Question

How can I tell what application is using a specific folder ?

Asked by: rkode

I have installed anumber of applications on a pc.
At leaste one of these applications created a C:\WIndows\Crystal folder and populated it with objects.
My goal is to determine which application installed and was using the folder.

Is there a way to find out what application was accessing the folder.
Maybe even what objects within the folder the application was using.
And when.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Ray  :)

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Asked On
2007-02-20 at 06:44:29ID22400910
Tags

application

,

how

,

tell

,

using

,

what

Topics

System Diagnostic Software

,

Windows XP Operating System

,

System Utilities

Participating Experts
3
Points
500
Comments
4

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Answers

 

by: brakk0Posted on 2007-02-20 at 06:53:07ID: 18570824

You can use filemon to see what processes are accessing files and folders.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/filemon.mspx

 

by: sramesh2kPosted on 2007-02-20 at 07:54:04ID: 18571403

Hi,

Use "Process Explorer for Windows v10.21":
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/ProcessExplorer.mspx

Use the CTRL+F (Find handle) option to find out the application that's accessing a file/folder.

 

by: sramesh2kPosted on 2007-02-20 at 07:54:31ID: 18571406

Here is an example on its usage:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/deltifonexit.htm

 

by: AntonioPPosted on 2007-02-20 at 10:04:06ID: 18572441

You may also consider renaming the folder and seeing what program complains/crashes next time it is run.  Not an elegant technique, but very quick and easy. :)  

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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