Copy to CD fails: In Use by other App

[Scoot]

Trying to copy some files to CD for backup using the utility provided on the
IBM Thinkpad (Sonic RecordNow) but a number of files won't copy. Message is
"File is in use by another application." These seem to be the same files I
was not able to copy across the local wireless network to my Vista laptop (it
can write DVDs, but the Thinkpad can only make CDs).
I checked properties in Win Explorer but saw nothing there to indicate files
are locked by another program. But when I try to preview an image file it
tells me "Preview not available." Some of these files have not been used for
months--many reboots ago.
Where/how do I reset this setting?
Using XP Pro, current on all SPs and updates.

Thanks for any assistance.

 

[BillW50]

In Scoot typed on Thu, 2 Apr 2009 08:50:31 -0700:

Trying to copy some files to CD for backup using the utility provided
on the IBM Thinkpad (Sonic RecordNow) but a number of files won't
copy. Message is "File is in use by another application." These
seem to be the same files I was not able to copy across the local
wireless network to my Vista laptop (it can write DVDs, but the
Thinkpad can only make CDs).
I checked properties in Win Explorer but saw nothing there to
indicate files are locked by another program. But when I try to
preview an image file it tells me "Preview not available." Some of
these files have not been used for months--many reboots ago.
Where/how do I reset this setting?
Using XP Pro, current on all SPs and updates.

Thanks for any assistance.

Those files are known as locked. If they are system files, there is a
good reason why they are locked. Is this what you are trying to do?
Application data files will be usually unlocked when you close the
application. I don't know what files you are trying to copy, but you can
unlock them with a free program called Unlocker. Careful with this tool.
Unlock the wrong system file, and Windows will tumble like a deck of
cards.

Unlocker (free)
http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

 

[Scoot]

Unlocker tried, thought it did, but failed to correct the problem.
I think some application ended abnormally and left the registry in an
inconsistent state. I do not know enough to find and fix the problem, except
for any suggestions anyone here might be able to offer.
Additionally, there are some folders in the area I need to write to CD that
are "not accessible Access is denied". My mind is blank on going to where I
need to to unprotect these folders so I can read the files.
My PC has several accounts, only one of which has full admin rights. That
account is the one I am using, but it is not able. What would be the process
here to get the folders to where any account on the PC can read them?
It's never simple, is it?

 

[BillW50]

In Scoot typed on Fri, 3 Apr 2009 08:38:01 -0700:

Unlocker tried, thought it did, but failed to correct the problem.
I think some application ended abnormally and left the registry in an
inconsistent state. I do not know enough to find and fix the
problem, except for any suggestions anyone here might be able to
offer.
Additionally, there are some folders in the area I need to write to
CD that are "not accessible Access is denied". My mind is blank on
going to where I need to to unprotect these folders so I can read the
files.
My PC has several accounts, only one of which has full admin rights.
That account is the one I am using, but it is not able. What would
be the process here to get the folders to where any account on the PC
can read them?
It's never simple, is it?

Well what I would do are:

1) First make a System Restore point right now. So you can get back to
right now. Then try to restore to earlier times to see if the problem
disappears. You will lose times going back, so that is the tradeoff. But
you should always go back to today, so nothing is lost.

2) Make a BartPE CD. As booting up with BartPE, you should have access
to anything on the drive(s).

Well those two things are what I would try first.