Removing stubborn files that refuse to delete can be a frustrating experience. Often, error messages pop up stating the file is in use or cannot be deleted. While manual attempts to delete the file may fail, specialized software provides tools to forcefully remove stubborn files.
What Causes Stubborn Files That Won’t Delete?
There are a few common reasons why a file may stubbornly resist deletion:
- The file is currently in use by a program. For example, a browser may lock a temporary internet file.
- You lack permissions to delete the file, such as system protected files in Windows.
- The file is corrupted and cannot be normally accessed.
- There is a handle still open to the file, making it remain visible to the OS.
- The disk is write-protected or damaged, preventing file removal.
Manually deleting stubborn files often fails because the OS cannot properly access or modify them within the normal delete procedures. Specialized software is designed to circumvent these restrictions.
How Can Software Delete Stubborn Files?
Software can use a few approaches to successfully force delete stubborn files when manual deletion fails:
- Close open handles – closing open file handles allows the file to be released and properly deleted.
- Elevated privileges – run the software with admin rights to override OS file restrictions.
- Direct disk access – bypass the OS and directly issue trim commands to remove data from disk.
- Safe boot – schedule deletions and force reboots into safe mode to avoid OS lockouts.
- Remote delete – access the files from another system to avoid OS restrictions.
This allows the software to reach files even when the main OS cannot properly delete them. Some key software tools that leverage these techniques include:
Popular Software Options
1. Eraser
Eraser is a free open source tool that allows files and folders to be safely and securely deleted. It uses advanced erasure techniques such as the Gutmann method to repeatedly overwrite data. Key features include:
- Secure delete files and folders
- Multiple overwrite passes
- Schedule deletion tasks
- Command line interface
- Portable version available
Eraser integrates with the Windows shell, so you can right click to wipe files thoroughly. Scheduling forced restarts ensures OS locks cannot prevent removal.
2. IObit Unlocker
IObit Unlocker provides a quick way to delete files that are stubbornly locked or in use. It can force close programs or processes that have handles open to a file. Key features include:
- Lightweight utility
- Close open handles
- Force stop applications
- Restart Explorer process
- Free for personal use
A major benefit of IObit Unlocker is convenience – with a few clicks, open handles can be closed even if a program refuses to release a file. It integrates into right click menus for quick access.
3. Unlocker
Unlocker by Empty Loop Development is another handy utility for removing locked files. It forces closing of open handles and deletion on reboot. Key features include:
- Easy interface
- Schedule reboots
- Close programs accessing files
- Command line usage
- Free for personal use
Unlocker makes it easy to see which programs have connections to stubborn files. You can then selectively close handles before attempting deletion again.
4. Windows File Server Migration Toolkit
For business environments, Microsoft’s File Server Migration Toolkit allows unmatched files to be consolidated from servers. Key features include:
- Identify duplicate files
- Consolidate data
- Integrates with Sharepoint
- Remote deletion capabilities
- Command line interface
This enterprise-grade software allows remote deletion of stubborn files on servers and optimizing disk usage at scale.
5. SDelete
SDelete is a command line utility from Microsoft’s SysInternals suite. It leverages secure deletion techniques and integration with the NTFS file system. Key features include:
- Securely overwrite released disk space
- Leverages NTFS USN journal
- Command line usage
- Configurable number of passes
- Free tool from Microsoft
By zeroing out released NTFS disk space, SDelete provides compliant data removal at a low level beyond standard deletion commands.
Choosing the Right Stubborn File Remover
When selecting software to delete stubborn files, consider these key criteria:
- Usability – Is the interface simple or command line only? Pick ease of use appropriate for your skill level.
- Scope – Does the tool handle individual files or entire server volumes? Match the scope you need.
- Security – If fully secure deletion is required, choose a tool like Eraser with multiple overwrite passes.
- Price – For personal use, free tools like IObit Unlocker are great. Commercial tools provide expanded features.
- OS Support – Ensure the tool is compatible with your operating system like Windows, Mac or Linux.
The most user-friendly tool for average users is IObit Unlocker, providing a quick way to force file handle closure and deletion. Eraser offers more advanced users powerful configuration options balanced with security.
Troubleshooting File Deletion Issues
If software fails to force delete stubborn files, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check if the file is on a removable volume you can eject such as a USB drive or SD card.
- Boot into Safe Mode to disable other software and services.
- Use the DIR /AL command to check for alternate data streams attached to the file.
- In Windows, disable Indexing to prevent file locks.
- Run SFC and DISM scans to check for system file corruption.
- Repair disk errors using CHKDSK or First Aid.
- Backup and format the disk drive to fully reset the volume.
Deleting stubborn folders can be trickier than files. Try deleting the contents first before removing the folder itself.
Best Practices for Preventing File Locks
Avoid future problems deleting files by following these best practices:
- Close programs properly to release file handles.
- Eject portable media safely before disconnecting.
- Limit Indexing to excludes removable media.
- Disable Fast Startup in Windows which causes partial boots.
- Cleanly uninstall software and check for leftovers.
- Use short and simplifies folder paths without special characters.
- Install current OS updates to fix file system bugs.
- Centralize data on the system drive instead of removable volumes.
Carefully managing running programs and OS configurations prevents many file locking issues. Quick access to unlocker software also speeds up resolving stubborn files that do occur.
Conclusion
Stuck with a file that refuses to be deleted? Unlocker software provides the power to force delete stubborn files that resist normal removal methods. Features like closing open handles helpcircumvent OS file locks to erase files. For improved security, Eraser can wipe files by overwriting data multiple passes.
Troubleshooting steps like scanning for errors or uninstalling programs helps resolve underlying issues. Good file management habits also reduces future stubborn file instances. With the right unlocker tool and techniques, you can conquer stubborn files and smoothly delete anything.
