Copy open files?

Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?

Thanks!

jim

Re: Copy open files?

On Apr 8, 6:20 pm, "jim" wrote:
> Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>
> Thanks!
>
> jim

Look at this:
http://www.java2s.com/Code/VB/File-Directory/Lockandunlockaf ile.htm

Re: Copy open files?

On Apr 8, 11:20=A0am, "jim" wrote:
> Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>
> Thanks!
>
> jim

Hi,

No, if the file is locked by another process you cannot access it

Re: Copy open files?

On Apr 8, 12:45=A0pm, kimiraikkonen wrote:
> On Apr 8, 6:20 pm, "jim" wrote:
>
> > Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>
> > Thanks!
>
> > jim
>
> Look at this:http://www.java2s.com/Code/VB/File-Directory/Lockandunl ockafi=
le.htm

That shows how to lock/unlock a file, not how to read an already
locked file (most probably locked in another process)

Re: Copy open files?

AFAIK no (except perhaps using a very low level API (I'm thinking about
backup specific APIs)).

You may want to elaborate on what you are trying to do but it looks like
something unusual...


"jim" a écrit dans le message de news:
J2MKj.3941$DY1.2394@bignews5.bellsouth.net...
> Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>
> Thanks!
>
> jim
>

Re: Copy open files?

On Apr 8, 8:43 pm, "Ignacio Machin ( .NET/ C# MVP )"
wrote:
> On Apr 8, 12:45 pm, kimiraikkonen wrote:
>
> > On Apr 8, 6:20 pm, "jim" wrote:
>
> > > Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>
> > > Thanks!
>
> > > jim
>
> > Look at this:http://www.java2s.com/Code/VB/File-Directory/Lockandunl ockafile.htm
>
> That shows how to lock/unlock a file, not how to read an already
> locked file (most probably locked in another process)

Yes, i just wanted to point out that he could unlock the file using
the code then he could copy it.

(PS: The thread is a cross-post)

Re: Copy open files?

"kimiraikkonen" wrote in message
news:a64fa0bc-2ba5-4794-9a3d-727a6e82e61a@z24g2000prf.google groups.com...
> On Apr 8, 8:43 pm, "Ignacio Machin ( .NET/ C# MVP )"
> wrote:
>> On Apr 8, 12:45 pm, kimiraikkonen wrote:
>>
>> > On Apr 8, 6:20 pm, "jim" wrote:
>>
>> > > Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>>
>> > > Thanks!
>>
>> > > jim
>>
>> > Look at
>> > this:http://www.java2s.com/Code/VB/File-Directory/Lockandunl ockafile.htm
>>
>> That shows how to lock/unlock a file, not how to read an already
>> locked file (most probably locked in another process)
>
> Yes, i just wanted to point out that he could unlock the file using
> the code then he could copy it.
>

No you can't "unlock" a file "locked" by another process. Where "locked"
means opened exclusively, that is, non shared.
You can only use the "shadow copy services " to copy such file(s). The
shadow copy services API's aren't covered by the framework however.


Willy.

RE: Copy open files?

The Volume Shadow Copy service supports backing up locked files. There is an
API for this, which I have used via a batch file with script to backup the
Registry, but that's about as much as I can tell you.
-- Peter
Site: http://www.eggheadcafe.com
UnBlog: http://petesbloggerama.blogspot.com
Short Urls & more: http://ittyurl.net


"jim" wrote:

> Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>
> Thanks!
>
> jim
>
>
>

Re: Copy open files?

Jim,

You can use the CopyFileA Win32 API function to copy open files:

Private Declare Function apiCopyFile Lib "kernel32" Alias "CopyFileA" _
(ByVal lpExistingFileName As String, _
ByVal lpNewFileName As String, _
ByVal bFailIfExists As Integer) As Integer

Here is an example call:
intResult = apiCopyFile(strSource, strDest, 0)

I don't know of a way to do this with managed code.

Best Regards,
Wayne
www.plotstream.com


"jim" wrote in message
news:J2MKj.3941$DY1.2394@bignews5.bellsouth.net...
> Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>
> Thanks!
>
> jim
>

Re: Copy open files?

