Two Free Tools to Copy Stubborn Files

Every so often I run into a file that just won't give in. You try to copy it and Windows says nope, you can't. It's not a sneaky copy protection scheme from the old floppy drive days. Most times it's another program that locked the file, likely because it's protecting it from changes. For instance, if Outlook is running, it clamps down and won't let you copy -- or back up -- the PST file.

If you run into the problem often, you're in luck: I have a couple of ways around the hassle. Start by grabbing a copy WhoLockMe, a handy tool accessible from Windows Explorer in XP (sorry, not Vista). Right-click on the file and WhoLockMe tells you exactly that -- the program that's locking down the file. Even better, WhoLockMe lets you force the locking program to close, releasing the file.

Locked or Not: Copy the File
In a recent Hassle-Free PC column (see Six Ways to Make Vista and XP Work Your Way, I mentioned HoboCopy, a tool that can copy a file even if it's locked. The problem (isn't there always one?) Is that HoboCopy scared off everyone who isn't comfortable with a DOS box.

A reader (thanks Tom M.!) recently told me about an alternative that's easier to use than HoboCopy. It's CopySharp and it has a standard Windows interface. Unfortunately, this is also also an XP-only tool. If you know of any Vista-compatible tools. Lemme know and I'll post an update.

One issue, though: Tom said that CopySharp works only when he's logged in with admin privileges or when he uses the tool with the "Run As" option and then runs it as administrator. That's no big deal, really, and a small hassle to fix a bigger hassle. BTW, you'll need a copy of .Net Framework 3.5 Runtime on your system.

Comments

Hi, Steve,
Unlocker may fit the bill...

http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

Take Care,
Dan

dgeiser13

July 21, 2008

5:34 PM PT