Program for deleting files that are not deleted. Removing non-removable files and programs Which program to remove non-removable files

it often happens that certain files are not deleted. And the system at the same time writes that this file or folder is occupied by another process. This can happen both in Windows XP and in Windows 7, 8, 10. Today we will consider methods for fixing a similar problem when files are not deleted.

So, imagine you installed some program on your computer, used it, and you didn't like it. What are your actions? Of course, delete it. Through uninstallation, the program was allegedly deleted, but the folder with some program files remained. When trying to delete such a file, an error pops up:

Let's take a look at the ways we can delete unremovable files by standard means.

1st way. Simplest
If the file is not deleted, restart your computer and try deleting again. In many cases this helps. If the problem persists, then read below.

2nd way. Task Manager
In the operating system Windows 7 and XP, to get into the Task Manager, you must press the key combination Ctrl + Alt + Del.
In Windows 8 and 10, just press the key combination Windows + X and select Task Manager from the menu that appears.

The Task Manager we called will open, where you need to find the process that uses the file and remove the task from it. Then try deleting the file again.

3rd way. Using a boot disk or flash drive
The next way is to start the computer from a LiveCD or a bootable USB flash drive and then delete the file or folder. In the first case, we need to use the standard Windows graphical interface to find and delete the required file, or use the command line. If you are using a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 7, 8 or 10, then during installation you can call up the command line by pressing the Shift + F10 keys. There is also a "System Restore", thanks to which you can restore the previous state of the computer. By the way, drive letters may differ, so use the dir c: command to display the contents of that drive. Thanks to this, you can easily understand what kind of local disk it is.

4th way. Deleting files in safe mode
It's very simple here. You need to go into safe mode, find the necessary file or folder and delete it. In safe mode, only operating system programs are launched, while all your installed third-party utilities (messengers, drivers, antiviruses, etc.) do not start. Therefore, the probability of successfully deleting the necessary file is very high.

5th way. Using a special Unlocker program
This program called Unlocker - helps to remove files that are used by any process. A very useful utility that copes with its tasks with a bang. You can download it at https://yadi.sk/d/PkczjpOKjbeje

Once the program has downloaded, install it.

Next, select Advanced and remove all checkboxes,

The essence of the Unlocker program is to unload from the RAM the processes that are used by the file. The program can find and end the process, which is even hidden in the Task Manager. In general, an excellent utility that every system administrator should have.

Sometimes you may encounter the following situation: you want to delete a file, but Windows gives various messages about the impossibility of deleting this item. There may be several reasons for this, but the problem is not always solved by standard OS tools. But special software solutions created to forcefully delete files that cannot be deleted and / or those that have been blocked by the system are quite capable of coping with this task.

In the following article, we will briefly review six effective and well-established applications that will help you remove a file locked by an incorrectly closed application, due to the actions of a virus and for a number of other reasons.

IObit Unlocker is a free program for removing everything that can be removed by standard means. It allows you not only to delete locked files, but also to apply a number of other actions to them: copy, rename, move. IObit Unlocker displays the location of the software that prevents you from deleting this or that element, so you can find out the cause of the deletion problem. The bad thing is that the application cannot always correctly determine the status of the file. Sometimes blocked items appear as normal. The advantages of the application are a pleasant appearance and the presence of the Russian language.

lockhunter

Lock Hunter is another program to remove locked files. You will be able to delete, change the name and copy the problematic element. The application correctly displays all blocked files, and also shows the reason for blocking. The disadvantage is the lack of Russian translation of the application interface.

FileASSASSIN

An application with a formidable name, which translates as "file killer", will allow you to easily remove non-removable items from your computer. You can also disable the process that caused the refusal to delete. The downside of File Assassin is the lack of Russian Russification of the application.

Free File Unlocker

Free File Unlocker is a free program to remove locked items. Like other similar solutions, it allows you to do several additional actions with the file, in addition to actually deleting it. The application also shows the path to the program that does not allow the item to be deleted. Free File Unlocker has a portable version that does not require installation. The downside, again, is the lack of Russification.

