IObit Unlocker 1.1

Overview

There are several reasons as to why you’ll get an error message saying that the file you selected cannot be deleted, no matter how many times you try. Most times this happens because that file is in use and therefore cannot be deleted until it is no longer open, but what happens when you don’t know which process is using the file? If a reboot doesn’t fix the problem (or if a reboot is not a choice) then you could use some external help from IObit Unlocker. This easy-to-use program will delete/rename/copy/move any problematic item by releasing the process that holds it captive.

Installation

After downloading the setup file, run it and follow the instructions to successfully install the software. There are no advanced settings throughout the installation procedure, however you will be asked at some point whether you want to install IObit Toolbar, set Yahoo! as the default search engine and install Search Settings to alert you to any attempts to change it. Unfortunately that’s not all, as in the very next step you will also be asked to install IObit Malware Fighter and Advanced System Care.

Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 users will have no trouble installing the product.

Interface

The program’s interface is very clear and uncomplicated. There’s a file list in the center where you add the locked files. As soon as you add an item, the lower part of the window is going to expand and give you information regarding the process that is using it (its name, path and process ID, to be precise). The big “Unlock” button on the middle of the window is going to free the occupied item from the process.

You can add files/folders either by clicking on the “Add” button located on the right side of the window and then browse for it or by dragging & dropping it since IObit Unlocker supports this feature. Another way of adding items to the list is by right-clicking on them and then selecting “IObit Unlocker” from the context menu.

Pros

There are 5 unlocking options: Unlock, Unlock & Delete, Unlock & Rename, Unlock & Move and Unlock & Copy. Select the appropriate option depending on what you want to do afterwards. Normally you won’t experience any problems, but should the operation fail, check the “Forced Mode” setting under the file list. This is guaranteed to unlock the item since it terminates all related processes.

The program is translated into English, Arabic, Chinese Simple, Chinese Traditional, Czech, Danish, Finnish, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish.

Cons

There are no cons in this program.

Alternatives

Unlocker (free) is a popular solution to error messages appearing when you try to delete or rename files/folders. It is very similar to IObit Unlocker and none of them is superior to the other. Other alternatives are LockHunter (free), Path Too Long Utility (paid), FileASSASSIN (free) and EMCO UnLock IT (free).

Conclusion

Very useful program to have in your computer’s pocket. Next time you get a “Cannot delete…” error, simply open the file in IObit Unlocker and get the job done in a matter of seconds.