This is a copy of the "inuse_d.htm" page that comes in the "inuse.exe" distribution file for version 1.4; with a few added comments of my own!

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 [don't think for one sec. this means 'without shutting down your box'; afterall this is a Windows OS, not some Linux server! *]. 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 [† what they don't say here though, is that there are MANY System files that this utility can NOT be used to replace! ( Or doesn't the dept. in charge of writing these files know that? ) For example, if you try replacing the system file EXPLORER.EXE using InUse, the program will BEEP at you and immediately display the following text:

InUse - version 1.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright (c) 1994-1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved
Windows 2000 detected - WFP is enforced

C:\WINNT\explorer.exe is protected by WFP

rather than carry out your command! Conclusion: You cannot use this utility to replace ANY System Files that are under the Windows File Protection !!! (WFP)
However, see my InUse2000.htm page for at least one good use of this utility!].

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

How To Change Windows 2000 System Files (when using NTFS)