UIContextHandler.dll

Windows 11 Build 25H2 (OS Build 28000.8037)

I have no idea where this belongs, only that I ought not be trying to remove this file. I was trying to remove an old folder for AShampoo Uninstaller in C:\Program Files (x86) with nothing accomplished, so I decided to restart Windows in Safe Mode and remove it there. The folder had three files, two of which were quickly removed, but the third, UIContextHandler.dll was not removable, with an error message that it was opened in another program.

That "information" was of no use, as I had no idea as to what other program was involved. I decided to leave Safe Mode, whereupon the mouse decided that it would not move to the open file! I gave up trying that, and finally resorted to turning the computer off and then back on, I was not surprised when Windows went into an analysis and reported that it could not do anything, but I got around that and eventually was back on line.

Once there, I did a search for the rouge file and removable .dll, with a number of suggestions as to how to banish the it. That, in turn, led me here, where a search for the .dll did not provide any entries. Ergo, I am posing this here, and welcome it being moved if need be, and asking for assistance in finishing the removal of the .dll

Open Start menu then type resmon to open Resource Monitor. In CPU tab type UIContextHandler.dll in Associated Handles search field. You may see lines with this file, associated with a program on first (Process) column. Right click on the line to kill the process. Then you can delete the file as it is not used by the program.

The filename suggests it is designed to provide a context menu for windows explorer. So, it might be loaded by explorer. The standard way to delete files that are loaded by Windows is to queue them for deletion at startup. There's a Sysinternals tool for this.

Try to delete the file in safe mode command prompt only mode (option 6).

But it would be better to remove the registry entry that loads it. Have you tried reinstalling ashampoo and then uninstalling?

AgathePower said:

Open Start menu then type resmon to open Resource Monitor. In CPU tab type UIContextHandler.dll in Associated Handles search field. You may see lines with this file, associated with a program on first (Process) column. Right click on the line to kill the process. Then you can delete the file as it is not used by the program.

Click to expand...

What a long collection of whatever those items are, they being the epitome of what I do not know about Windows, and don't really want to know. That is because I use Windows for such mundane tasks as writing the first text book about the use of Class A Foam and Compressed Air Foam systems for structural fire suppression, my adaptation of this technology that was developed for wildfires. Following that, I created the first training manual on the same subject, and so on (and on and on and on....)

There, I shall now let you know that I do appreciate your reply; and let you know that the Resource Monitor does not included the UIContextHandler.dll.

Skeptic Mike said:

The filename suggests it is designed to provide a context menu for windows explorer. So, it might be loaded by explorer. The standard way to delete files that are loaded by Windows is to queue them for deletion at startup. There's a Sysinternals tool for this.
th

Click to expand...

Today was your turn, so I downloaded the file you recommended, and that is as far as I got. By that, I mean that I clicked on `Extract' all' but the second step , `Run' never appeared. so as far as I could determine there was nothing that I could do, I even found a way to find the files to be removed, by using cmd, which I did, and which said that the command to list the files is not a valid command.

Further instructions are therefore hereby requested.

Skeptic Mike said:

The standard way to delete files that are loaded by Windows is to queue them for deletion at startup. There's a Sysinternals tool for this.

PendMoves and MoveFile - Sysinternals

Enumerate the list of file rename and delete commands that will be executed the next boot.

learn.microsoft.com

Click to expand...

Apologies. I've been using command line programs for 45 years, but should remember that most people never use them. I'm sure there are GUI programs that will do this, but I've never used, much less evaluated any, to feel comfortable to recommend one.

One of the many good things about these forums is that there will probably be someone else who does have relevant experience who can help.

I will try to remember to add the necessary caveat: "If you are comfortable using command line tools, then ..." when making such suggestions.

A file might be locked because it's currently opened by an active process, or a file lock was never cleared.

1. Reboot into Recovery mode, and remove the file. Recovery mode runs a standalone copy of WinRE, which doesn't need any of the files on C: drive. Troubleshoot / Advanced options / Command Prompt


2. If the file still can't be removed, it may have been file locked. Use a 3rd-party tool like LockHunter.

Not Myself said:

Today was your turn, so I downloaded the file you recommended, and that is as far as I got. By that, I mean that I clicked on `Extract' all' but the second step , `Run' never appeared. so as far as I could determine there was nothing that I could do, I even found a way to find the files to be removed, by using cmd, which I did, and which said that the command to list the files is not a valid command.

Further instructions are therefore hereby requested.

Click to expand...

Thank you for the fine explanation, almost an apology, for those of us who

Skeptic Mike said:

Apologies. I've been using command line programs for 45 years, but should remember that most people never use them. I'm sure there are GUI programs that will do this, but I've never used, much less evaluated any, to feel comfortable to recommend one.

One of the many good things about these forums is that there will probably be someone else who does have relevant experience who can help.

I will try to remember to add the necessary caveat: "If you are comfortable using command line tools, then ..." when making such suggestions.

Click to expand...

Thank you for the fine explanation, almost an apology; I am, as must be obvious in the class of those who rarely use command line programs, and then only if the steps are well spelled out for those who don't know the language.I am indebted to the many members of this forum who have no hesitation of offering their assistance.

I am now wondering if I need to apologize, many years later, for my having started and led two fire departments, then started and led a ten-year-long process of adapting a new wildfire suppression technology for the structural fire service. Given that I am very certain that I am the only graduate of my college prep school and undergraduate who ever did anything of that sort; that one classmate in a group of approximately250 undergraduates who, for example, is a Nobel Laureate is a much better example of the type of students who graduate from that school. To compound my error, I have no compunction to hide my pride for that which I accomplished.