How to unlock a folder in Windows 7

New 25 Mar 2018 #1
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How to 'release', or 'unlock' folders and files?

How to 'release', or 'unlock' folders and files?
Just recently, about 60% of the time, I am unable to move and/or rename folders, I'm getting the following error msg:'The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. Close the folder or file and try again'.
1) I've closed/open Windows Explorer...same error.
2) I've closed all open programs, except for Windows Explorer...same error.
3) I've rebooted...same error.
I haven't installed any new programs. I've checked my running programs in Task Manager, and found nothing that would indicate that my folders or files are open in another program.
Is there a way of finding out if there are any program(s) being used on certain folders/files?
And, how to 'release', or 'unlock those folders and files?
Win7, 64bit.

Thanks!
New 25 Mar 2018 #2

Hi tkmops,
How to Grant Permissions in Windows 7
1. Locate the file or folder in which you want to take ownership in Windows Explorer.
2. Right click on file or folder and select Properties from the Menu
3. Click on the Security tab, then click the Edit button. Click OK to confirm UAC elevation request if needed.
4. Select user/group from permission windows or click add to add other user or group (you may need to do this for multiple users - ex: administrator and your own user account).
5. Now under the Permission section check the rights which you want for the user i.e check "Full Control" under the "Allow" column to assign full access rights control permissions to the user.
6. Click OK for changes to take effect, and click OK again to exit from the Properties window.
New 26 Mar 2018 #3

Snick, tried that, doesn't work
New 26 Mar 2018 #5

You can use Process Explorer for that.
Download, run it, and in the find menu type the name of the file in question. It'll return a list of processes having that file opened. You could even force close them.
Snick said:
Hi tkmops,
How to Grant Permissions in Windows 7

1. Locate the file or folder in which you want to take ownership in Windows Explorer.
2. Right click on file or folder and select Properties from the Menu
3. Click on the Security tab, then click the Edit button. Click OK to confirm UAC elevation request if needed.
4. Select user/group from permission windows or click add to add other user or group (you may need to do this for multiple users - ex: administrator and your own user account).
5. Now under the Permission section check the rights which you want for the user i.e check "Full Control" under the "Allow" column to assign full access rights control permissions to the user.
6. Click OK for changes to take effect, and click OK again to exit from the Properties window.
That's the procedure to give permissions to a file/folder (which more often than not is a bad idea).
The OP is asking about files in use, a totally unrelated thing.
New 26 Mar 2018 #6

OK, thanks. Downloaded 'Process Explorer', ran it, and entered the file path into the 'Find' box, it returned two entries..both explorer.exe, PID 3268. But there's only one explorer.exe in the Process tree.
New 26 Mar 2018 #7

Alejandro85, I agree with your response, do you have a definitive resolve to OP issue?
New 27 Mar 2018 #8

If you see the same process twice, it means Explorer opened the very same file twice, that doesn't changes anything. The important bit is that you now know that its Windows Explorer that's keeping your file opened. Why does it that way and why does it keep it open..... I have no idea
You could kill the process or within Process Explorer close both handles to the file to free it.

How do you unlock a folder?

Method 1..

Open Folder Lock and click "Lock Folders"..

Enter your serial number in the password column, then click "OK" to unlock it..

After this, you can open your locked folder and files again..

Why is there a lock symbol on my folder windows 7?

The lock icon in Windows indicates that the file or folder can only be accessed by you, and not any other user on your computer. If this is desired, then the lock icon is a good way to ensure that those settings are in place.

How do you unlock folder permissions?

Change permissions for a folder Right-click the affected folder, and choose "Properties..." from the pop-up menu. Click Security, and then the "Advanced..." button. Click the "Edit..." button (this button may also say "Change permissions"). Click the "Edit..." button.

Why are my folders locked?

If you see a lock icon overlaid on your files or folders, it means the sharing or security options have been tampered with, either by you or a software or when changing operating systems and migrating data or when tweaking the HomeGroup settings. The padlock icon means that the file or folder is not shared with anyone.