What are Reddit's favorite File Unlocker Apps?
Unlocker
LockHunter
OpenedFilesView
EMCO UnLock IT
FileASSASSIN
Top Reddit reviews mentioning File Unlocker Apps:
I'm recommending the tool https://lockhunter.com/.
With this tool you can find out what blocks any file and most of the time remove the lock.
EDIT: It is not an answer to the question or the fact that the game spies on its players. I just wanted to share this tool, because I'm using it since many years, and it may be helpful in some situations.
Not much to say (beyond the obvious "why are you using Norton"), but a friendly tip on this:
> In the meantime, the database file now is locked since the program failed on access. reboot or find the process id to release the lock.
LockHunter is your friend. Adds a shell command to figure out what process is locking any file and optionally kill it or delete the file.
For those of you who have to deal with this, here's some instructions: This is how you remove it:
- Open Chrome
- Navigate to adblockplus.org
- Install extension
- Reboot browser
- Remove extension BaseFlash
- Download Unlocker from http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/
- Install with caution - many prompts offering unwanted malware (IRONY!)
- Open explorer.exe
- Go to /%USER%/AppData/Roaming/
- Right-click on and unlock BaseFlash
- Hit Shift-Delete to Permanently Delete
- Right-click on ProtectExtension and unlock
- Hit Shift-Delete to Permanently Delete
- Navigate to C:\
- Right-click on and unlock BaseFlash
- Hit Shift-Delete to Permanently Delete
- Open Internet Explorer
- Left-click on Gear icon
- Click on Manage-addons
- Right-click on and disable BaseFlash
- Open Chrome/Firefox
- Remove extension BaseFlash
- Read http://malwaretips.com/blogs/awesomehp-virus-removal/#shortcuts
- Clean up shortcuts
- Crack open cold beverage
- Go home.
- Never talk to anyone again
McAfee, the only antivirus that behaves like malware....
Uninstall programs doesn't allow you to uninstall the firewall separately? Unlocker lets you force-end processes.
http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/
Go to process details in task manager, then right click to find the location of the .exes. Then unlock, delete, and KILL IT WITH FIRE
Try Lockhunter
If that still doesn’t let you eject, I use Sync to force a buffer flush, remove the drive letter, disable the device in device manager, then yank it.
I am in India. If the files have not already been encrypted. Close the Locker window using 'Task Manager', download <strong>Unlocker</strong> got to the folder 'C:\ProgramData' find the folders 'steg', 'tor' and 'rkcl', right click each and select Unlocker (make sure Unlocker Assistant.exe is running) the select delete in the drop-down menu, and then click 'OK' or 'Kill Processes. It might display a message saying it was not able to complete the process and would complete it after the next system reboot, click 'OK', restart and check if it is theses folders are there or not if they are there repeat the process, it would eventually work.
P.S.: It would be better if you backed up the files before doing the things given above.
Unlocker has always done the trick for me. there are other programs that can tell you, but the advantage of having unlocker right there in explorer are worth it, IMO.
You can try Lockhunter to remove every active program/file then change the permissions.
If this doesn't solve the problem format and install linux! I'm joking but if you have wsl open it and navigate to the folder you want to delete and do rm -frv *`
f= force remove the files
r=recursive, all files in all the subfolders and of course also them
v = verbose which shows you the deleted files
This comment is sponsored by raid shadow legends
Have you tried Unlocker?
It has worked for me on very difficult to delete files.
Be advised, Chrome might complain about the page. I've used the program for years, now, with zero issues (though be advised you can kill your OS if you're not careful using that app), but if you don't trust it, search for Unlocker 1.9.2, and you should find it quickly.
Good luck!
Yes, turn them off.
But more seriously, being very careful, go to "C:\Windows\Media", there are all Windows' sounds. I won't guarantee anything, but you CAN replace them using the right tools with the ones you want (start with Unlocker, it will change your life).
Other than that, most people use softwares to change the appearance of W7, and will change the sound scheme as well, but I'm not familiar with any of those since I don't use them.
But that's how extremist work. Go to Control Panel > Sound, in there the Sound tab. Select the sound you want to change and click Browse, try with that.
Hope it helps.
Unlocker does this and a few other techniques - including preloading a system service to move/delete/rename/copy on startup before an application can lock a file.
