File I can't take ownership of

Give Unlocker a try. If there is any open file handle it will let you close it so you can successfully delete the file.

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If that doesn't work for some reason, try BootDeleter. It will delete the file for you upon reboot, before Windows has a chance to lock it on you.

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Both utilities are freeware.


Sometimes it just won't let you change permissions because some process is using the file, or if you are trying to edit a folder's properties, then a process has a file that is within that dir or subdir open.

I had the problem described today, and I solved it by opening Process Explorer. Then, I went to the "Find" Menu, and selected the "Find Handle or DLL" option. In the dialog that comes up, I searched for the name of the folder I was having issues with. The search results told me which process had an open file within the folder. I killed the process, and then I had no problems with that folder's permissions.


Try Ultimate Windows Tweaker, which adds a "take ownership" element to the context menu.

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Portable application, does not require an install.