CODEWITHSUNDEEP
c++windowswinapi
sashoalm
sashoalm

Reputation: 79467

Check if a directory-tree can be deleted without actually starting to delete it

In my program I need to be able to delete the directory with the old output. But some files inside it might be locked. In this case, I want to warn the user that he needs to close the applications that lock them before the program can proceed, with a Retry/Cancel dialog, and if the user clicks Cancel, I want the directory to stay intact.

So, can anyone tell me of a way to check if an entire directory tree can be deleted (no locked files in any subdirectories), without modifying its contents - something like a dry-run.

Upvotes: 1

Views: 456

Answers (3)

Deanna
Deanna

Reputation: 24273

Using the Restart Manager will tell you if any files are in use and offer to shut them down. Nothing will protect against the race condition of something locking them after your check though.

Upvotes: 1

Tadeusz Kopec for Ukraine
Tadeusz Kopec for Ukraine

Reputation: 12403

You can call _access function on each file in directory-tree. But still someone can lock a file after it was checked.

Upvotes: 1

AndersK
AndersK

Reputation: 36082

Maybe you could try and rename the parent directory, in Windows at least you would get an error saying it is not possible if a file in a subfolder is locked. If rename succeeds it should be safe to delete and prevents others of accessing the tree before you delete it.

Upvotes: 3

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