How to Hack Protected Windows XP Files - Replacing file that are in use
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Quite often you may be trying to edit files that are currently in use. As is to be expected, you will not be able to save changes to these files. At this point, you have two options. You can attempt to unload these files from memory or you can schedule Windows to make the changes at the next reboot.
We’ll start with the first since it is typically the quickest and easiest method. You should all be familiar with Task Manager. Simply look at the Processes tab and end the task with the same name as the file you wish to save.
In some rare cases you may be attempting to edit critical tasks that cannot be ended. In these cases you will have no choice but to resort to the reboot method.
In some rare cases, a process may be depending on a file you are trying to change. I say rare because typically you can still make changes to most dependent files. As a general rule, end all unnecessary tasks. Chances are that you will release the file you are trying to edit in the process.
Don’t forget that ending all of those processes will cause a certain level of instability in your system. Take the time to reboot after making your changes so that your system is returned to normal operation.
If you’ve ended all available tasks and your file is still in use you may be wondering how this is possible. Let’s not forget about system services. System services are not displayed as running tasks in Task Manager.
You can launch the Service MMC snap-in by entering services.msc in the Run… dialog box. The Services window will show you the current state of all installed services. You can stop any unnecessary services from the context menu.
I imagine you’re saying to yourself that you don’t want to take the time to end every one of those services, right? There is a way to see at a glance what services are running and what resources they are using.
Head over to Microsoft’s Download Center and get a copy of Process Explorer. This utility, originally created by Sysinternals, is not only a stand-alone task manager but also a service viewer. It even has the ability to show you all dependencies associated with a particular task or service.
Navigate each of the processes until you find the one that lists your file as a dependency and end the parent process or service. That should release the file in order for you to save changes.
If you are still unable to save your file, then you are most likely trying to edit one of the critical processes that cannot be ended. It would be impossible for Windows to run without certain processes, such as the Windows kernel. Therefore, there are a few select tasks that can never be ended.
Here’s another tip:
Many in-use files are associated with your hardware drivers. Rebooting in Safe Mode may allow you to make changes to these files successfully because of the limited environment.
Next: PendingFile RenameOperations >>
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