File Manager Does Not Allow Copying of Open Files (92791)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows 3.11
This article was previously published under Q92791

SYMPTOMS

If you use File Manager to copy a file that is being used by another application, the following error message is generated:
Access denied, source file may be in use.
However, if you use the COPY command from MS-DOS Prompt to copy a file that is being used by another application, the file copies successfully.

CAUSE

For security reasons, File Manager refuses to copy files that another application might be in the process of changing. The COMMAND.COM portion of MS-DOS does not check to see of if the file is being changed by another application.

NOTE: To avoid losing data, do not try to copy files that are being modified by either Windows-based or MS-DOS-based applications.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/6/1999
Keywords:KB92791
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.