On Apr 8, 10:08 pm, "Willy Denoyette [MVP]"
wrote:
> "kimiraikkonen" wrote in message
>
> news:a64fa0bc-2ba5-4794-9a3d-727a6e82e61a@z24g2000prf.google groups.com...
>
>
>
> > On Apr 8, 8:43 pm, "Ignacio Machin ( .NET/ C# MVP )"
> > wrote:
> >> On Apr 8, 12:45 pm, kimiraikkonen wrote:
>
> >> > On Apr 8, 6:20 pm, "jim" wrote:
>
> >> > > Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>
> >> > > Thanks!
>
> >> > > jim
>
> >> > Look at
> >> > this:http://www.java2s.com/Code/VB/File-Directory/Lockandunl ockafile.htm
>
> >> That shows how to lock/unlock a file, not how to read an already
> >> locked file (most probably locked in another process)
>
> > Yes, i just wanted to point out that he could unlock the file using
> > the code then he could copy it.
>
> No you can't "unlock" a file "locked" by another process. Where "locked"
> means opened exclusively, that is, non shared.
> You can only use the "shadow copy services " to copy such file(s). The
> shadow copy services API's aren't covered by the framework however.
>
> Willy.

Willy,
The link i've posted claims that it locks and unlocks and updates the
same file under same application (under developer's application, even
can't get it worked such article). However there are some 3rd party
applications such as "Unlocker" which can unlock files locked by "any"
process . So that's another point of interest.

Plus it would be good to get a complete working code that locks and
unlocks and stores same file using FileStream class. The sample link
i've posted is not a well-explained one.

Thanks

Re: Copy open files?

"Wayne" wrote in message
news:OET$$UbmIHA.2268@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Jim,
>
> You can use the CopyFileA Win32 API function to copy open files:
>
> Private Declare Function apiCopyFile Lib "kernel32" Alias "CopyFileA" _
> (ByVal lpExistingFileName As String, _
> ByVal lpNewFileName As String, _
> ByVal bFailIfExists As Integer) As Integer
>
> Here is an example call:
> intResult = apiCopyFile(strSource, strDest, 0)
>
> I don't know of a way to do this with managed code.

What makes you think you can copy "locked" files by calling this API, which
is exactly the API wrapped by System.Io.File.Copy.

Willy.

Re: Copy open files?

On Apr 8, 2:30=A0pm, kimiraikkonen wrote:
> On Apr 8, 8:43 pm, "Ignacio Machin ( .NET/ C# MVP )"
>
> wrote:
> > On Apr 8, 12:45 pm, kimiraikkonen wrote:
>
> > > On Apr 8, 6:20 pm, "jim" wrote:
>
> > > > Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>
> > > > Thanks!
>
> > > > jim
>
> > > Look at this:http://www.java2s.com/Code/VB/File-Directory/Lockandunl oc=
kafile.htm
>
> > That shows how to lock/unlock a file, not how to read an already
> > locked file (most probably locked in another process)
>
> Yes, i just wanted to point out that he could unlock the file using
> the code then he could copy it.
>
> (PS: The thread is a =A0cross-post)

Hi,

You can only unlock a file that you previously locked . Not only that,
but you must also use the same reference.

Re: Copy open files?

Willy,

This seems to work fine for me using Vista Pro. I have tried it on a couple
of different file types/applications (MS Word, AutoCAD, etc.) with open
files and this seemed to copy them anyway. The function returns a 1 and the
file copy is created. I tried deleting the files and they are definitely
locked. No dice there. Perhaps this is a Vista phenomenon?

Best Regards,
Wayne
www.plotstream.com


"Willy Denoyette [MVP]" wrote in message
news:%23BQtgybmIHA.5024@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> "Wayne" wrote in message
> news:OET$$UbmIHA.2268@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> Jim,
>>
>> You can use the CopyFileA Win32 API function to copy open files:
>>
>> Private Declare Function apiCopyFile Lib "kernel32" Alias "CopyFileA"
>> _
>> (ByVal lpExistingFileName As String, _
>> ByVal lpNewFileName As String, _
>> ByVal bFailIfExists As Integer) As Integer
>>
>> Here is an example call:
>> intResult = apiCopyFile(strSource, strDest, 0)
>>
>> I don't know of a way to do this with managed code.
>
> What makes you think you can copy "locked" files by calling this API,
> which is exactly the API wrapped by System.Io.File.Copy.
>
> Willy.
>
>

Re: Copy open files?

"Wayne" wrote in message
news:%23NNcWIcmIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Willy,
>
> This seems to work fine for me using Vista Pro. I have tried it on a
> couple of different file types/applications (MS Word, AutoCAD, etc.) with
> open files and this seemed to copy them anyway. The function returns a 1
> and the file copy is created. I tried deleting the files and they are
> definitely locked. No dice there. Perhaps this is a Vista phenomenon?
>

No, Vista behaves just like all other NT based OS version as far as File IO
goes..
None of the applications you mention do "lock" the files, nor do they keep
the files open when editing, with "locking" I mean open the file in
exclusive mode (not-shared), it's obvious that when you open a file for
shared read access that an other process can copy the file. Deleting a file
is a different matter, failure to delete is not due to the fact that the
file locked!

