.. _Workspace in use, cannot launch eclipse...:

Workspace in use, cannot launch eclipse...
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**Problem**: I'm unable to select an existing workspace after my eclipse program that was accessing it was not shutdown properly.
I get a *Workspace in Use* error when there are clearly no other eclipse instances running on my machine.

**Solution**: If you are sure there is no eclipse looking at your workspace (not even another user), then you must remove the lock file located in the workspace at **path_to_workspace/.metadata/.lock**.

On Windows, if you cannot delete this file (because another process is using it), then close all eclipse IDE sessions, do :kbd:`Ctrl+Alt+Delete` to bring up Windows Task Manager, select **Processes** page, and delete **javaw.exe**.

