The system does not allow me to delete the folder. How to delete files that won't delete? Through system settings

this often happens when certain files are not deleted. And the system writes that this file or the folder is occupied by another process. This can happen both in Windows XP and in Windows 7, 8, 10. Today we will look at troubleshooting methods 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. After uninstallation, the program was allegedly removed, but the folder with some program files remained. When you try to delete such a file, an error appears:

Let's look at ways in which you can delete files that cannot be deleted using standard means.

1st method. 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 method. Task Manager
In the Windows 7 and XP operating systems, to get to the Task Manager, you need to press the combination Ctrl keys+ Alt + Del.
In Windows 8 and 10, just press the combination Windows keys+ 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 is using the file and remove the task from it. Then try deleting the file again.

3rd method. Usage boot disk or flash drives
The next method is to start the computer with LiveCD or a bootable USB flash drive and then deleting the file or folder. In the first case, we need to use the standard GUI Windows to find and delete the required file, or use the command line. If you use bootable USB flash drive with Windows 7, 8 or 10, then during installation you can open the command line by pressing Shift keys+ F10. There is also “System Restore”, thanks to which you can return the computer to its previous state. By the way, the drive letters may be different, 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 method. Deleting files in safe mode
It's very simple here. You need to go into safe mode, find the required 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 successful removal required file very high.

5th method. Using a special Unlocker program
This program, called Unlocker, helps delete files that are used by some process. Very useful utility, coping with her tasks with a bang. You can download it at https://yadi.sk/d/PkczjpOKjbeje

When the program downloads, install it.

Next, select Advanced and uncheck all the boxes,

The essence of the Unlocker program is downloading from random access memory processes that are used by the file. The program can find and terminate a process that is even hidden in the Task Manager. All in all great utility, which every system administrator should have.

In the life of every personal computer user, sooner or later the question arises: how to delete an unremovable folder or file? There are times when you really need to remove an element, but Windows does not allow you to do this, reporting problems. It could be an unknown folder, an unnecessary, outdated or memory-consuming object - the only thing that matters is that operating system for one reason or another prohibits deleting this element. In this case, what matters is the methods and methods of getting rid of such folders and files, and not the reason for the ban.

Causes of problems when deleting files

One of the main causes of the problem is the involvement of the file in other processes.

A file that cannot be deleted may be involved in other processes

But there are exceptions when the element is not deleted even after closing the corresponding program. An example would be files that are blocked due to improper use. Such files are saved on the hard drive and fill up the memory.

The file cannot be deleted due to failures during its installation or writing, resulting in the item being partially retained. In this case, the operating system restricts access for security reasons.

Thus, the main reasons for this problem include the following:

• the file was blocked by the antivirus. For example, when an item is quarantined or treatment is delayed;
• the file is being used by another program;
• The user does not have administrator rights, so deleting an element is impossible;
• the item can be used by another person via a local network;
• use of the file by the system;
• write protection of a device, for example a memory card;
• an empty folder may contain hidden files or the user has limited access;
• Some viruses can masquerade as a DLL file.

Ways to delete undeletable files

There are many ways and methods to help solve the problem of files and folders that cannot be deleted.

Reboot

The essence of the method is to restart the personal computer and try again to remove the unnecessary element.

The step-by-step process of rebooting your PC consists of a few clicks

Task Manager

Let's consider the option of deleting files by deleting the folder with the contents of the program (using Skype as an example).

The method can be used for all similar situations.

Safe mode

If any object on your PC is infected with a virus, it will not function in safe mode. To activate the mode when loading the PC, you must frequently press (do not hold down) F8 on the keyboard. After this, a menu will appear in which you will need to select “ Safe mode" Now you need to find the undeletable element and delete it. Restart your computer.

There is another way to enter safe mode:

Unlocker program

Unlocker - simple, secure and free utility to unlock files used in Windows. The program reflects the processes that are blocking the item and has the ability to delete, move or rename the file that is blocked. Installation does not take much time and does not differ from the installation process of another software.

Unlock a file using Unlocker

Let's consider step by step instructions using the program using the example of uninstalling Skype.

If the "Folder is not empty" message appears, you can create new folder on the same disk, move the undeletable items to a new location and delete the corresponding folder using Unlocker.

DeadLock is a similar program that can unlock and remove unwanted item from PC.

Delete a file using the Deadlock program

If, when eliminating a file, a message pops up stating that it cannot be deleted, then the corresponding element is added to the list through the “File” menu. Using the right mouse button, an object can be unlocked, moved or deleted.

Undeletable folders and files can be deleted using the Deadlock program.

File managers

Total Commander- one of the most famous and used file managers, which is able to bypass certain Windows bans. To delete files:

1. Launch file manager.
2. Find the corresponding file in the list of directories.
3. Delete it.

In the case of a non-deletable folder, you need to go into it through the program and see the problem. When found hidden element you need to launch the task manager (Ctrl+Esc+Shift), go to “Processes”, find the file you are looking for and finish it.

Video: how to use Total Commander

Formatting

In certain situations, deleting files is impossible, since the PC is infected with viruses that can penetrate from the Internet or external drives. To remove a supposedly infected item on a flash drive, you need to scan it with an antivirus program. If unsuccessful, it is recommended to format the memory card.

Format the memory card to remove the infected element

Autoload

To use the method you need:

If it is not in the list, then you need to disable everything and click “Apply”. Restart the PC and try again to eliminate the undeletable file.

Access level

The method is suitable for a network directory, that is, for PCs connected via local network. The administrator creates some shared folders for storing information. To prevent unauthorized deletion, access rights are limited.

For getting full rights you need to do the following:

When you check two boxes related to deletion, local user does not destroy either the folder or the objects it contains.

Selecting the “Delete subfolders and files” sub-item does not delete either the folder or the objects in it

System Restore

To perform a system restore:

1. In the Start menu, hover over “All Programs”.
2. Click on “Standard” - “Service” - “System Restore”.
3. In the “Restore system files and settings” window that opens, click “Next”.
4. In the list of recovery points, select the point with the date when the file we want to delete was not yet on the computer. Click “Next” and “Yes”.

Video: how to perform a system rollback in Windows 7

Using a different OS

To apply the method:

1. Try booting from removable disk with a different operating system.
2. Delete the file/folder.

Moving

In some cases, a rather primitive method can help - drag the folder onto a clean memory card and clear it.

Transfer the file to the memory card

Removing an unwanted item using the command line

You can open the Command Prompt in the following ways:

• The Win+R key combination opens a window into which we enter “cmd”;
• “Start” -> “All Programs” -> “Accessories” -> “Command Prompt”.

The first way is as follows:

1. Type the combination chkdsk c: /f/r in the line and press Enter. In combination with: - this HDD, which needs checking. If you want to check another drive, then change the letter (drive name).
2. A message about checking the disk upon reboot will appear - you must enter Y and press Enter. If another disk is checked, the process starts immediately.
3. Now the unnecessary element can be deleted.
4. If drive C is checked, then you need to restart the PC and delete the object.

The second method is to use short names if the element contains invalid characters:

1. You need to go to the storage location of the object and find out short name. To do this, use the command “DIR/X” or “DIR/X/N”, which will display the short names of the elements in the folder.
2. After this, you can use the “DEL” or “RDMIR” command to eliminate the unwanted object.

Video: How to Remove Unwanted Items Using the Command Line

The above methods are suitable for any version of Windows 7.

In every personal computer sooner or later objects appear that are not deleted in the usual way. However, there are ways to get rid of unwanted files, after studying which the user will have every chance to independently eliminate undeletable items from the PC.

It happens that you simply need to delete a folder or file, but Windows does not allow you to do this and writes about errors like " this process busy" or "the folder is not empty" or something else. Maybe you found some folder or file that you "didn't like" and want to delete it. Maybe you know exactly what it is " unnecessary trash"which only takes up space, but Windows complains and doesn’t allow it. In general, it’s not so important Why can't I delete it?, How many How to delete and in this article you will find answers to this question.

Most often, such situations occur due to the fact that the files being deleted are occupied by other programs. But it also happens that it is impossible to delete a file even after closing all applications that can use this file. For example, a file or folder may become locked due to incorrect user actions and cannot be deleted in any way. These folders (files) remain “hanging” on the hard drive, take up space, and are not opened or deleted.

The file may not be deleted due to a failure that occurred during the process of writing or overwriting it. If you interrupt the recording process, the file is not completely saved, resulting in invalid entries in the file system. And our beloved Windows, not knowing how to handle it, simply closes access to it, supposedly for security reasons.

So, let's start dancing with a tambourine!

Why is the file not deleted?

1) The file was blocked by an antivirus program. This often happens when an antivirus quarantines a file. Or the antivirus detected malware, but the treatment was postponed (waiting for its databases to be updated). In this case, in order to avoid infecting the computer, the user is blocked from accessing this file. Check quarantine antivirus program and delete the file using the antivirus itself, or disable the antivirus and delete the file manually.

2) The file is being used by another program. Think about what programs might use this file. Close them and try deleting the file again. If this doesn't help, use Task Manager to check the process list to see if the program is still running.

3) Administrator rights are required to delete a file. If you are working under account user, log in again as an administrator and try to delete the file.

4) The file is being used by another user on the local network. Please wait and try deleting the file later.

5) The file is being used by the system. Try deleting the file after restarting your computer or in safe mode.

6) The device is write protected. For example, SD memory cards and some USB flash drives have a special switch to lock the device.

There are several removal methods, I will start with the simplest and most effective ones and gradually move on to more complex ones.

1. Method:

Reboot

We programmers have a saying: “7 troubles - one reset.” You can figure out what it means yourself

But the point of the method is that you need to restart the computer and try to delete the file/folder again.

2. Method:

Safe mode

You need to log in in Safe Mode.

What is the benefit of booting the system in safe mode? The thing is that Windows does not load its libraries to execute dialogs. To put it simply, if you have a virus on your computer (and this is possible), then in this safe mode it will not perform any actions. In this mode there is nothing superfluous, just a clean OS and a person.

In order to enter this mode, when you turn on the computer and after loading the BIOS (or in general you can from the very beginning of the “black screen” boot), press the key intensively without ceasing F8(no need to press and hold!!!). A black screen will appear in which you need to use the keys on your keyboard to select Additional options boot, and there’s already Safe Mode (or just Safe Mode, you don’t need to select all sorts of things. With support command line And so on. And so it will do) and press Enter. If you did everything correctly, the system will boot and in the lower right corner there will be an inscription Safe Mode (it may also be in all corners). Don't be afraid of the black screen that will appear) without wallpaper and beauty.

Now you need to find the file that you just couldn’t delete and try to delete it. In any case (it worked or not), reboot.

3. Method:

Through the Unlocker program

It is precisely for such purposes that the good guys wrote such a program called Unlocker. It's very small free program to unlock files running in Windows. This utility allows you to close open file blockers, thereby making it possible to exercise control over these files. further actions. Those. the program shows all processes blocking a file (folder) and can delete it, despite all the blockers.

In addition, the program allows you to rename files and their extensions or move a locked file to another location. This is also very convenient, because... Windows does not always allow you to do this quickly and calmly.

When installing, DO NOT agree to the proposed toolbar (or you really need it, then click Next) and uncheck Install Babylon Toolbar - RECOMMENDED. Otherwise, the installation is normal - everywhere Next I Accept Install and that’s it)

Just right-click on the file that is not being deleted (not moved/renamed) in the usual way and select the program icon from the menu. A window should appear in which you select Delete from the list and press the button OK.

If the file or folder is blocked, another window will appear. First you need to press the button Unlock everything, and then Delete.

For those who don’t know what the bit depth is on the system, read

4. Method:

Through file managers

Of all the most popular and frequently used file managers, the most popular is Total Commander.

File managers have the ability to bypass some Windows restrictions, which we will use.

To delete a non-deletable file, we will need to download one of these file managers, FAR or Total Commander (I use Total Commander Podarok Edition). After downloading and installation, find your file in the list of directories and delete it by clicking either the right mouse button and selecting Delete, or Delete key on keyboard.

These managers also have good opportunity- see everything that is hidden and encrypted (especially different colors, like mine). If your folder is not deleted, then go into it through the manager and see what’s there. If you see hidden file, that means he is interfering. Then launch Task Manager ( ctrl+shift+esc), go to the Processes tab and look for this file in the list (it’s also good to click on the button at the bottom left of the Display the processes of all users manager), find and finish (del or RMB -> End process or the End process button in the lower right corner). The application is the same with files, we look for the file name and “kill”.

5. Method:

Another option with Unlocker

If your folder is not deleted, it says something like “the folder is not empty,” then create a new folder on the same disk, transfer the non-deletable folders to the new folder, delete the new folder using Unlocker

6. Method:

Using startup

Click “Start” => “Run” => In the “Run” line, enter msconfig => Click OK. You will see the System Setup window. Go to the “Startup” tab and in the list of downloadable items, find a name similar to your “not deleted” file.

If there is no such file in the list, then click on the “Disable all” button. Click on the “Apply” => “Close” button. The operating system will issue a warning that all changes made by the system setup program will take effect only after rebooting the computer. Click the "Reboot" button. The computer will restart. After downloading, try deleting the “undeletable” file again.

7. Method:

Using System Restore

In the “System Settings” window (which was the same as in the previous paragraph), select “General”. Click on the “Run System Restore” button. In the window that appears, select the item “Recover more than early state computer", click "Next". In a new window, you will see a calendar in which you can select a system restore date. Select a date when the "not deleted" file was not on the computer. Click "Next". Don't worry, System Restore will not affect your personal files.

8. Method:

Lack of access rights to delete files

Click right click mouse on the problematic object and select “Properties” from the drop-down list

In the window that opens, select the “Security” tab

Highlight your name in the list and select " Full access»

- “Apply” and “OK”

Trying to delete

9. Method:

Use a different operating system.

Try booting from a removable disk (or CD/DVD) (LiveCD or LiveUSB) with a different operating system. Then delete the file/folder.

10. Method:

Move somewhere.

Sometimes it helps to move (cut) the folder to an empty flash drive and then format it.

11. Method:

In the window, type the command chkdsk c: /f/r and click Enter, it should be taken into account that c: is the name of the disk that needs to be checked. If the drive you are checking has a different letter, then write it.

If the drive being checked is C:, then when you press Enter You will be prompted to check it the next time you reboot. When asked whether to check or not at the next reboot, enter Y and press Enter.

If the disk name is different, the scan will begin immediately. At the end of the check, the result of the check will appear. Type exit and click Enter.

Now you can delete a file that you did not want to delete. In the case of drive C, simply restart the computer and after checking, delete the non-deletable file.

12. Method:

If you open the command line via Start - All Programs...run the process as an administrator (RMB and Run as Administrator) and move to the folder with the non-deletable file (or folder) using the cd \ command in order to be in the root directory disk, and then cd folder_name to go to the desired folder.

When deleting some files through the OS, a notification appears that the operation cannot be completed because the file is in use by another program. Next, you will learn why this happens and what tools you can use to successfully remove unnecessary files.

Description of the problem

If you open a certain file of a registered type in the corresponding program, for example, text editor or music player, it cannot be deleted simply by switching from the editor to Explorer and clicking “Delete”. The operating system will not allow erasure of data that is used directly in this moment in PC operation. In this case, one process (run by the user) tries to erase a file from the storage medium, and another process (run by the operating system or another program) blocks the deletion operation, believing that it will lead to a malfunction or some other problem.

In fact, each of these processes is important and necessary, but it happens that the file to be deleted is not opened by any program, and at the same time the OS does not allow it to be deleted. As a rule, this is due to the following reasons:

• Incorrect closing of a file by the program or incorrect termination of the program itself in the last session of its operation.
• A virus has entered the PC, and when trying to remove the infected program or the virus itself, it tries to defend itself, not allowing itself to be easily eliminated.
• The OS believes that some other user is currently working with the file - either from the same PC, or over the local network. Whether this is actually the case may be unknown, or it may even be known that there is and cannot be any other user. But in any case it is impossible to delete such a file.

Below we will look at several ways in which you can solve the problem of undeletable files.

Simple removal methods

Initially, we suggest you use simple methods solutions to the problem (listed in order of speed):

• Reboot PC. Oddly enough, but quite often it is this simple measure allows you to shut down all OS processes and then successfully delete an unnecessary file.
• Try renaming the file, if you succeed, then try deleting it (don’t forget to copy this file in advance if you may need it in the future).
• Transfer the file to another logical drive/flash drive. If it works, delete it from a new location.
• Check the file attributes (they can be changed in the context menu"Properties"). Clear the read-only, hidden, system, archive attributes and try deleting again.
• Check the creation date and last change file. If it is clearly inadequate (according to the OS, the file was created in 1980 or last time was changed in 2060), try changing the date to a realistic one and delete.
• If this file is typical and can be changed (for example, text in a format for “Word”), try opening it in a program appropriate for the file type, somehow changing the contents, saving the data already in new version, close the program and try to uninstall again. The same method can work with non-standard files, but the likelihood of a successful outcome is reduced.

A fairly simple method for deleting “busy” files and folders using the “Resource Monitor” and stopping the blocking process is described in a short, understandable video:

What should I do if I can't delete a file/folder due to permissions?

No access to file/folder. To delete this file/folder, you need to have “Administrator” rights - if such notifications appear when you try to delete a file/folder, you need to reconfigure the access rights. To do this, you will have to do the following manipulations (example of deleting a folder):

• Right-click on the folder, select “Properties” - “Security” - “Advanced”.
• In the “Owner” line, change the user to the one under which you are currently working in the system. To do this, you can click “Check names”, then check the box “Replace owner of subcontainers and objects” and click “OK”.
• The window “ Windows Security" and for some time the OS will do a "Change of Ownership". Next, the PC will ask: “Do you want to change the permissions for this folder so that you have full control rights?” Answer - “Yes”.
• Next, we again see the “Properties” window, the “Security” tab. Click the “Change” button with a shield drawn, that is, we will just change our access rights to this folder, including the right to delete. For each user, put a tick in the most top line"Full access" and "OK".
• You will have to wait for some period of time, now your access rights to the folder and objects inside it will change. Don’t forget to uncheck the “Read Only” option in the “General” properties tab and confirm this attribute change.

After a short wait, you can usually safely delete the folder. If Windows asks for access rights again, try repeating the described procedure.

All manipulations for deleting a locked folder or file can be seen in the video:

What programs can delete undeletable files?

If none of the above methods helped, then in such a situation you already have to use tools to delete files.

Unlocker

One of the most popular tools in the CIS for deleting files that do not want to be deleted is the Unlocker program. It can be downloaded by following the link to the developer’s website: www.emptyloop.com.

Important! Old versions of Unlocker may not work on 64-bit operating systems - Windows 7, 8, 10. Do not download old versions on unknown sites where the content has not been updated for a long time.

There are both installable (built into the operating system) and “portable” versions. Each version has its own minor advantages and disadvantages, but for one-time removal, the portable version is recommended. However, if you regularly experience problems with deleting files, then it is better to install Unlocker.

During installation, it is possible to install Unlocker Assistant. This assistant program is constantly visible in the “Taskbar” and will automatically launch in cases where problems arise with uninstallation.

To Work with portable version The program is very simple:

• Launch Unlocker.
• Select the desired file in the window that opens, and you will see processes that do not allow you to delete it. These are “blocking descriptors”.
• At the bottom left you can select action options - delete, unblock, transfer.

The principle of using the installed version is almost identical:

Agree and reboot.

Unlocker analogs

Unfortunately, official support Unlocker ended on Windows 7 (which usually does not prevent it from working normally even under more later versions OS), but for trouble-free operation under Windows 8 and Windows 10 it is better to use IObit Unlocker. The interface is very similar, Russified and generally does not cause any difficulties.

DeadLock

Unlike the previous program, this one must be launched on the computer in order to perform the removal the desired file. You can download the application from the link: http://codedead.com/?page_id=822

Instructions for using the program:

• Open the application and go to the “File” tab.
• Select the file to be deleted.
• Right-click on the file, then select “Unlock” or “Remove”.

The disadvantage of this program is that it only supports an English-language interface.

Using Live-CD or Live-flash

A radical way to get rid of an unnecessary file is to start the operating system not with hard drive your PC, but from Live-CD or Live-flash. But for this you need at least the Live-CD itself plus a disk drive for it. It’s better if you have Live-flash (the same thing, but on a flash drive, you don’t need a disk drive), a USB port is enough here:

• Insert the Live media into the PC, boot from it (you may need to enter the BIOS).
• Find the stubborn file on your HDD and erase it. The OS from the Live media will not object in any case, since for it any file on your PC is a foreign body.
• Turn off your PC, remove the Live media, and boot your computer. The previously undeletable file will be deleted.

Unsure users should avoid this method in favor of using special programs described above.

How to remove uninstallable programs

Some companies make it so that after installing their programs, your PC ends up with some additional programs that are completely unnecessary for you, and you did not give conscious consent to their installation. If you can't remove such programs from the Programs and Features list regular means follow this path “Start” - “Properties” - “Programs” - “Uninstall a program”, uninstaller programs will come to the rescue:

• Revo Uninstaller Pro- one of the most popular programs to remove other programs. Russified. Completely removes all references to the software being removed not only from the disk, but also from the registry. There is startup control; irrevocably erases not only programs, but also unnecessary files; clears browser histories (not all, you can check by version) and document histories in MS Office; is automatically updated. The unique “hunter mode” allows you to find and remove a program that is not listed in the list of programs.
• IObit Uninstaller Free– removes the entire package associated with unwanted program. In addition, it has the function forced deletion, which helps to demolish the most “stubborn” programs. Allows you to “roll back” Windows updates. Disables browser extensions and plugins. Creates a list installed programs and saves it to a file. Keeps a history of its work (uninstalling programs).
• Advanced Uninstaller Pro. Removes cookies and customizes toolbars in browsers. Optimizes the registry file. There's even a font manager for Windows!

If the case turns out to be very difficult, try paid versions uninstallers, for example, Uninstall Tool. If they didn’t help, all you have to do is contact the support service, where a qualified specialist will help you.

How to delete undeletable files from a flash drive

Most of the above methods are suitable for deleting files from a flash drive. In addition, you will always have the “final argument” in stock - full formatting. After it, there will be no files, folders, or viruses left on the flash drive.

So, if a situation arises where it is impossible to delete a file by normal means, because the operating system (more precisely, some of its visible or hidden process) believes that the files are still in operation, you can use the above instructions to successfully complete the deletion and get rid of unnecessary file.

Review of the Unlocker program for Windows, as well as its analogues. Detailed instructions how to delete files and folders that are not deleted in forcibly: by closing processes that block deletion.

Description of the Unlocker program

Unlocker effective program to delete undeletable files in the Windows OS environment. It bypasses system restrictions and points the user to processes that block access. These processes interfere with deletion, resulting in files and folders that are not normally deleted.

Unlocker is one of the few utilities that has clear interface in Russian. This is partly why the program is very easy to use. In Unlocker, you can drag files into the window and immediately delete the files, killing unnecessary processes. IN right column The current status of the file or folder is displayed:

• "not blocked" - you can delete an undeletable file without forcing other processes to close.
• “blocked” - Unlocker will tell you which processes are preventing you from forcibly deleting a folder (file), after which you can force close them and perform the desired operation.

Main features of the Unlocker program

• force deletion of files and directories on disk
• deleting folders and multiple files at the same time
• viewing processes that block removal in the usual way

Scenarios when the Unlocker utility can be useful

• access to the file or folder is denied (the program is being used by another process)
• there are connections to the file via the local network
• the source or destination path is being used by another application
• the file is occupied by another system process

In general, if a folder or file is not deleted, Unlocker is a universal and simple tool for forcing deletion.

Further, in the instructions, we will tell you how to delete undeletable files quickly and safely. Note that we're talking about about a program called IObit Unlocker. Eat application of the same name on the Internet (Emptyloop Unlocker), but it has not been developed since 2013, and the official website is inaccessible. As for Unlocker from the developers of IObit, this product is in development and can be downloaded from the link below.

Where to download the Unlocker program

You can download Unlocker, a program for deleting undeletable files, on the downloads page. Link on the right.

Although latest version Unlocker 1.1 was released in 2015, there are compatibility problems with new ones Windows versions No. The list includes Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP.

Unlocker is available in two versions: Portable and standard installation(IObit Unlocker 1.1 Final). The Portable version can be installed anywhere. In this case, the standard version of Unlocker will be installed in system folder Program Files.

There is no particular difference where you download the program from: in both cases, Unlocker can be downloaded for free.

How to forcefully delete an unremovable file or folder

Let's figure out together how the program works. It consists of one window. To forcefully delete a folder or file:

1. add files by clicking on the "Add" button at the bottom of the window
2. Alternatively, you can drag files or folders into the Unlocker window

In the list you will see the added files and the status - "blocked" or "not blocked". Accordingly, unblocked data can be deleted without using Unlocker. We are more interested in the second option.

So, how to delete a folder that won't be deleted?

1. Select the line with the file or folder.
2. Check the "Force" option
3. Click the "Unblock" button.
4. Unlocker will terminate processes blocking access to file operations

How to delete an undeletable file yourself without harming other processes

Advice. The Unlocker program is not omnipotent. If you add a system path, a message along the lines of "I can't delete the folder" will appear. In addition, you must soberly assess the danger of deleting files and clearly understand what you are deleting.

If the file is not deleted, it is not necessary to forcefully kill the processes. Let's say you are editing text and want to delete a certain file. Unlocker will figure out that to unlock you need to close the Word.exe process ( word processor). As a result, you will lose the file you are currently editing. In fact, there may be other scenarios, but the essence is the same: if you kill processes en masse, this can lead to negative consequences.

The best way to delete a file from your computer is to add it to iObit Unlocker, see the processes that are interfering with the removal and terminate them correctly: close applications and save open documents. This is a definite advantage of Unlocker: you can always control the process.

Lockhunter

Developer: Crystal Rich Ltd.
Website: http://lockhunter.com/

Lockhunter is a program for deleting folders and files that are not deleted for a reason unknown to you. Often (as you can see with Unlocker) this is due to processes blocking access to the objects being deleted. Lockhunter is able to identify processes that are blocking access to files. Unlike similar tools, files and folders are deleted to the trash, so you can restore them to right moment. By the way, the main purpose of this utility is to remove viruses and malware: these harmful applications like to block access to themselves for the purpose of self-preservation.

How to force delete a folder or files using Lockhunter

This method will allow you to delete a system folder or file occupied by other processes. The technique will be useful in the accelerated destruction of viruses.

1. We indicate in the main program window the location of the folder (file) for forced deletion. The list displays the processes that are blocking the items.
2. We remove processes that block files by clicking on the UnlockIt!
3. Select the folder and press the DeleteIt! for complete removal.

Malwarebytes FileASSASSIN

Website: https://www.malwarebytes.com/fileassassin/

FileASSASSIN- useful program to delete files that are not deleted in a standard way, without stopping processes. Here is a list of errors that this program can solve in your favor:

• File not deleted: access denied
• Make sure the disk is not full and
• The file is currently in use
• The source or destination of the file can be used
• The file is being used by another program or user

Sysinternals Process Monitor

Website: https://technet.microsoft.com/ru-ru/sysinternals/processmonitor.aspx
Developer: Mark Russinovich

This tool is primarily intended for in-depth research. Windows processes, and can only be recommended to experienced users. However, this professional task manager monitors not only processes, but also threads, file system and Registry. If the file is not deleted, Process Monitor will help identify dependencies and then smoothly delete, for example, a system file or folder.

Removing Undeletable Files: Questions and Answers

The file is not deleted Windows folder. What to do?

Answer. If you want to remove an item with a system path from this folder, you will not be able to do this even with iObit Unlocker. As I already said, the program cannot delete system files Windows - powerful protection is triggered at the kernel level.

Files from the flash drive are not deleted. I need to download Unlocker to portable versions to a flash drive?

Answer. Not necessary. Standard version Unlocker is quite suitable for these purposes. You can drag files into the program window, kill processes and then quietly delete the files.

I downloaded Unlocker from the official website, but the program differs from that described in the instructions. What to do, how to delete an undeletable folder?

Answer. The fact is that you downloaded another program (from the developer Emptyloop), although it has the same name. In principle, it’s not a big problem, this program has similar functionality. If you are not satisfied with it, just download iObit Unlocker from the link given at the beginning of the article.