Download files locking

[EmDee8907]

I have been having this issue for years and Im hoping someone can help me. Im not too sure how to explain it but I will try my best. I can download a file for example a movie and when I look at the file normally it will preview saying the dimensions, durations ect but sometimes the file will just have the size (almost like its an incomplete file) I can play the entire file but when I go to move it it will be locked saying its open somewhere else when its not. I usually have to use unlocker to move the file. the weird thing is if its in a rar file and I unzip it the file will show like normal and I can rename or move it. I mention this because this has been happening for many years and I have had my laptop reloaded a few times and the issue is still there. can someone explain to me why this happens or what I am doing wrong?

I thought it was the type of file but it happens on anything. thanks for the help in advance.

 

[Megahertz07]

It's probably your antivirus scanning the file that locks it from moving. As it's a big file it will take some time to release it for moving.

 

[EmDee8907]

Whats weird is i have Microsoft Essentials and it never gives me problems. I have even tried to reboot and the files stays locked i even tried using IDM and it was still locked.

 

[Megahertz07]

With Explorer, open the folder where the files are. Wait till you have no disk activity. Then see if they are still locked.

 

[EmDee8907]

Yep its only some files which is really odd.

 

[Emma Yazz Aza]

How To Figure Out the Process Using A "Locked" File

An easy way to figure out what program or process is actually using it, (which usually it doesn't tell you), is to Shift+Drag it to an alternate partition. Unlike any other action, this actually tells you what program/service, or at least what the overall parent program/service is using it. You can take steps from there. EmDee8907

 

[EmDee8907]

I tried moving it again either cut paste or drag and it both says its open in windows explorer but its not nothing is even after reboot. I used iobit unlocker and it says its locked because C:\windows\explorer.exe is locking it.

 

[Emma Yazz Aza]

Hello EmDee8907. You can try ending task on explorer.exe after running explorer++ and checking if you can make progress with that, it tends to help me with Windows Explorer-restricted permissions. This has included when the computer Admin restricts directory access.

 

[Barman58]

Windows does contain a feature to protect the user from potentially dangerous downloaded files.

if a file is downloaded from an unknown or "marked dangerous" area of the Interwebs. the file will be blocked, this may be removed quite simply by right clicking on the file and there will be an additional button to unlock the file. You may wish to check this the next time you get a locked download.

Full information here ... Open File - Security Warning : Unblock File

The issue you see could also be due to some third party program noting the status as blocked and reacting to this

 

[EmDee8907]

thanks for the responses, im not sure what happens its only some files it acts like the whole file doesnt download but it does its very odd, i have had it happen a few times and the only way to move it or rename it is unlocker and its so annoying especially when its not in a rar zip file.