Inuse
Replaces locked operating system files. The specified files are
not replaced until you restart the operating system.
Syntax
inuseReplacementDestination [/y]
Parameters
Replacement
Specifies the updated file name. Include the
complete physical or UNC name.
Destination
Specifies the currently locked file that you want to
replace on the local drive. Include the complete
physical path name.
/y
Suppresses the confirmation prompt that appears when
inuse tries to replace the file.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Remarks
- You must be a member of the Administrators group to use this tool.
- Inuse is primarily used to replace locked operating system files. After you run inuse, the specified file is not replaced until you restart the operating system. During restart, the operating system moves the file immediately after it runs AUTOCHK, but before it creates any paging files. This tool is useful for troubleshooting purposes, where you might need to replace an individual file on your computer instead of an entire set of files.
Examples
To replace an existing local file with an updated remote file,
type:
inuse \\srvmain\windows\test.dll e:\windows\test.dll
To replace multiple files by using a batch script, type the following code in your batch file:
Formatting legend
| Format | Meaning |
| Italic | Information that the user must supply |
| Bold | Elements that the user must type exactly as shown |
| Ellipsis (...) | Parameter that can be repeated several times in a command line |
| Between brackets ([]) | Optional items |
| Between braces ({}); choices separated by pipe (|). Example: {even|odd} | Set of choices from which the user must choose only one |
| Courier font | Code or program output |