Read a file that is opened by another process

[ady]

Monks,

* on MS Windows OS (XP)

I need to read a file that is opened exclusively by another process (FileShare mode None);

Whatever I try, I get a file sharing violation.

It MUST be possibe (ex: I can open the file in Notepad!) - but how...
Any suggestions ?

Thanks, / Allan.

[BrowserUk]

If the (windows) share mode was really none, (as in CreateFile/ShareMode == 0), then notepad would not be able to open the file.

So, first you need to explain what you mean by "FileShare mode None". Ie. how is that file opened and with what parameters?

Or, what makes you think it has been opened "exclusive" if notepad can also open it?

[ady]

Sorry, you're right BrowserUk, --
Let me rephrase the question:

* assume a file with exclusive access by a process (ex .NET C#: FileStream fs = fi.Open(FileMode.OpenOrCreate, FileAccess.ReadWrite, FileShare.None);

* it seems I can't use any Windows API to read that file, - not from managed C# at least, so i tried from Perl, - but I can't find a way here either.

* and no, Notepad will not open this file.

But I assume there must be a way, since some backup applications are able to copy files, that are currently opened by other processes ?

[BrowserUk]

With the appropriate privileges and access to the right APIs this is possible.

But gaining access to those APIs is far harder from Perl than C or C#, and way beyond the scope of this forum.