How To Fix ‘Cannot Delete Folder/File’, ‘Access Is Denied’ or ‘File In Use’ errors in Windows Using Unlocker

Did u ever try to delete a file or a folder and got ‘Access Is Denied’ error? Or while copying a file it gives ‘The Source File May Be In Use’ error. These types of errors can occur due to many different reasons,  maybe the file is being used by the operating system or some other program, or maybe you do not have administrator privileges.

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If you get an “Access is Denied” error while accessing a folder then it means the administrator has not allowed you permission to access it. If you are not an Administrator then you will probably never be able to fix this error. But if you are an Administrator and receiving this problem then there is a software called Unlocker that is going to come in handy.

UPDATE: Lock Hunter seems to be working better in Windows 7(both 32-bit and 64-bit)

Unlocker is a small, free, and powerful software that lets you see which process is holding the lock on the file/folder and then helps you unlock it. After Installing this software you can simply right click the file/folder that is giving “Access is Denied” or “FIle May Be In Use” errors and then click on Unlocker.

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A new window will now pop-up showing the processes as shown below. Now you can either unlock all of the processes or kill the process.

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On the left of the ‘Kill Process’ button there is a dropdown menu where you can select Copy, Move, Rename, or Delete functions for a locked file.

This program is useful for the following types of errors,

  • Cannot delete file: Access is denied
  • There has been a sharing violation.
  • The source or destination file may be in use.
  • 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.

Using Microsoft Support

There is also an alternative way using Microsoft support help for such errors, following MS steps will basically reset the file/folder settings.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881

I frequently use the Unlocker software for quick solution, and I have personally never tried using the Microsoft support method. I hope you will also get rid if these errors using the above procedure, looking forward to hear feedbacks from you. :)

  • don

    Another reason is if you have the preview pane open. I had the same problem, but it went away when I disabled the preview pane in Windows 7 explorer.

    Orangize>Layout>Preview

  • pet

    when deleted file using the unlocker, the file will totally delete right? it will be not available in the recycle bin or others file right?

  • pet

    when deleted file using the unlocker, the file will totally delete right? it will be not available in the recycle bin or others file right?

  • Shreedhartiadi

    THANKS 
    This Post helped me

  • http://nirmaljoshi.com.np/ Joshi_amn

    it was useful

  • dejan

    It was helpful… I googled it just now, after trying many methods to delete an empty folder who used to have some music files in i t- unsuccessfully ofcourse… So, thanks…

  • dejan

    It was helpful… I googled it just now, after trying many methods to delete an empty folder which used to have some music files in it – unsuccessfully ofcourse… So, thanks…

  • Anonymous

    you can also try and deleting this kind of “can’t be deleted” files and folders with LongPathTool. I use it in this kind of situations :)

  • Santhosh

    Thank you so much… I’ve installed unlocker and it worked for me when a file was giving ‘Access Denied’ while deleting a file.

  • JoshuaReen

    I like this tool, and I have already a useful software like this one, which is know as “Long Path Tool”.

  • JoshuaReen

    I
    love this tool and am using it now for this type or errors. I have
    tried a number of ways for it, and also I have used “Long Path Tool”
    software in this situation and it helped me easily and quickly.

  • JoshuaReen

    I
    love this tool and am using it now for this type or errors. I have
    tried a number of ways for it, and also I have used “Long Path Tool”
    software in this situation and it helped me easily and quickly.

  • adamgart

    i have same problem.Long path tool worked perfect for me.Visit the following site for details Pleasehttp://LongPathTool.com

  • ITEXPERTS usa

    i have same problem.Long path tool worked perfect for me.Visit the following site for details Pleasehttp://LongPathTool.com

  • Daniel Fird

    Hi all,  I have been suffering from accessing, managing and even renaming files that have more than 255 characters over a long time. I have tried various ways but failed. Then I have searched this problem in internet. Then I have found a solution. This software is very easy to use. Named Long path Tool. To use the program all you need to do is to download this program online and save all the settings to your computer. This program is compatible with Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7. you can find it from longpathtool(dot)com

  • Abbi

    Don wana say something more but thanks 

  • Hanif Syiemlieh

    thanks a lot pal.

    • Emerson

      Sir now you this trick.

  • Hanif Syiemlieh

    thanks a lot pal.

  • Chethan

    hi  … Thank u so much …. it works really well…

  • Chethan

    hi  … Thank u so much …. it works really well…

  • Padmakumarbs

    thanks
     

  • Thomas

    Great recommendation! Thumbs up bro!