The .lock_9972 file on a Windows PC is likely a temporary lock file created by an application to indicate that a particular resource (such as a database or a configuration file) is currently in use. Lock files are commonly used to prevent multiple processes from accessing the same resource simultaneously, which can help avoid data corruption or conflicts.
The number in the filename (in this case, 9972) may represent a process ID or a timestamp, helping to identify the specific instance of the application that created the lock file.
If you encounter a .lock file and the associated application is not running, it is generally safe to delete the file. However, if the application is still in use, it is best to leave the file alone until the application is closed properly. Always ensure you have backups of important data before deleting any files.
