Whenever I come across a locked file that I can't figure out where the lock is, I use Unlocker , which can usually force unlocks on a file.

Those kind of programs are dangerous. TechNet Magazine: Windows Confidential: Forcing Handles Closed
Handle from Sysinternals can show which process has a file open but of course you need to first find out which file it is that is open.


As for your problem, check that there isn't VirtualStore for the data directory. ProgramData probably shouldn't go there but I don't think that would be the first time.

Whenever I come across a locked file that I can't figure out where the lock is, I use Unlocker , which can usually force unlocks on a file.

Those kind of programs are dangerous. TechNet Magazine: Windows Confidential: Forcing Handles Closed

Yes they are, and should only be used in extreme circumstances. Though the article seems to be operating from a purely theoretical view, seemingly in a multi-user setting, and painting a doomsday scenario which, in most cases, simply won't happen.

Handle from Sysinternals can show which process has a file open but of course you need to first find out which file it is that is open.

And thus lies the problem. If you're getting a generic "file open" error without any detail as to which file or handle, you're left guessing and having to use the Unlocker hammer. Ordinarily I would agree, and prefer to use Process Explorer or Process Monitor in most cases.

As for your problem, check that there isn't VirtualStore for the data directory. ProgramData probably shouldn't go there but I don't think that would be the first time.

Excellent thought, but no, there is not a VirtualStore for the BOINC data directory. This seems to be a permission issue since it runs under Administrator with no problem, but won't run in the standard user context. Three other Vista machines are currently running that do not require elevation just to run BOINC, so something is amiss. I still haven't narrowed it down yet, mostly due to lack of time. Hopefully within the next week I can dig a bit deeper.