Unlocker

Unlocker fully justifies its simple name. The whole interface is 3 buttons. Selecting the action you want to perform on the file and clicking the OK button is all you need to do to deal with the undeletable item in Unlocker. Due to its simplicity, the program suffers from a lack of functions, but it is very simple and suitable for novice PC users. In addition, the interface contains the Russian language.

Unlock IT

Unlock IT is one of the best software solutions to force delete files and folders. This is explained by the fact that this product displays detailed information about the reason for blocking: which application is blocking, where it is located, what is the load of this application on the system and what libraries it uses. This helps a lot in the fight against file-blocking virus. The program allows you to do a lot of actions on blocked items, and also works with folders. The disadvantages include the lack of a Russified version and a slightly overloaded interface.

With the help of the programs presented in this article, you can easily delete files and folders that cannot be deleted from your computer. You no longer have to dig into the system and make various settings yourself - just add a blocked element to the application and remove it.

On Windows of any version (XP, 7, 8, 10), a problem often occurs when a file or folder with a locked file is not deleted. A message pops up that the file is busy with another process or is open in some program, or you need to ask permission from someone.

There are several ways to delete a file that is not deleted, renamed, or moved. This is done without additional software, using the free Unlocker program, from a bootable USB flash drive or LiveCD, or using the DeadLock program.

When deleting locked files and folders, be careful, it may be part of the operating system. Without them, Windows will stop loading.

Why is it not removed?

• The file is open in another program. End all unnecessary processes and try again. Sometimes restarting the computer helps.
• Insufficient rights to delete. For example, this file was created by another user or the computer administrator removed the rights to delete.

Exceptions

The methods described in the article will not always help:

• pagefile.sys and swapfile.sys - disable the swap file to remove it.
• hiberfil.sys - Deleted when hibernation is disabled.
• If an access denied message appears. You need to take ownership of the file or folder. The easiest way to do this is with the TakeOwnershipPro program.
• If you receive a message asking permission from TrustedInstaller. This is protection against the removal of system components.
• Windows.old - folder with the old version of the operating system. It is deleted through the "Properties" of the local drive C. On the General tab there is a "Cleanup" button. A window will open in which select "Clean up system files". After the analysis is completed, the item "Previous Windows installations" will appear in the list in this window. Check this box and click OK.

Delete the file manually

Message: File already in use, please close and try again.

If the file does not want to be deleted, the error message usually says which process has locked it. It can be explorer.exe or any program that has it open. If you close this program, the file will be deleted.




If the file is occupied by the explorer.exe process

• Before completing the task, open a command prompt as an administrator. It is located in "Start - All Programs - Accessories". Right click on Command Prompt and select run as administrator.
• Remove the explorer.exe task in the task manager and type del full_path/name.extension on the command line.
• The path does not have to be entered manually. Right-click on the desired file while holding down Shift - Copy as path, and paste it into the command line through the right-click context menu.
• Now restart explorer.exe. In Task Manager, click "File - New Task - explorer.exe".

We use a bootable USB flash drive or disk

If you have a bootable flash drive or LiveCD, or a Windows recovery disk, run them and safely delete the file using the standard method or via the command line.


Be careful, sometimes when you enter through the boot disk, local drives have different letters. To see a list of folders on drive C, type dir c: on the command line.

If you use a bootable USB flash drive or a Windows installation disk, the console opens at any time after the language selection step, using the key combination Shift + F10.

You can also select the system recovery mode that will be offered before starting the OS installation.

Command to delete via console: del full_path_to_file.

Using DeadLock

The free DeadLock program allows you to delete a locked file and change the owner. Download from the official site: https://codedead.com/?page_id=822 .

Through the File menu, add the problematic file to the program. Right-click on it in the list - unlock (Unlock) and delete (Remove).




Using Unlocker

The simplest and most popular program, but now even the official website displays a warning about unwanted software. Some other virus or advertising may come with the program, so use at your own risk. Try the methods above first. Website: http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/.

After installation, a new item will appear in the context menu, which is called Unlocker. After clicking on the button, the program will end the interfering process and the file will be unlocked.




If you want to delete a folder, first delete all its contents.

Through the command line

There was such a case that the file did not want to be deleted by any of the methods. The size was 0 bytes, the name was written in Russian letters (not supported in older versions of MS-DOS), there was a Read-only attribute and an A attribute (only reading and replenishing content). The command line helped.




That's all for now. If you know more simple and effective ways, write them in the comments. What method helped you?

Users often face the problem of file deletion being denied due to it being used by another application, being blocked by malware, or due to some process. "Unblockers" will help to solve this problem, removing all prohibitions from the file.

In this regard, in the review, we decided to consider programs for deleting undeletable files, the functionality of which will help to “free” objects and allow access to them to carry out the necessary actions. Such utilities can not only “clean up”, but also optimize the OS.

Programs	Russian language	License	Rating	Unlock files	Unlock folders
	Yes	Free	9	Yes	Yes
	Not	Trial	10	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Free	10	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Free	8	Yes	Not
	Yes	Free	10	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Free	10	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Free	8	Yes	Not
	Not	Free	7	Yes	Not

The utility stops or eliminates files occupied by an application or some process. Unlocks the file, after which it can already be copied, renamed or deleted. In addition, the functionality provides an output of data on the interfering process, its stop and removal from the hard drive. If the information was accidentally deleted, you can find it in the trash. LockHunter works on 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.

A high-quality application for unlocking files and folders that have been locked by programs or system processes. Finds blocked files processes, stops their work and opens access to the resource without affecting the system. A "manual mode" is available to close "braking" actions, stop the "activities" of viruses, spyware and trojans, unlock encrypted files and DLLs, and integrate with Windows Explorer.

The functional program removes the ban on moving and deleting files or folders, displays the status of each object and provides access to them for further manipulations. IObit Unlocker processes data with high quality and error-free and removes prohibitions when OS treatment is necessary. In a clear and accessible menu, by moving it is easy to transfer an entire folder or a single file to unlock.

Compact software unlocks files "occupied" by applications or processes for their further deletion, moving or renaming. The unlocker finds the blocking process, and the user decides whether to stop it or close it. The utility integrates into the context menu, and with the built-in assistant it will be easy for beginners to familiarize and work with.

The software uninstalls installed utilities, cleans the startup of the operating system, configures and eliminates "non-removable" programs. Functioning as an analogue of the standard Add/Remove Programs option, Aninstall Tul monitors hidden or recently installed software, removes “occupied” objects, searches for utility updates, and also configures programs for startup and classifies them by parameters. You can note the "forced removal" and "uninstallation" functions, which are convenient for complete permanent cleaning of the material. The only negative is 30 days of the free version.

The program performs a complete removal of the software and its components, clears the history in the browser and registry, cleans additional folders and files that clog the system. Revo Uninstaller analyzes the OS, determines the software to be removed, determines its location and provides a report with information about unnecessary components. In hunting mode, you can drag the shortcut to the floating window to define all the options associated with it. In addition, the product cleans office applications, disks and startup manager data. Users note the optimization and accelerated operation of the system after the operation of the utility we are considering.

Quite often, a situation arises when Windows does not allow you to delete a completely unnecessary, or even completely empty, file. Most often, the system gives a message that the file is being used by some mysterious application. What specifically? The operating system is silent about this, they say, deal with your problems yourself. And what to do in such a situation? Read the answer below.

Why is this happening?

There are several reasons why a file cannot be deleted. Let's analyze each of them separately.

