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.

InUse Examples

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Replace a local existing file with an updated remote version.
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