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Files locked (cannot delete them)

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9 replies

by danni 1 view

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I have a problem with deleting about 10 files (not system files) on my WinNT 4.0 server. When trying to delete them I get the message "Access denied". Is there any way that I'll be able to see if what is the problem with them?

I tried to look at the Security tab for one of the specific files but I was denied access to view the permisions. Do you have any idea of what can have happend? I just recently took over the job as sysadmin and was trying to clean up the HD on the server!

9 replies

by techkid

login as domain admin. right click the files. select 'properties', select 'security' tab, click on 'ownership', click 'take ownership'

That should allow you access

by joseph moore

Some application has the files locked open. YOu need to find what program/application is running that uses the files.
What is the server running, other than NT4Server?
IIS?
Exchange?
DNS?
DHCP?
other applications?

If you can bring the server down without the office freaking out, I would open up Services and shut down every service except for the NT4 ones. Eventually, you will stop the program that is keeping those files locked open. But, if this program is using these files, then youshouldn't delete them. If they are log files, then I would keep them. The application using them might not like it if they are gone!

by huckleberryhound

You can also try using the NET FILE command from a command prompt window to see if you can tell who or what has the file locked.

by dragon

From a cmd prompt, try running the attrib command against them. Change one of the attributes, such as giving the files a +r, then see if that takes care of it. I've had the same problem occasionally, this usually takes care of it.

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