# Inuse.exe: File-In-Use Replace Utility

InUse is a command-line tool that performs on-the-fly replacement of files currently in use by the operating system. You must be a member of the Administrators group to use this tool.

InUse is primarily used to replace locked operating system files. After running the tool, the file specified is not replaced until the system is restarted. During restart, the system moves the file immediately after AUTOCHK is run, but before creating 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.

File Required

- Inuse.exe

InUse Topics

- InUse Syntax
- InUse Examples

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## InUse Syntax

inuse [-?] source destination [/y]

Where:

-?
  Display command-line help.
source
  Specifies the updated file name. Include the complete physical or UNC path name.
destination
  Specifies the currently locked file you want to replace on the local drive. Include the complete physical path name.
/y
  Suppresses the confirmation prompt to replace the file.

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## InUse Examples

- Replace a local existing file with an updated remote version.

      C:\>inuse \\IMACOMPUTERNAME\winnt\test.dll e:\winnt\test.dll

      InUse - version 1.4

      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Copyright (c) 1994-1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved
      Windows 2000 detected - WFP is enforced

      INUSE is about to replace the following file

              Existing:    e:\winnt\test.dll
              1.4

              Replacement: \\IMACOMPUTERNAME\winnt\test.dll
              1.4

      Do you want to continue?(y/n) y

              \\IMACOMPUTERNAME\winnt\test.dll is replacing --> e:\winnt\test.dll

      Changes will not take affect until you reboot.

- Replace multiple files via a batch script.

         batch.cmd
         @echo off
         inuse test.dll c:\winnt\system32\test.dll /y
         inuse test2.dll c:\winnt\system32\test2.dll /y
         inuse test3.dll c:\winnt\system32\test3.dll /y
         shutdown /l /r /y