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Why does Mac OS X sometimes complain that a copy failed because a file is in use?

Why does Mac OS X sometimes complain that a copy failed because a file is in use?

Recently I've been copying files from DVDs to network storage on my Mac running Leopard 10.5.7.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 496
Total answers/comments: 3
Guest [Entry]

The only way I can do it is to use the Terminal Application and either use mv to move then or cp to copy the required files to the network or external drive.
Guest [Entry]

I've had QuickLook cause an error similar to this when it was rendering previews - as far as I could tell it was just bad timing but have not seen this "bug" since 10.5.3. Is QuickLook creating previews when you are copying the files?
Guest [Entry]

One possibility is an antivirus program, if you have one (yes, I know you're on a mac). It might be checking the file while you are in the middle of copying it. I use Symantec, and because I never put anything other than my own stuff in the drive, I have disabled scanning on that device.