Inuse

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Inuse

Replaces locked operating system files. The specified files are not replaced until you restart the operating system.

Syntax

inuse Replacement Destination [/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:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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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

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Code or program output

See Also

Concepts

Command-line reference A-Z
Command shell overview