Try with a simple C# to open a file for read/write access with sharability
set to none and keep it open while you try to copy the file, you won't be
able to copy the file. Note that makes little sense to copy a file that is
open in another process, you are never guaranteed that the copy is logically
consistent. That's exactly why the shadow copy API's were invented.

Willy.

Re: Copy open files?

Willy Denoyette [MVP] wrote:
> "Wayne" wrote in message
> news:%23NNcWIcmIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> Willy,
>>
>> This seems to work fine for me using Vista Pro. I have tried it on a
>> couple of different file types/applications (MS Word, AutoCAD, etc.)
>> with open files and this seemed to copy them anyway. The function
>> returns a 1 and the file copy is created. I tried deleting the files
>> and they are definitely locked. No dice there. Perhaps this is a
>> Vista phenomenon?
>
> No, Vista behaves just like all other NT based OS version as far as
> File IO goes..
> None of the applications you mention do "lock" the files, nor do they
> keep the files open when editing, with "locking" I mean open the file
> in exclusive mode (not-shared), it's obvious that when you open a
> file for shared read access that an other process can copy the file.
> Deleting a file is a different matter, failure to delete is not due
> to the fact that the file locked!

But "locked" as you define it *is* the same mechanism that makes the files
undeletable:

CreateFile with SHARE_READ and without SHARE_DELETE -- The behavior
described by Wayne
CreateFile without SHARE_READ -- The behavior described by Willy, CopyFileEx
API won't work

What other explanation do you have for failure to delete, except that the
file is open without SHARE_DELETE?

Re: Copy open files?

I am trying to write a simple backup program. I cannot find a backup
program that will sync directories across a lan, in a specific order, that
doesn't stop when (if) one synchronization fails because a PC is off or a
laptop has been removed from the network.

The directories need to be sync'd one at a time because of bandwidth
restrictions. The app should sync one directory at a time, skipping any
directories that cannot be sync'd because of any reason and it should send
an email (and provide a popup) stating any errors that were encountered.

I've seen and tested a great number of backup programs. But, most (a) are
too expensive fo what they do or (b) will not sync a number of folders if
any folder in the list errors without stopping the entire process.

These folders are very large (some 40GB) and the sync process should sync
one immediately after another in order to accomplish the sync within the 8
hours allotted for the task.

The data folders should not be in use at the time of synchronization, but
you never cantell what system process may have a file open (automatic
defrag, etc.) when it is time for it to be copied to its backup folder on
the server.

If I can pull it off, I will drop the app into open source for use by sys
admins everywhere.

Thanks again!

jim

"Patrice" wrote in message
news:%23z%23V4IamIHA.1768@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> AFAIK no (except perhaps using a very low level API (I'm thinking about
> backup specific APIs)).
>
> You may want to elaborate on what you are trying to do but it looks like
> something unusual...
>
>
> "jim" a écrit dans le message de news:
> J2MKj.3941$DY1.2394@bignews5.bellsouth.net...
>> Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> jim
>>
>
>

Re: Copy open files?

One of the more perfect examples of what I'd like to accomplish is a product
called MirrorFolder (at http://www.techsoftpl.com/backup/features.php).

The "problem" with this software is the pricing per client instead of having
a server version that could be used to mirror all needed folders to itself.
(While I see this a a "problem", I do understand that the software's author
sees it as a money making proposition. If I could make a clone of his
software that did not exclude the use of network drives or mapped drives as
the source drive, I would make it freeware.)

jim

"jim" wrote in message
news:J0TKj.4125$DY1.774@bignews5.bellsouth.net...
>I am trying to write a simple backup program. I cannot find a backup
>program that will sync directories across a lan, in a specific order, that
>doesn't stop when (if) one synchronization fails because a PC is off or a
>laptop has been removed from the network.
>
> The directories need to be sync'd one at a time because of bandwidth
> restrictions. The app should sync one directory at a time, skipping any
> directories that cannot be sync'd because of any reason and it should send
> an email (and provide a popup) stating any errors that were encountered.
>
> I've seen and tested a great number of backup programs. But, most (a) are
> too expensive fo what they do or (b) will not sync a number of folders if
> any folder in the list errors without stopping the entire process.
>
> These folders are very large (some 40GB) and the sync process should sync
> one immediately after another in order to accomplish the sync within the 8
> hours allotted for the task.
>
> The data folders should not be in use at the time of synchronization, but
> you never cantell what system process may have a file open (automatic
> defrag, etc.) when it is time for it to be copied to its backup folder on
> the server.
>
> If I can pull it off, I will drop the app into open source for use by sys
> admins everywhere.
>
> Thanks again!
>
> jim
>
> "Patrice" wrote in message
> news:%23z%23V4IamIHA.1768@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> AFAIK no (except perhaps using a very low level API (I'm thinking about
>> backup specific APIs)).
>>
>> You may want to elaborate on what you are trying to do but it looks like
>> something unusual...
>>
>>
>> "jim" a écrit dans le message de news:
>> J2MKj.3941$DY1.2394@bignews5.bellsouth.net...
>>> Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>>
>>> jim
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Re: Copy open files?

