Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' note: Some security software applications have detected elements of this download as potentially dangerous. The publisher of Unlocker has written a response.
CNET Editors' review
Unlocker is a utility for bypassing some of the more frustrating restrictions on files in Windows, allowing you to delete or access files that were previously "off limits."
There isn't much to say about this application other than that it works. There aren't really any features to it and it basically works in the background, which was confusing at first. We tried to find a Help button or Tutorial included in the download, but couldn't find any. They creator of Unlocker seems to be operating under the assumption that the user already knows how to use the utility if they are interested in downloading it. It would be a lot more user-friendly, however, if there was some kind of tutorial included for those who want to use it but don't know the inner workings of the program. Without it, there could be issues in the future for someone who isn't familiar enough with computers. Overall, there's no obvious indication that the Unlocker is actually working other than the icon on the desktop and certain files and folders being accessible when they weren't previously.
The download process was pretty quick and simple. You do need to read everything, though, because you could end up with more than just the utility you wanted to download and install. In one of the last installation steps you can easily miss the Bing toolbar download option, for example. If you don't want to go through uninstalling/deleting extra programs, then make sure you read and unclick where needed.
Publisher's Description
From Empty Loop:
Ever had such an annoying message given by Windows: Cannot delete file: Access is denied. There has been a sharing violation. The source or destination file may be in use or 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. Unlocker is the solution. Unlocker is an Explorer extension that allows you with a simple right-click of the mouse on a file or folder to get rid of error message such as error deleting file or folder, cannot delete folder: it is used by another person or program.
What's new in this version: Version 1.8.9 adds fully optional shortcuts to eBay during the installation and improves the way DLLs are unloaded.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 484 votes
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Current version:
3.3 starsout of 47 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Program unlocks files that do not delete"
Version: Unlocker 1.8.9
Pros
Use this utility to eliminate Windows bug when you try to delete a file and get message: "Cannot delete xxx: It is being used by another person or program." .
Cons
You have to really pay attention to what file you are about to delete using Unlocker, as it doesn't give you a message "do you really want to delete such n such a file" as once you do it is gone forever.
Summary
Better, more recent 1.9.0 version here. Tested by 3 antivirus solutions, this software does not contain any kind of trojans, spyware or viruses.: http://www.brothersoft.com/download-unlocker-208761.html
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"Great to delete sticky files"
Version: Unlocker 1.8.9
Pros
Fast ans easy to install and use.
Cons
nothing i just installed used and unistalled. I don't download so often video files
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"BEWARE - recent versions infected"
Version: Unlocker 1.8.9
Pros
Unlocks files from active memory
Cons
Infected in spyware, etc. Detected by Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool. Verified by MS Security Essentials. Earlier version were totally clean. Seems developer has gone over to the "dark Side"
Summary
Stay Away - INFECTED - Stay Away - INFECTED - Stay Away - INFECTED - Stay Away - INFECTED - Stay Away - INFECTED - Stay Away - INFECTED - Stay Away - INFECTED
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"This worked like a dream"
Version: Unlocker 1.8.9
Pros
KISS. Keep it straight and simple, fast and free!!!.
Cons
no problems observed
Summary
I had aboout 10 files in a wierd directory that winXP would not let me access. Unlocker allowed me to move them, no problem.
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"Solved my problem"
Version: Unlocker 1.8.9
Pros
I had one file that, sometimes even if the mouse just hovered over it, Windows Explorer would crash. To even try to delete it, failed every time. Explorer even crashed in safe mode, FCOL! This program helped me get rid of it. Thanks!
Cons
Nod32 doesn't like it at all.
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"Unlocks and deletes easily"
Version: Unlocker 1.8.9
Pros
I had a few folders that I couldn't delete even with move on boot. This program did it for me can recommend.No spyware or such I checked out the blog first then downloaded the latest version 1.9 and hey presto job done
Cons
None so far
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"Great Tool!!"
Version: Unlocker 1.8.9
Pros
Will unlock anything!
Cons
nothing I know of
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"Would not recommend-"
Version: Unlocker 1.8.9
Pros
None so far.
Cons
Failed the first time I tried to use it.
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"Get the updated rev 1.9.0! New version is a FIVE STAR!"
Version: Unlocker 1.8.9
Pros
Does what it used to in previous revs with the latest version 1.9.0. No problems encountered upon install and worked for the basic unlocking that I use regularly.
Cons
Version 1.8.9 is NOT tested spyware free anymore. Microsoft Security Essentials recognizes adware/malware upon installation of the application. Major CON - I will not install this version even if MSE can clean up the mess. Not worth it.
Summary
Cnet needs to update to version 1.9.0 and leave this tainted version in the dust. This is a great piece of freeware when it contains nothing but the actual application.
*Wait 30 seconds to avoid loading the bing toolbar. Install the Explorer extension for the easy right click unlocking option. -
"Adds a lot of power to user."
Version: Unlocker 1.8.9
Pros
Finally you can understand why it is not possible to remove file and sometimes override systems lock.
Cons
Not that I'm aware of.
Summary
Must have tool for every power user.
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