Failed to encrypt - The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.

stephz1k

I'm testing the software before deciding if I want to use it or not...

Testing Scenario 1:
a) I created a text file in the Boxcryptor virtual drive (drive X:) with right-click > New > Text Document and I clicked on "Do Not Encrypt" when Boxcryptor asked me whether I wanted to encrypt the file.
b) I tried to encrypt the file with right-click > Boxcryptor > Encrypt, and I got the below error message:
'Encryption Failed'
'Failed to encrypt "MyText01.txt". Do you want to retry the operation?'
'The process cannot access the file C:\SecureStorageArea\MyText01.txt because
it is being used by another process.'
'Retry / Cancel'
I searched for MyText01.txt in the Associated Handles panel in the Windows Resource Monitor (CPU > Associated Handles) and the below rows showed up:
Boxcryptor 5632 File C:\SecureStorageArea\MyText01.txt
explorer.exe 6184 File \Device00000d5\SecureStorageArea\MyText01.txt

Testing Scenario 2:
Same as scenario 1 but this time I copied a text file from another folder to the Boxcryptor virtual drive (drive X:).
Same outcome (i.e. same error message).

Can anyone help me out?

stephz1k

Ok here is the root cause: when the Preview Pane is enabled in Windows Explorer, Win Explorer locks the text file. Consequently BoxCryptor does not have write access and therefore cannot encrypt/decrypt (right-click > Boxcryptor > encrypt/decrypt).
Is this a known issue @Boxcryptor.com? It should, because when you google 'windows explorer preview pane locking file', you get many articles talking about it...
Here is what I suggest to the dev team: add this info to your error message and it will save your customers a lot of hassle.
Thanks !