Finding And Deleting Locked Files With Process Explorer

We've all had the problem with trying to delete a file and then getting an error similar to the following:

Now in this example, Windows was kind of enough to tell me the name of the program that is locking the file.  But this is not always the case.

In certain circumstances you aren't told what the name of the program is.  This is when the Sysinternals tool known as Process Explorer comes in handy.

Process Explorer is essentially a "super" Task Manager that allows you to get a more in depth view into what is going-on on your system.

There is a feature in Process Explorer called Handle search that allows you to search for open handles.  Handles are similar to file descriptors in Unix/Linux.

To find a locked file with Process Explorer do the following:

1) Open Process Explorer, hit Ctrl+F and type in the name or partial name of the file you're looking to unlock/close:

2) Double-click the result.  You will then be taken to the following window.  Right-click the handle and select "Close Handle".  Take heed of the warning and acknowledge it if you choose to.  You should then be able to delete the file.