So let me get this right. You want to delete this folder and it doesn't let you? Download this program https://lockhunter.com/ after installation, right click the folder and on the drop down options click "What is locking this file?" then when the program pops up, click delete or unlock and delete.
Congratulations!
If you're going to expect other program to "lock" your files and you are expected to get an "Access Denied" error, may I suggest you to try LockHunter, a free Windows tool that unlocks files for you?
That's an oddity. Here are a few things I suggest to try:
- Unlocker. Install it, right click the folder and choose "Unlocker", then "Delete". If that fails, proceed to number 2.
- Hold Shift, right-click the folder these are in. Choose "Open Command Prompt", then type: rd /s /q "name of folder", obviously specifying the real name. If that fails, proceed to number 3.
- Run a filesystem check: chkdsk /f. Then repeat steps 1 and 2.
- Yes, though my fresh Windows 7 install with essentials (Chrome, MPC-HC, Drivers, STEAM, BF4) is up to about 80GB.
- Yes, you will need to set the BIOS to boot from the SSD.
- No.
- Yes, just make sure to set your boot order correctly (I usually unplug my secondary drives when installing Windows). When you boot into your fresh install you will have the old drive listed, and you can move files as you like. If you can't delete a directory, try Unlocker.
That's why I started looking around for programs that would fuck that problem in the ass.
Didn't find any to do just that, but I did find Unlocker which will tell you which processes still have files open on your USB device. It works 95% of the time (when it says files are in use).
It will show you what is locking the folder and preventing you from deleting it. There are several options to deal with it. Great little app and it's free.
Go inside the steam folder and start deleting folders and files until you find the offending open files.
You could also try OpenedFilesView. This will show all opened files in your system and to which running process they belong.
Hi
Sorry to be so flippant, but I assumed the top post would have answered your question. There are utilities that list what file are opened/locked by which program.
A quick search took me here
Hope this is helpful.
Alternatively, there is a more native, but techy way to do this. Look for microsoft sysinternals suite and download it. This gives you a multitude of stuff to help you look under the bonnet in windows. The 'handle' utility in there lists all running apps and the files they have open. You will need to run this in a command prompt window. To view the output in a more readable way, direct the command 'handle' output to a text file.
EDIT: Added techy part
Yeah basically you should always stick to the default install location or make sure you create a subfolder in the location that you choose manually.
If you don't want to uninstall you can manually delete the folder the program is installed in (some files might be in use, even if you close the program, so you can use Unlocker to delete them.
Then go to these folders and search for a folder that's related to the specific program.
C:\ProgramData\
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\
Then go to the registry (if you're comfortable doing so) and delete the key of that program under:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
Then you can run the registry cleaner in CCleaner
Are you on 1903? (I'm still on 1803)
What happens when you open Start Menu and type: Background apps
Has that page changed?
Have you tried to uninstall Skype through Add/Remove or through Powershell?
As a last resort you can try deleting Skype's folder in C:\Program Files\WindowsApps with Unlocker
I had that problem myself. There was a folder I was trying to delete but couldn't, kept getting "Access Denied". I never found a proper solution that worked, despite all the threads I kept reading.
I downloaded a program called "Unlocker" (It's safe) and I gained access to it immediately.
Try using Unlocker. Every time some damn file doesn't exist or is in use by program x, I just right click, unlock, and then delete/move/or whatever it is you wanted to do.
What the two people already said.
Also, if you succeed with removal your PC might become unstable as it seems the folder is still used by some of the installed applications.
You can use Unlocker to try to kill and delete the folder.
Even though everything is allowed from what you can tell, try CACLS directly from the command line (it goes without saying you need to run CMD as an administrator to do this).
http://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/windows-change-access-permissions-from-the-command-line.html
Failing this, another shot in the dark is unlocker (even though it's showing as a permissions issue)... http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/
Try ~~unlocker~~.
EDIT: Correction, it is a permissions issue. Right click and go to properties then the security tab, continue... Make sure you are added to the group or user names list.
To delete the files in use you can use Unlocker. As a bonus it will also show you which programs actually use the dll's. If for some reason it can't remove the locking handle it will delete the files upon reboot.
I've run into a similar issue when migrating from a file server to SharePoint.
