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This is a copy of the "inuse_d.htm" page that comes in the "inuse.exe" distribution file for version 1.4; with a few added comments of my own!

Inuse.exe: File-In-Use Replace Utility


InUse is a command-line tool that performs on-the-fly replacement of files currently in use by the operating system [don't think for one sec. this means 'without shutting down your box'; afterall this is a Windows OS, not some Linux server! *]. You must be a member of the Administrators group to use this tool.

InUse is primarily used to replace locked operating system files. After running the tool, *the file specified is not replaced until the system is restarted. During restart, the system moves the file immediately after AUTOCHK is run, but before creating any paging files. This tool is useful for troubleshooting purposes, where you might need to replace an individual file on your computer instead of an entire set of files [ what they don't say here though, is that there are MANY System files that this utility can NOT be used to replace! ( Or doesn't the dept. in charge of writing these files know that? ) For example, if you try replacing the system file EXPLORER.EXE using InUse, the program will BEEP at you and immediately display the following text:

InUse - version 1.4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright (c) 1994-1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved
Windows 2000 detected - WFP is enforced

C:\WINNT\explorer.exe is protected by WFP
rather than carry out your command! Conclusion: You cannot use this utility to replace ANY System Files that are under the Windows File Protection !!! (WFP)
However, see my InUse2000.htm page for at least one good use of this utility!
].

 

File Required:

InUse Topics


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InUse Syntax


inuse [-?] source destination [/y]

Where:

-?
Display command-line help.
source
Specifies the updated file name. Include the complete physical or UNC path name.
destination
Specifies the currently locked file you want to replace on the local drive. Include the complete physical path name.
/y
Suppresses the confirmation prompt to replace the file.

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InUse Examples



How To Change Windows 2000 System Files (when using NTFS)