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gnuma
Participant
January 13, 2010
Answered

How do I use "properties command" in Windows Explorer to unlock graphic files?

  • January 13, 2010
  • 2 replies
  • 38799 views

I have cropped graphics files in Photoshop 7 and when I try to save I get message "Adobe Photoshop could not save (files) because the file is locked.  Use the "properties" command in Windows Explorer to unlocke the file.

    Correct answer the_wine_snob

    There can be several reasons for a file being "locked." John mentions the major "unlocking," Attributes. However, there are other factors that can play into things. One is another app. having the file open. One is when the file is on a networked drive, and adequate privileges exist. Another is Windows Indexing, which will lock files, while it tries to gather data on it. Unfortunately with image and AV files, it really cannot get the info that it wants, but that does not stop if from trying and trying, keeping the file locked, while it works on it. The larger the file, the longer it stays locked.

    There is at least one file "unlocking" utility, Unlocker, that can address many of the causes.

    Please tell us more about the file(s), their location, and whether you have it on a networked drive, or have Windows Indexing turned on.

    Good luck,

    Hunt

    2 replies

    the_wine_snob
    the_wine_snobCorrect answer
    Inspiring
    January 14, 2010

    There can be several reasons for a file being "locked." John mentions the major "unlocking," Attributes. However, there are other factors that can play into things. One is another app. having the file open. One is when the file is on a networked drive, and adequate privileges exist. Another is Windows Indexing, which will lock files, while it tries to gather data on it. Unfortunately with image and AV files, it really cannot get the info that it wants, but that does not stop if from trying and trying, keeping the file locked, while it works on it. The larger the file, the longer it stays locked.

    There is at least one file "unlocking" utility, Unlocker, that can address many of the causes.

    Please tell us more about the file(s), their location, and whether you have it on a networked drive, or have Windows Indexing turned on.

    Good luck,

    Hunt

      A
      Anonymous
      January 14, 2010

      Right-click on the file in Windows Explorer and choose Properties> Attributes.


      If that doesn't do it, some application may be locking the file you may have to restart to free it.

      BensonPlayz
      BensonPlayz
      Participant
      January 5, 2023

      it doesn't work for me, the attributes are greyed out and i cant click them

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