I'm moving some files around on the server (Windows Server 2003), and there's a locked file that no one seems to have open. How do I delete this file?
Delete Locked File in Windows – How to Remove Stubborn Files
fileswindowswindows-server-2003
Related Solutions
I've had success with Sysinternals Process Explorer. With this, you can search to find what process(es) have a file open, and you can use it to close the handle(s) if you want. Of course, it is safer to close the whole process. Exercise caution and judgement.
To find a specific file, use the menu option Find->Find Handle or DLL... Type in part of the path to the file. The list of processes will appear below.
If you prefer command line, Sysinternals suite includes command line tool Handle, that lists open handles.
Examples
c:\Program Files\SysinternalsSuite>handle.exe |findstr /i "e:\"(finds all files opened from drivee:\"c:\Program Files\SysinternalsSuite>handle.exe |findstr /i "file-or-path-in-question"
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Best Answer
Use the openfiles command to identify and disconnect users who have the file open. If that doesn't work, download the Unlocker utility.
Openfiles syntax: