Comments on: XP Processes

Question: XP Processes

punishinglemur — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 16:06:58 -0800

Windows XP SP2 says: "The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process." How can I find out what "another process" is?

By: Doohickie

Doohickie — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 16:10:27 -0800

Do you have Google Desktop? This happens to me once in a while; I close Google and don't get the error.

By: Civil_Disobedient

Civil_Disobedient — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 16:13:07 -0800

Use WhoLockMe. Completely freeware.

By: quiet

quiet — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 16:25:52 -0800

I've always used Handle from the SysInternals guys, but C_D's app looks great.

By: Leon

Leon — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 16:58:11 -0800

If it's an image, there's a good change it's explorer's preview pane. One of the reasons I turn it off.

By: PinkStainlessTail

PinkStainlessTail — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 17:04:24 -0800

Seconding WhoLockMe.

By: nj_subgenius

nj_subgenius — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 18:02:03 -0800

You can also dowload windows resource toolkit and use the utility 'openfiles'.

By: Sonic_Molson

Sonic_Molson — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 18:03:55 -0800

Thanks Civil_Disobedient! I've always get ticked off when this happens to me and there are no obvious processes using a file. This thing is like a lifesaver :-)

By: Civil_Disobedient

Civil_Disobedient — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 20:08:34 -0800

Just glad to help. This bugs me to no end as well.

By: hashashin

hashashin — Wed, 20 Apr 2005 21:46:36 -0800

I use Sysinternals's Process Explorer, which also lets me forcibly close the handle without having to close the offending program (which is not always possible to close).

By: therealadam

therealadam — Thu, 21 Apr 2005 08:42:07 -0800

A hearty second to Process Explorer. I use it in my day job at a Windows shop if a DLL I need to build is locked. Its very useful in this regard, though not very tolerant of using partial names, if I recall. Also, it doesn't seem to update processor usage like Task Manager, so your mileage may vary in its utility as a Task Manager replacement.

FYI, if you're on Unix or Mac, lsof(1) "LiSts Open Files" so you can find programs holding a file open. Very useful when you're trying to eject a Firewire/USB storage doodad and OS X slaps you on the hands because a program has a file open on said device.

By: SlyBevel

SlyBevel — Thu, 21 Apr 2005 16:36:37 -0800

WhoLockMe. No brainer if you keep up on web news. Nice job, guys.

By: grouse

grouse — Sat, 23 Apr 2005 09:05:35 -0800

Am I the only one who can't get WhoLockMe to work at all? :(