Unlocker

For the locking process itself, see File locking.
Unlocker

Unlocker, showing options for the Windows Vista System folder.
Developer(s) Cedrick 'Nitch' Collomb
Initial release April 24, 2005, version 1.0
Stable release 1.9.2 / May 16, 2013
Operating system Microsoft Windows
Type File tools
License Freeware
Website emptyloop.com/unlocker/

Unlocker is a tool that can trace and unlock the locking protection commonly used in files on Microsoft Windows. However, its main use is to terminate the processes that are using a certain file, or force the processes to stop using the file, so the user can safely delete, rename or move the file. It is written by the French programmer Cedrick 'Nitch' Collomb. In recent years, it has been noted for including optional adware that can be deselected during the installation process.[1][2]

History

The main changes since the first version are bug fixes. The installer also had a few improvements as well as the GUI and source code.[3] Unlocker is primarily used in software and game modification and re-installations. Unlocker currently supports 40 languages. Version 1.0 supported only English.

Features

Unlocker is a GUI application with the feature of command-line interface through an administrative console. It can unload application extensions, terminate processes, as well as force a process to stop using a certain file (This function is called "Unlock" in the program itself). It uses OpenCandy to advertise other software in the install process. OpenCandy is sometimes considered to be adware. Also a portable variant of the program is available.[4]

There are several analogues of the product.[5]

References

  1. ↑ (October 27, 2009). Unlocker 1.8.7 Infected with Trojan Adware. jamesfriesen.net. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  2. ↑ Brinkmann, Martin (February 20, 2012). How Programs Trick You Into Installing Adware On Your Computer. ghacks.net. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  3. ↑ "Full Change log of Unlocker". Cedrick Collomb.
  4. ↑ "Unlocker 1.9.0 Portable". Cedrick Collomb.
  5. ↑ "Unlocker Comparison Page". Cedrick Collomb.

External links