cannot copy file, it is being used by another person or program

  • Thread starter Thread starter grendi
  • Start date Start date
G

grendi

Hi
What I'd like to do is to copy the whole "documents and settings" folder
to a backup DVDRW, and SKIP the files that are used by Windows.
The problem is each time the copying process comes across a file being
used by Windows, it stops everything!!
I want it to say "OK this file is in use but I'm copying the rest".
IS that possible?
Thanks
-g
 
grendi said:
Hi
What I'd like to do is to copy the whole "documents and settings"
folder to a backup DVDRW, and SKIP the files that are used by Windows.
The problem is each time the copying process comes across a file being
used by Windows, it stops everything!!
I want it to say "OK this file is in use but I'm copying the rest".
IS that possible?
Thanks
-g
Click to expand...

I don't know, what backup program are you using? I like SecondCopy from
centered.com. Apparently the newest version will copy files in use, but
in any case you can exclude the system files in your backup. You really
only want your data after all.

Malke
 
in message : Hi
: What I'd like to do is to copy the whole "documents and
settings" folder
: to a backup DVDRW, and SKIP the files that are used by Windows.
: The problem is each time the copying process comes across a
file being
: used by Windows, it stops everything!!
: I want it to say "OK this file is in use but I'm copying the
rest".
: IS that possible?
: Thanks
: -g

You've unfortunately come across one of the
fantasyasstick -features- of XP <g>. That's just the way it
works, for whatever reason. Some other method of backup is in
order, I'm afraid.
Winzip is good for that, as are several other programs
including one called PowerDesk5, which used to be free, but I
dont' know if it still is. You also have an MSBackup program
with XP that you could use, or even use a batch file if you know
how to write one, to skip the folders with system files that will
be in use.
You might also be able to just back up "My Documents" instead,
if all you're looking to save is data that you've created, and
you kept it all in that folder structure.
Personally, I think Winzip is the handiest tool for that, plus
it compresses everything for you. Otherwise consider standard
backup software.
If you have XP Home the backup program isn't installed by
default; you'll have to do a change to install it.

HTH
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