Release file lock handle

I have some servers, they act as file servers. They contain lot of EXE files and workstations (XP) run apps from it

\\SERVER1\Files\Project.exe

Till now Servers was running samba (linux) and I was able to delete the Project.exe or replace it with a new file, even if workstations are executing it.

Now, on Windows 2003 Server, of course the file cant be deleted because "its already in use by another process" and Im looking a way to release the file lock handle so I can overwrite the file, without the need of restarting the server.

Does anyone has a utility/way/dll or anything else that will help me to do this? Everything is automatic (no human actions), so something that can work in command line.

Thank you!

[gabri3l]

Shub-Nigurrath released a tool awhile ago that may be able to help you:
http://releases.accessroot.com/
Look for ForceDel 1.2. It's commandline so you will be able to run it remotely. You can use the /C command to only close the handles or just run it and the file will be deleted.

Thanks! That will help a lot

SysInternals Process Explorer (freeware) can do the same (close the handle)
(look to the view menu for "lower pane" and "show handles" - the other option is "show dlls")

I want to automate the procedure, to put it this action inside a script/software. Not to do it manually

[MaRKuS-DJM]

you can also use unlocker, i think it's the most comfortable of all these

url or sth?

[MaRKuS-DJM]

hxxp://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

you will find it there. it's not a big app.

it's only working on XP / 2000 (or NT-based) systems and uses a driver to unlock files. it let you also unlock dlls.