After Effects is locking files now?

Please elaborate. The response is currently about as useful as someone explaining how to use the pen tool by saying, "The pen tool can make illustrations by clicking points to create objects in illustrator and photoshop and with video as well so that you can animate shapes and create illustrations to fit your needs by using the pen tool." See what I did there? I used words that Seemed like they were the answer, but I didn't actually say anything? This is how I am reading your response, but I'll do my best here:

Check what preference? What preference in AfterEffects would tell it to lock a file, and not only lock it but Keep it locked even when not in use? I'm not sure you understand the issue here because this isn't a preference, and isn't supposed to happen ever. I am leaning toward it being related to a recent windows update, which means other users are likely to have the same problem soon.

And reset all applications? I'm not sure what you mean. You want me to reinstall everything? Boy would I love to have time to do that every time I had an issue with some software. "Oh shoot. The window is opening off screen. Something must be wrong with the preferences. I guess I'll reformat my hard drive."

"When you want to import the files you can remove lock from Photoshop and Illustrator files."

OK, yes, this is what I would like to do. Please tell me in more detail how this is done. Being able to do this would eliminate the need for any of the other words you said. This is all I need to know. Please share how this is done.