This article explains how to identify the application with a handle on a file.
Applies to YSoft SafeQ 5 and YSoft SafeQ 6.
Occasionally, conflicts arise when accessing files. For instance, updating YSoft SafeQ to a newer version might fail if a third-party application locks YSoft SafeQ files. It is recommended to terminate the application before retrying the update. Common culprits are backup software or security applications.
Resolution:
Imagine the update is failing as the exclusive lock to files in C:\SafeQ6\FSP\Service\Spooler 6.0.49.1 directory cannot be obtained. Two approaches described below are among the most effective ones.
Task Manager
- Run Task Manager (e.g. Windows + R → type in taskmgr → press Enter)
- Go to tab Performance → click Open Resource Monitor
- In the Resource Monitor switch to tab CPU → find the section Associated Handles and type in the name of file or folder you are interested in
- by typing in spooler you will find any handles for files that are stored in a directory having this name
- by typing in spooler you will find any handles for files that are stored in a directory having this name
If you cannot find what locks your files, it is best to double-check the situation with a Process Explorer. Process Explorer seems to provide a bit more information in some situations.
Process Explorer
- Download application at https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/process-explorer
- Run the application
- In the upper menu choose Find → Find Handle or DLL...
- Type in the name of file or folder you are interested in and press Search
- by typing in spooler you will find any handles for files that are stored in a directory having this name
- by typing in spooler you will find any handles for files that are stored in a directory having this name