What program is using my program?

brahman · May 5, 2011

So a while ago I couldn't delete a program, because it was being used, and I had no idea what program was using it. Someone recommend Malwarebyte's file assassin. Which works great, but I still want to know what file is using my file.

Has anyone tried WhoLockMe, it is listed as a program that does this on MG. But I can't seem to install it. Can anyone else install it?

http://www.majorgeeks.com/WhoLockMe_d4429.html

It is listed in browsers for some very odd reason.

foogoo · May 5, 2011

I use Unlocker by Nitch
http://majorgeeks.com/Unlocker_d4660.html
It tells you what is causing the locked file.

satrow · May 5, 2011

I use Autoruns to control what gets hooked into the various parts of Windows during boot; track it down, uncheck it, reboot, uninstall. Careful, it's very powerful

plodr · May 5, 2011

I've used WhoLockMe, Unlocker and Autoruns. My theory, you can never have too many good (there are some poor ones out there) troubleshooting programs.

If one doesn't work, try another. What version of windows are you running? If you see this program is from 2004. Did you also see, it adds a right click menu item to explorer? It is probably already installed. You don't get a program listing for it.

DavidGP · May 5, 2011

What Windows version you using as some like Vista and Win7 need you to install as Admin. I tend to use the aforementioned Unlocker and Autoruns.

What was the program you couldn't get to uninstall? My WAG, is that Windows System files had hold of it likely via the context menus, and a safe mode boot and uninstall may have worked.

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What program is using my program?

brahman Specialist

foogoo Major "foogoo" Geek

satrow Major Geek Extraordinaire

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member