I ended up installing Teracopy and File Unlocker. Both are free!
Teracopy will queue the files being moved over, MD5 Hashing (very CPU dependent) and can skip files that are locked or unmovable. It will spit out a report of all files with their respective paths and then I move in with File Unlocker, unlock the file and move it manually.
Go to MEGAsync Settings, Syncs and confirm the stuck folder isn't shown as a sync folder. If it appears, select the folder and delete from the list. I'd recommend you remove every folder sync and start again. In MEGAsync's Account tab, untick Start on Start up, click Apply, then reboot.
In Windows Folder Options, enable Show hidden files and folders, go to the desktop folder and delete everything you find. If the contents and folder refuse to delete. I'd suggest you use LockHunter. Open the software, then browse to the folder on your Desktop. LockHunter will tell what is locking the folder. Click Other, then Delete At Next System Restart. Reboot and check.
Once the folder has been removed, start MEGAsync, re-tick Start on Start up and set up your required new folder syncs.
First step is to reboot to see if that releases the files. Next, if rebooting doesn't work, you can look into using a utility like this to identify and kill the process that's locking it.
Note that I've never used the linked utility and you might want to do a little bit of research before installing it, there might be better alternatives out there.
I suspect that's more likely to be Parallels-specific than having to do with DBs/Module versions.
Based on 'Error opening source file' being part of the message, have you ensured the folder in question isn't shared (between PC & Mac sides) and isn't being scanned by any kind of backup/sync/antivirus software?
If it isn't clear what other programs may be coming into play, you may want to see if LockHunter can determine what other process may be accessing the file.
And, based on the file being in ProgFilesX86 you may also want to check UAC settings and set SIMPL & S+CC to always Run As Admin
I have had good experiences with LockHunter. It tells you what is locking the file or folder (including subfolders/files) that you choose. While this is somewhat different than what USB Safely Remove does, it can be used to accomplish the same purpose and is free.
Lockhunter: https://lockhunter.com/download.htm
You can also do it with winrar or 7zip by creating an archive of the folder but in the options field tick 'delete files after compression' which will remove it, Then just delete the created archive.
i've had this issue with a couple of games in the past.
i eventually installed a program called "lockhunter" https://lockhunter.com/ which allows you to right-click and find out what process is locking the files within it, and to disable the process. intel management engine seems to be the most regular culprit.
Check here to see if you have any update files.
C:\windows\software distribution\downloads
You may be able to delete the files.
​
If not you can use this to easily force delete the files/folders
​
After all that follow this to prevent repeats
https://www.howtogeek.com/765377/how-to-block-the-windows-11-update-from-installing-on-windows-10/
First try restarting the computer, then deleting the files.
Next, try using IOBit Unlocker - usually available at the following site: https://filehippo.com/download_iobit-unlocker-h4o/post_download/
WARNING!
The software below will also enable you to delete system files that are required by the system to run! Do Not Use this unless you know EXACTLY what you are doing!
If that doesnt work, try using the following software to delete files/folders (including System Files/Folders) that won't delete: https://lockhunter.com/download.htm
Be careful and I hope this helps!
All the best to you & yours and stay Healthy, Happy, and Safe!
> I tried to choose the steam option but it didn't detect MCC.
Due to a change in a Steam update, our ability to search its Library folders for MCC broke. Steam changed the location of the file that stores the list of Library folders. I've since implemented a fix, but our Release workflows are broken.
> I instead tried to install an old disc of Halo I had sitting around, put in the CD key, it installed, all good. I start up the executable, install Halo SPV3 and get the words "Your CD key is invalid" and I can't fix that.
The only reasons it wouldn't work after the Loader successfully found your Retail (CD) or Custom Edition license in the Windows Registry is because the no-DRM patch failed to apply to SPV3's haloce.exe. Either the Installer failed to enable the setting in the Loader's config file or the Loader was denied access to haloce.exe. This issue can happen with any Activation method other than the passive detection of Halo Custom Edition's license key in the Windows Registry in which case the DRM patch in unnecessary. In the case of the Loader being denied access to haloce.exe, this is caused by either insuffucient permissions (unlikely) or the file was locked/in-use by another process. You can forcefully unload/unlock haloce.exe via an app like LockHunter or Process Hacker 3.
