In QuickBooks Desktop, a "locked file" refers to a situation where a company file is inaccessible due to it being used by another user or process. When a file is locked, it means that someone else is currently working on it or it hasn't been properly closed. This can be frustrating as it prevents simultaneous access and editing by multiple users. To resolve this, users should ensure that files are closed properly when they finish working, and the "single-user mode" should be employed for exclusive access when necessary. Managing locked files is essential for efficient collaboration and data integrity in QuickBooks Desktop.