What app is locking a file?

[zer0]

With respect to...

Code: Select all

v9.11.0001 - 2010-05-21 13:08
   * List: Inline-rename now checks whether the item to be renamed is
      in use. If yes, you get the message "The item cannot be renamed
      because it is currently opened by another application."
      Note that the check works only for files, not for folders.

can XY tell what application a file is open in? It would be hugely valuable as a lot of people are pulling their hair out when they get a similar message from Explorer that doesn't tell them the actual app There are apps like Unlocker and LockHunter that can retrieve such info via whatever methods they use. Also, what if one is doing a batch rename and multiple files are open in multiple apps?

[admin]

With respect to...

Code: Select all

v9.11.0001 - 2010-05-21 13:08
   * List: Inline-rename now checks whether the item to be renamed is
      in use. If yes, you get the message "The item cannot be renamed
      because it is currently opened by another application."
      Note that the check works only for files, not for folders.

can XY tell what application a file is open in? It would be hugely valuable as a lot of people are pulling their hair out when they get a similar message from Explorer that doesn't tell them the actual app There are apps like Unlocker and LockHunter that can retrieve such info via whatever methods they use. Also, what if one is doing a batch rename and multiple files are open in multiple apps?

I tried to find out exactly that yesterday but failed. I could not find any hint on how that could be done programmatically.

[Jerry]

I heartily recommend using the Sysinternals Process Explorer to view processes and other great stuff. It has a find feature that will find any process that has a file or directory handle open.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysi ... 96653.aspx

They also have a command-line utility that does just this function only:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysi ... 96655.aspx

[zer0]

Starting with Vista, an API called IFileIsInUse has been introduced to allow developers to determine what application is using a particular file. I would like for XYplorer to make use of this API and display information about the application that has a handle on the file in question.

Once implemented, the dialogue window would then be changed to "This item is opened in <insert name of the program here>". This would make it more informative and would allow me to go directly to the relevant application and close it.

[admin]

Starting with Vista, an API called IFileIsInUse has been introduced to allow developers to determine what application is using a particular file. I would like for XYplorer to make use of this API and display information about the application that has a handle on the file in question.

Once implemented, the dialogue window would then be changed to "This item is opened in <insert name of the program here>". This would make it more informative and would allow me to go directly to the relevant application and close it.

Well, when I'm bored...

[eil]

zer0, why not just use mentioned Unlocker? besides, not all people use Vista or 7, so such implementations are not only "partial" but yet somewhat "out of XY business"

[zer0]

why not just use mentioned Unlocker?...

Because I would rather not use a 3rd-party tool if said functionality can be implemented natively using an API created for such purpose.

...besides, not all people use Vista or 7, so such implementations are not only "partial" but yet somewhat "out of XY business"

Using the latest figures of our forum poll, 61% of users are running Vista or Windows 7. How accurately that extrapolates to the wider userbase is unknown to me. I appreciate that not all users would be able to take advantage of this useful functionality -- this is outside of my control. Further, I do not see it as a valid reason to deny those who do not use at least a decade-old OS.

As for "out of XY business", I strongly disagree. XY's business is file management. Aforementioned API would enhance its ability to manage files by providing relevant, actionable information that would help me manage files easier.

[eil]

well, your arguments are reasonable. i don't like it but i agree with most of them
except about 3rd party programs(XY is 3rd one and way better than native) and bit about XP('cause it still beats 7 for reasons=not just IMO and can't be helped).

[ethanpil]

+1 on this idea. I could use this everyday. It will save many collisions between my fists and my keyboard.

[PeterH]

I also think that it would be worth for a good file manager to show me what's locking a file, instead of letting me search.

(And OK: maybe a right-click function "Show Locks"? )

Edit: I should say: I'm starting to play with "7"...

[Adequat]

+1, I often come to that blocking situation.

[jcadbiz]

Typically there are more than one and sometimes NONE reported blocking a file - and unlocker can delete or rename - there's quite a bit of code there. Unlocker will work on a parent directory and scoop all the files. Seeing that functionality seems natural to a browser - shouldn't MS implement it first?

Unlocker has an automatic mode where it just pops up. It works on my XP system but I haven't seen it work yet on my Vista. That's lovely.

[zer0]

Seeing that functionality seems natural to a browser - shouldn't MS implement it first?

It's one of the most wished for features, but for now they just provide an API for 3rd party application developers to hook into.

[eil]

and 3rd party programs do it good i, personally don't believe MS will do anything as good as Unlocker. besides, this little prog has one more much useful ability- it also unlocks flash drives, when "safe disconnect" says it's blocked and it can do nothing.

[zer0]

and 3rd party programs do it good

The one 3rd party program that I want to see make use of this API is XYplorer.