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/opened_files_view.html
Description
OpenedFilesView displays the list of all opened files on your system. For each opened file, additional information is displayed: handle value, read/write/delete access, file position, the process that opened the file, and more...
Optionally, you can also close one or more opened files, or close the process that opened these files. This utility is especially useful if you try to delete/move/open a file and you get one of the following error messages:
Cannot delete [filename]: There has been a sharing violation. The source or destination file may be in use. Cannot delete [filename]: It is being used by another person or program. Close any programs that might be using the file and try again.
When you get one of these error messages, OpenedFilesView will show you which process lock your file. Closing the right process will solve this problem. optionally, you can also release the file by closing the handle from OpenedFilesView utility. However, be aware that after closing a file in this way, the program that opened the file may become unstable, and even crash.
Many other useful tools on web site
If you've used MEGAsync to download a folder, shut it down, then try moving/deleting the folder again. LockHunter is also quite effective at deleting folders and files locked by another process.
Try LockHunter, https://lockhunter.com/. It will show you who/what's locking the file. This will help you decide if you want to uninstall it. It has several options to uninstall/delete stubborn files. But you should know what's stopping you from deleting it first.
Windows will re-create many files if you delete them and they are necessary. You don't want to mess up something, though.
LockHunter can help you delete files that just don't want to go away. It will show you what is locking the file and help you delete it. And it's free!
It installs in the right click menu.
OpenedFilesView is probably the easiest. Run it, sort by path, you'll see any files on your drive that are in use by a process. You can then terminate the relevant process and eject the drive.
Yup, that would explain why Deluge can't do anything with the move. In the case it's Deluge itself maybe try shutting down the Deluge deamon & thin clients, then try moving the data manually.
Otherwise it is something else.. try running something like NirSoft OpenedFilesView & search the listing to see if the locked file is in there. (or click Options to view locked folders) There are a few other file/folder unlocking programs but am not sure offhand what to recommend.
I'd use this to see if you can find out if it's stuck on a particular file or if it's actually doing something to all of them.
It doesn't just upload files, it also compares them to files that already exist in Google's database. If it can find a match it won't bother uploading at all and will save you the bandwidth. It may take a lot of processing to generate the signature it uses to look up though.
If it looks like it's opening a bunch of different files, it's probably working as normal. If it's stuck on one file for more than 5 minutes it's probably a bug.
Download and run this as administrator to see what programs are opening what ports. Don't forget to either manually refresh with F5 or go in and set it up to refresh every so often.
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/cports.html
There's also this program (also run as admin) to see what files are open, less helpful because there's gonna be a lot of junk.
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/opened_files_view.html
Most likely you're freaking out over nothing, but those will help you out.
How To View And Kill Open or Locked Files Windows - AddictiveTips
Look for java.exe and .jar files.
Not really, you need to figure out what has a lock on it. You could try "EMCO UnLock It" which is a free download and see if it can manage to find the locked file and unlock it. Other than that, I have no idea.
fwiw I've used iobit unlocker which I think is just a remake of the old "unlocker" that I used when I was a small kid on a windows xp laptop
>$RSSGH6Sis
Put the tick mark back, see if the item disappears. Then we know if it is protected... if it is usually there is a good reason.
Also, try to empty all drives recycle bins using disk cleanup again.
See what your results are from that and if it remains continue reading.
You can remove the file but if Windows is protecting it you always run a risk of making things worse, not better. If you had a bootable utility or a bootable Live Linux USB you could just navigate to the location and delete it but I don't know how comfortable you are with doing that so we've got other options that keep you in Windows to work on the problem.
Please note you SHOULD have a backup, virus, updates, corrupt files, hardware failures, there are many reasons why a backup should always be on hand and even more when you are fixing things like this involving system files.
If it bothers you enough to take a shot at the removal, replace the username as shown below and continue on.
Open CMD as Admin
Type
RD /S /Q "C:\Users\PUT YOUR USERNAME HERE\Desktop\$RSSGH6S"
Press Enter
See if that worked, if it didn't we'll just use an old but handy free program I used years ago. It'll remove during reboot so Windows shouldn't have a hold on the file assuming it works as intended (which it has done well for me in the past).
http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/
The program is pretty self-explanatory and the site documents the usage, no reason to type out the same details here.
