related processes but should only be used if the usual method fails. Unlocker lists any processes using the file or folder in the lower half of the window. After we unlocked the file, we were able to delete it normally.
The next time your computer tells you "Access Denied, File in Use"; you show it who's boss by firing up IOBit's Unlocker and telling that piece of code, "You're fired!" But before you declare victory in the battle of man vs. machine, make sure you're not trying to delete something you shouldn't. Windows has gotten much better about preventing users from deleting their own critical system files, but it still happens. IOBit Unlocker is a great tool for saving time when deleting images and documents or for those rare occasions when some weird conflict keeps a file from closing. Just make sure your system isn't actually trying to prevent you from killing it!
Publisher's Description
From IObit:
Often when we try to delete a file or folder in Windows, we see annoying messages like "Cannot delete file: Access is denied" or "Cannot delete folder: It is being used" This is majorly because the file or folder is being used by another program or user. IObit Unlocker is an ideal tool for such conditions. It releases the file or folder from being occupied by programs and allows you to quickly remove or modify the file or folder.
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All versions:
5.0 starsout of 5 votes
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Current version:
5.0 starsout of 4 votes
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Results 1-4 of 4
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"It works like a charm!"
Version: IOBit Unlocker 1.0
Pros
Deletes files that say you cant delete cause your not the administrator!
Cons
none! so easy to use!
Summary
Finally I can delete those annoying files that say I can't delete because I am not the administrator, even though Im signed in as!
I searched the web, tried safe mode and all the suggestions until this one popped up! All I had to do was click and drag the folder to the IOBit Unlocker and delete it! SO EASY! THANKS IOBit!!! :-) -
"Extremely Useful !"
Version: IOBit Unlocker 1.0
Pros
Easy to use and effective. Ultra-simple interface, and I love having the option in my content menu.
Cons
As mentioned by another reviewer, pay attention when downloading or you'll wind up with a new toolbar and a couple of extra programs. Otherwise, none to speak of.
Summary
It's not that often that I need a program like this, but when it happens this little gem really does the trick. It falls into the "How did I ever get along without this?" category. Nice work, Iobit.
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"Perfect work on unlock and delete!"
Version: IOBit Unlocker 1.0
Pros
Simple use.
Cons
As usual, you may want to pay attention on the installation process...
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"FINALLY I can delete duplicate junk files!"
Version: IOBit Unlocker 1.0
Pros
Removes locked files with just the click of a mouse. Next stop, the duplicate Windows back-up files on my desktop computer.
Quick, easy and relatively painless.Cons
None as of yet.
Summary
Worked for me, after trying several methods of trying to delete locked files, this is the one that did the trick.
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