"Ben Voigt [C++ MVP]" wrote in message
news:%23CLG%23icmIHA.5692@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Willy Denoyette [MVP] wrote:
>> "Wayne" wrote in message
>> news:%23NNcWIcmIHA.1208@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> Willy,
>>>
>>> This seems to work fine for me using Vista Pro. I have tried it on a
>>> couple of different file types/applications (MS Word, AutoCAD, etc.)
>>> with open files and this seemed to copy them anyway. The function
>>> returns a 1 and the file copy is created. I tried deleting the files
>>> and they are definitely locked. No dice there. Perhaps this is a
>>> Vista phenomenon?
>>
>> No, Vista behaves just like all other NT based OS version as far as
>> File IO goes..
>> None of the applications you mention do "lock" the files, nor do they
>> keep the files open when editing, with "locking" I mean open the file
>> in exclusive mode (not-shared), it's obvious that when you open a
>> file for shared read access that an other process can copy the file.
>> Deleting a file is a different matter, failure to delete is not due
>> to the fact that the file locked!
>
> But "locked" as you define it *is* the same mechanism that makes the files
> undeletable:
>
> CreateFile with SHARE_READ and without SHARE_DELETE -- The behavior
> described by Wayne
> CreateFile without SHARE_READ -- The behavior described by Willy,
> CopyFileEx API won't work
>
> What other explanation do you have for failure to delete, except that the
> file is open without SHARE_DELETE?
>

Well, I hate the term "locked" because to me it means something different
than what most here assume.
A File open'd with "shared read" access, can be read (copied) by any process
(subject to access privileges), all other sharing modes do not allow other
process to read from the file.
An *open* file cannot be deleted, no matter who's trying to delete and no
matter the sharing mode specified during CreateFile.
Now the point with applications like Word etc.. is that they may implement
their own sharing features, Word for instance keeps track of who has the
file open, another user trying to open the same file, will only be allowed
to read from the file.
Also they don't necessarily keep the file open during a session, nor do they
write to the original file during editing (word creates a shadow copy to
edit and renames both original and shadow when saving)), so some users may
conclude that they can delete an "open" file while in fact the file isn't
open at all.

Willy.

Re: Copy open files?

jim wrote:
> One of the more perfect examples of what I'd like to accomplish is a
> product called MirrorFolder (at
> http://www.techsoftpl.com/backup/features.php).
> The "problem" with this software is the pricing per client instead of
> having a server version that could be used to mirror all needed
> folders to itself. (While I see this a a "problem", I do understand
> that the software's author sees it as a money making proposition. If
> I could make a clone of his software that did not exclude the use of
> network drives or mapped drives as the source drive, I would make it
> freeware.)


Try LazyMirror. It rocks and the price is right.

http://www.xs4all.nl/~wstudios/LazyMirror/index.html


>
> jim
>
> "jim" wrote in message
> news:J0TKj.4125$DY1.774@bignews5.bellsouth.net...
>> I am trying to write a simple backup program. I cannot find a backup
>> program that will sync directories across a lan, in a specific
>> order, that doesn't stop when (if) one synchronization fails because
>> a PC is off or a laptop has been removed from the network.
>>
>> The directories need to be sync'd one at a time because of bandwidth
>> restrictions. The app should sync one directory at a time, skipping
>> any directories that cannot be sync'd because of any reason and it
>> should send an email (and provide a popup) stating any errors that
>> were encountered. I've seen and tested a great number of backup programs.
>> But, most
>> (a) are too expensive fo what they do or (b) will not sync a number
>> of folders if any folder in the list errors without stopping the
>> entire process. These folders are very large (some 40GB) and the sync
>> process should
>> sync one immediately after another in order to accomplish the sync
>> within the 8 hours allotted for the task.
>>
>> The data folders should not be in use at the time of
>> synchronization, but you never cantell what system process may have
>> a file open (automatic defrag, etc.) when it is time for it to be
>> copied to its backup folder on the server.
>>
>> If I can pull it off, I will drop the app into open source for use
>> by sys admins everywhere.
>>
>> Thanks again!
>>
>> jim
>>
>> "Patrice" wrote in message
>> news:%23z%23V4IamIHA.1768@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> AFAIK no (except perhaps using a very low level API (I'm thinking
>>> about backup specific APIs)).
>>>
>>> You may want to elaborate on what you are trying to do but it looks
>>> like something unusual...
>>>
>>>
>>> "jim" a écrit dans le message de news:
>>> J2MKj.3941$DY1.2394@bignews5.bellsouth.net...
>>>> Is there a way (using VB.Net or C#) to copy open or locked files?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks!
>>>>
>>>> jim