This app would hep you, it fixes any error with the permission in files-folders allowing them to be erased without further issues http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/
Being able to fall back on any and every version since CS6 is a nice benefit. I still run CC 2014 when things get rough.
Back to your "already in use" error, there are a few utilities that can show you what programs have an open handle to your files, such as Unlocker. I wouldn't expect to see anything other than Photoshop (and wonder what could have went wrong that it's stepping on its own feet), but I've been surprised before. I don't recommend killing PS or unlocking the handle; just see what's in use.
May be worth backing up your presets and seeing if a prefs reset helps.
Few things I would try:
Copy-paste the folder to the desktop, make the changes you want, and return/overwrite the old folder by cut-paste.
Reset/delete your account credentials in the Credentials Manager (restart the pc after that)
Last resort - Unlocker http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/ RClick on the folder to get the Unlocker menu. I am skeptical that this program will work, however.
nssm is just helper, not source of your problem. Whatever are you trying to get rid of is running as service. That's also why it is locked.
- Unlocker may help.
- Try running in safe mode, not all services are started there
- Try deleting that other exe. If that works, just restart your PC and delete everything - service should "hard crash" without having anything to launch.
- Search for that service and shut it down. There is probably no way how to guess its name, but you can try searching for that path ("../Client/ClientLauncher") in registry.
Also, just killing process probably wouldn't work, as Windows has retarded tendency to restart crashed service right away.
There was an app called Unlocker that could 'unlock' files that were in use so that you could delete them. I think it can also tell you what something is in use by.
I tried going to the site but Chrome complained about it being harmful. You can check it out, but definitely proceed at your own risk.
I used Unlocker 1.9.2 from http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/ But this app does install crapware on your machine if you do not disable it. Its like Imgburn does. Its a great app but the devs tack on crapware with it.
With that said, I found a alternate download of Unlocker 1.9.0 that was portable (Portable does not have crapware in it), examined the folder structure, then unzipped Unlocker 1.9.2.exe. There are also x86 and x64 versions of this little app. There are a few files that are different but when unzipped I chose to keep and rename the files. This way I rebuilt the folder structure using v1.90 as the guide. And also paying attention to the file sizes in 1.90 and 1.92. And deleted what was left over. So now I have a standalone version of 1.92 and it worked in Win 10 x64.
I need to delete those files but Windows won't let me! Surely there must be a way to delete them without using linux.
EDIT: Fixed it using Unlocker and it's now working!
Lets face it - We've all experienced the common problem, you uninstall a program, and you can't delete it's files/folders.
Or maybe you've closed a program, try to delete the file/folder, and it says you can't delete the file/folder because it's already open in another process.
I used to use a program called Unlocker, however for whatever reason, it stoppped working for me (Win7 x64 as admin).
I hope this solves your frustrations of pilfering through task manager, rebooting your system etc.
http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/#download
Download links to installer and portable version under the heading "Download for Windows 2000/XP/....", don't click the "Download Now!" link under the registry booster heading.
Also on FileHippo: http://filehippo.com/download_unlocker
Click the Direct Download link under the green thing.
In the comments on the support page you've linked, there's a suggestion to try with unlocker. Did you do that? Or, you could try to take ownership...
The utility Unlocker usually works.
But, it has been reported lately that some newer versions of this utility contain malware.
I would recommend using version 1.85, which can be downloaded from www.oldapps.com:
http://www.oldapps.com/unlocker.php?old_unlocker=3
Also, you could probably boot to a live Linux CD and delete the file.
Unlocker is so simple and has had my back so many times I really do think it should ship preinstalled in Windows.
Either that or Windows actually allowing me to delete files I want to delete regardless of complications would be nice instead.
I'm unsure; if this has resisted a reboot, perhaps a scandisk round is required.
However, I do have a hint for you - install Unlocker to prevent this happening in the future.
I know SD cards have a little switch that will write protect it when the switch is moved to the padlock position, but I don't know of such for an external HD. You could try installing UnLocker and see whether you might be able to unlock and then edit / delete a file that way.
