Optimize PC|Windows Computer Tips and Resources

Sometimes certain folders and files just do not want to cooperate. You get a “cannot delete” message when trying to delete, remove, or copy certain files or folders - predominantly on Windows XP. There is a simple, and free, fix for Windows Computers that will allow you to delete and remove locked folders and files - and that fix is Unlocker.

This free software allows you to unlock files, or folders, that are held captive by other software or programs - being able to delete “locked” files and folders is especially important when you’re trying to rid your computer of malware or spyware.

Let’s say that you have a .dll that is locked, which we’ll use this as an example as we cannot purposely figure out how to “lock” a folder right now. In order to use Unlocker, just right click on the file (or folder) in question and choose “unlocker” from your menu:

Once you’ve clicked on the Unlocker option, you’ll see a popup screen similar to this:

In this example, there is only one application that is locking our software, so we would highlight the offending program and choose “Unlock”. Now, if we had multiple programs that were attached to the file or folder that we were trying to unlock, we would choose “Unlock All”.

We do suggest that you do not use the “Kill Process” option unless you know, for a fact, that you can kill these processes and programs. While in reality it probably won’t harm your computer, you may experience some system instability or you’ll be required to restart your PC if you kill the wrong application, program, or process.

As per the Unlocker website, this application works with Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2003 and Windows 2000. This is great, and free, folder/file unlocking program that will allow you to delete, or remove, programs, files, and folders that are currently locked by your operating system.