Re: Copy open files?

> Well, I hate the term "locked" because to me it means something
> different than what most here assume.
> A File open'd with "shared read" access, can be read (copied) by any
> process (subject to access privileges), all other sharing modes do
> not allow other process to read from the file.
> An *open* file cannot be deleted, no matter who's trying to delete
> and no matter the sharing mode specified during CreateFile.

But with FILE_SHARE_DELETE, the delete won't fail, it will just be delayed
until the file is closed.

> Now the point with applications like Word etc.. is that they may
> implement their own sharing features, Word for instance keeps track
> of who has the file open, another user trying to open the same file,
> will only be allowed to read from the file.
> Also they don't necessarily keep the file open during a session, nor
> do they write to the original file during editing (word creates a
> shadow copy to edit and renames both original and shadow when
> saving)), so some users may conclude that they can delete an "open"
> file while in fact the file isn't open at all.
>
> Willy.

Re: Copy open files?

"Ben Voigt [C++ MVP]" wrote in message
news:exuGTtkmIHA.3512@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>
>> Well, I hate the term "locked" because to me it means something
>> different than what most here assume.
>> A File open'd with "shared read" access, can be read (copied) by any
>> process (subject to access privileges), all other sharing modes do
>> not allow other process to read from the file.
>> An *open* file cannot be deleted, no matter who's trying to delete
>> and no matter the sharing mode specified during CreateFile.
>
> But with FILE_SHARE_DELETE, the delete won't fail, it will just be delayed
> until the file is closed.
>

Absolutely, forgot about this one.

Willy.

Re: Copy open files?

So, you don't know either?

jim

"Willy Denoyette [MVP]" wrote in message
news:%23zOkUelmIHA.5268@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> "Ben Voigt [C++ MVP]" wrote in message
> news:exuGTtkmIHA.3512@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>
>>> Well, I hate the term "locked" because to me it means something
>>> different than what most here assume.
>>> A File open'd with "shared read" access, can be read (copied) by any
>>> process (subject to access privileges), all other sharing modes do
>>> not allow other process to read from the file.
>>> An *open* file cannot be deleted, no matter who's trying to delete
>>> and no matter the sharing mode specified during CreateFile.
>>
>> But with FILE_SHARE_DELETE, the delete won't fail, it will just be
>> delayed until the file is closed.
>>
>
> Absolutely, forgot about this one.
>
> Willy.
>

Re: Copy open files?

"jim" wrote in message
news:_vaLj.17975$Q52.9774@bignews9.bellsouth.net...
> So, you don't know either?
>

Don't know what exactly you are talking about here, but as I replied before,
the viable option is to use the Volume Shadow copy Service (VSS) features
available with XP SP2 and higher. There is no way to copy an open file
without the risk to copy garbage, that's exactly what the shadows copy
feature prevents. Take a close look at the VSS documentation in MSDN (Search
for "Volume Shadow Copy Service") to know exactly what VSS is all about and
what it's meant to solve and if i's applicable to your environment.


Willy.

Re: Copy open files?

Thank you so much. Sorry if I missed that earlier.

jim

"Willy Denoyette [MVP]" wrote in message
news:uI9ZGxomIHA.1052@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> "jim" wrote in message
> news:_vaLj.17975$Q52.9774@bignews9.bellsouth.net...
>> So, you don't know either?
>>
>
> Don't know what exactly you are talking about here, but as I replied
> before, the viable option is to use the Volume Shadow copy Service (VSS)
> features available with XP SP2 and higher. There is no way to copy an open
> file without the risk to copy garbage, that's exactly what the shadows
> copy feature prevents. Take a close look at the VSS documentation in MSDN
> (Search for "Volume Shadow Copy Service") to know exactly what VSS is all
> about and what it's meant to solve and if i's applicable to your
> environment.
>
>
> Willy.
>
>