Unlocker: lets you delete/move locked files in any windows pc (xp/vista/7), or simply just unlock the file and see what process was locking it. Its Free, freeware/donateifyouwantbutnonagging. http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/
I have found that when vista does this, nine times out of ten it is actually trying to say "This file is already in use by another program", and the problem promptly vanishes after a quick trip to Unlocker.
I can't quite fathom how the wires got crossed so badly on those error messages, but there you have it.
If the problem is software locking of the drive: http://www.cd-eject-tool.com/ Alternatively, use unlocker to find and kill whatever process has your cd drive locked.
I actually have the opposite problem on my laptop--I constantly hit the eject button with the side of my hand (school desks are small), and the tray pops out, even if its disabled in device manager. I had to find a program that would lock the tray for me so it wouldn't pop out all the time.
I don't think this works for Windows 7. I used to have it in XP. I've been using LockHunter.
EDIT: They apparently added support for Win 7 last year. :) Badass. Thanks for letting me know.
k than go and fully remove the main folder and or files/apps in it with this tool good luck
Try https://lockhunter.com/. It's a free wonderful program that installs into your context menu. Right click on the file/folder that won't go away to see what's got it locked. It'll give you options for dealing with it and help you get rid of it.
This will show who's locking the file/folder.https://lockhunter.com/
It gives you some options for unlocking it and deleting it. It's free. And a must have imo.
Edit: Create a restore point!
This shows what's locking your file and offers several option to deal with it. It's very handy and it's free.
Install it > right click on the file > select > What is locking this file?
Windows really should have this ability built into the os!
Not unusual. You can have files that simply won't delete and Windows doesn't show any warning at all. If a reboot doesn't allow me to delete a file for whatever reason I normally use LockHunter. It will analyze what might be blocking a file and will delete stubborn files and folders.
You can use software like lock hunter https://lockhunter.com/ to see what program is trying to keep the drive in use. Or just unplug it anyway, if it's formatted as NTFS the odds of something bad happening without doing the safe eject are pretty low.
>One more question, how did you do to replace the file? I get an error saying that the file is being used by system 32. I already unlocked the file for the switcheroo, but got stuck on what I mentio
Zune Software need to be terminated and no Zune has to be connected on the compute, if you still have problem try LockHunter and if it didn't help try in Safe Mode.
- Start the game
- Play few seconds(?)
- Quit the game
- Run the program and select the directory X (where X is the hard drive letter)
- Check what it gives and close the program. Example output
Or the launcher is this open
Edit: Just do what you usually do and then follow step 4 and 5
Its not a read only problem, it could be that a program got them opened for any reason. And i mean opened in "exclusive mode" that means "no one can read/write them except me".
If i were you i would try Lockhunter on those save files/folder to see whats happening.
as it seems some program is still running/using a file in the directory.
using a tool like lockhunter, you could see what program is using file "x" right now and try to unlock it or instantly remove it.
You can try using an uninstaller, most of them have a force removal option that scans for files/registry keys that are related to that program/game you want to uninstall and removes them.
Or you can manually search for the game's folders (in Program Files, ProgramData, AppData..) and delete them (and if there are files that are in use you can use LockHunter to force delete them)
if you know it is not a system file, and just some crap you really want to delete, use this:
if the unlock option does not work, try pressing the option to delete. it works on individual files but also entire folders. it is my lifesaver in these cases.
Exit Steam.
Go to Task Manager > Processes, then if Steam.exe is there and refuses to go away after a while of waiting, end it.
Try moving your files. If they still say steam is using them, then reliquish the lock on the file:
Good luck messing your computer up though because you're not giving much information and I can only assume you're doing something you shouldn't be...
>how do i delete dlls that are in use
LockHunter might help you. It identifies what processes are locking a file and lets you close them.
It's probably running in the background and couldn't get force closed. You can use LockHunter to see what is locking it and possibly unlock it so that it can be uninstalled.
I would also check in the task manager under Start Up to see if it's running on startup. Or you can boot up in safe mode - that should let you uninstall it.
I believe you have followed a similar guide to this but check if you missed something there.
What you can also try is booting any Linux Live CD, connecting your HDD with all your files and transferring them to your Windows drive, though that depends on how big your files are. Then you could boot into Windows again and retransfer everything to the external HDD to save up space.
If this seems too much of a hassle for you, I suppose you could give something like LockHunter a shot.