Cannot access file, needs permission

Not the most common reason. Most relevant for PCs used with a "guest" account. "Guests" cannot install and remove programs, change system settings or its password. In addition, when using such an "account", the user does not have the rights to write files (edit, delete, and so on) outside his home folder set by the administrator. Most often, such an access scheme is used on work or educational PCs.

Guest account

To delete a write-protected file, contact the administrator or use his account.

Administrator account

However, if you own an account marked "Administrator", and Windows still insists that you do not have access, it is worth checking the read / write permissions of the desired file. To do this, right-click on it and select "Properties" from the drop-down list. The Security tab will show a list of all users on your PC and the permissions for each of them. If somewhere there is a checkbox "Forbid", remove it using the "Change" button.

File permissions

File sharing error

Object is being used by another user

A problem that is also more relevant for work or educational machines that are part of a local network. This error means that the file is currently in use by another user. To delete such a file, you must either wait until it is “freed” or simply disconnect from the local network.

The disc is write protected

The disk on which the deleted file is located is write-protected; nothing can be written, edited or deleted. Most often, this problem concerns flash drives and memory cards. With SD cards, everything is simple - you should remove the write protection using a special slider on them. This slider overrides one of the pins responsible for write operations.

Write protect slider on SD card

And if this problem arose when working with a regular flash drive or hard drive, everything is much worse. The media file system may be corrupted. Checking with the appropriate application will help. For example, the "chkdsk" utility built into Windows. there is detailed information on how to do it.

The file or folder may be in use by any process

File opened in "Aimp"

The most common mistake when deleting files. The file is open in some program and cannot be deleted or edited. To remove it, you must either close some mysterious program, or, much easier, use a special application.

Programs for deleting protected files

Since problems with deleting files are quite common, there are many programs that help with their solution. Below is a small educational program of similar applications.

Unlocker

The most popular file deleter in the world. Perhaps more popular, perhaps, is the Windows Explorer itself. Uses a special algorithm to find applications using the deleted file. If an application has been found, Unlocker either closes it or "releases" the file from it.

The program does not have any separate settings and is available for use even by the most inexperienced PC users. Once installed, it integrates into the Explorer context menu, allowing you to delete protected files with a couple of mouse clicks. In addition to deleting, renaming protected files and moving them are available.

To delete a file using Unlocker, right-click on it and select "Unlocker" from the context menu. A program window will open displaying all applications that use the desired file. The "Unblock" key will not close the process, but only release the file from it. The "Delete process" button will force it to end. In the left part of the same window, you can select an action with the file itself after the operation with processes is completed, for example, delete it or rename it.

Unlocker window

If for some reason the file is not deleted using Unlocker, the program will offer to try to delete it the next time the system is rebooted. In this case, the file will be deleted before the main applications are loaded.

lockhunter

A more serious tool for deleting files. It compares favorably with built-in protection against accidental use. Unlike analogues, files are not deleted without a trace, but in the trash, which allows you to restore them if necessary. In addition, LockHunter is able to search for and neutralize malware and applications that “slow down” the system as a whole.

IObit Unlocker

One of the most efficient and convenient utilities for deleting files and folders. Its key feature is the ability to generate a special list of files and folders for monitoring. IObit Unlocker will vigilantly monitor them and notify you when their status changes. Very handy in some situations. It also supports integration into Explorer and Russian localization.

What program to use?

Despite the abundance of such utilities, most users recommend the Unlocker program. She is, in fact, the best. An intuitive interface that does not require any additional skills, the absence of unnecessary functions, integration into Explorer and the ability to delete on boot make Unlocker almost indispensable. In addition, you can also note the "clean" installer, without elements of Yandex, Mail.ru, SafeProtect and other nonsense that people like to shove into the load with small programs. In a word, Unlocker can be safely recommended to anyone who is bothered by undeleted files.

And, finally, one more thing. All of these applications have only one significant drawback - they will not warn you about deleting important system files. Therefore, it is better to think twice before getting rid of a file that the system itself does not allow to be deleted.