How to Fix “The Requested Resource is In Use” Error Easily

Jason

By Jason

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the requested resource is in use

The requested resource is in use” is one of the most common errors that users face in their system. If you are also one of them, you do not have to panic.

One can come across this error when trying to copy or move files from external storage devices or computers. You can even see this message “the requested resource is in use” flashing on your screen while running or installing any software or program.

Readers will know about some great fixes to resolve the error “the requested resource is in use” in this article. So, let’s move on to our effective fixes without more ado.

PS: should you have an issue with folder access being denied, click to fix it now.

When users try to move files from their computer to an external device or vice versa, they are greeted with the error “the requested resource is in use.” It can also be faced when suddenly some program resists running on the system.

It is really important to look for a perfect solution to get rid of this issue. This is a significant task to resolve the error but also to save your important files or data.

Here, you will be acquainted with fixes that will help you to move files or run the concerned program smoothly.

Part 1: Retrieve Data Before Getting Rid of the “The Requested Resource is In Use” Error

The issue “the requested resource is in use” is generally caused by the Trojan virus or malware. These foreign bodies cause some programs or software to malfunction while saving or working on these programs on the computer.

It is essential to restore files on the system before setting out to the task of fixing this frustrating error. You should perform this recovery task with the help of a professional tool like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

One can retrieve important files stored on the target storage device or hard drive. Only those devices that show the error “the requested resource is in use” avoid any inconvenience later on.

Things to remember while recovering data:

  • Stop using the folder or device at once on facing the error.
  • You could look for the lost files in Recycle Bin if files were present on your desktop.
  • Always use a professional tool for recovering lost or deleted files.

Steps to retrieve data from the external device:

You should follow the simple and quick steps listed below to restore all data and files stored on the external storage device.

Step 1: Make a connection

You need to connect your external device to the system from where you lost files.

Step 2: Launch the program

You have to run the program EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard after that on the system. Now, you can specify the exact location of files from where you lost them and tap “Scan” to start the scanning process.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Step 3: Make a selection

Once the scanning is done, you have to locate and double-tap on files to preview them. You will be given options like lost files, deleted files, extra files, drives, etc.

Find Lost Data via EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Step 4: Retrieve files

After selecting files, you can tap on the option “Recover” to save these found files in some safe location on the system or another external device.

Recover Lost Data

Part 2: Get Rid of the Error “The Requested Resource is In Use”

Most of the time, the error “the requested resource is in use” comes up due to some complex issues. You can get rid of this annoying error with the following fixes after saving your files beforehand.

With these fixes, you can remove the issue and make your software, device, or program work again.

Method 1: Safe Boot your Computer

To remove the error “the restricted resource is in use,” you can safely boot your computer through the following steps:

Safe Boot Computer to Fix The Requested Resource is In Use Error
  • 1: Choose the option “Control Panel” after right-clicking on the icon of Windows.
  • 2: Go for “Administrative Tools” and then select “System Configuration.”
  • 3: In the tab “Boot,” you need to put a check against “Safe Boot” along with the option “Minimal.”
  • 4: Tap “O.K.” for confirmation and boot your computer in “Safe.”

Method 2: Eliminate Malware via Windows Defender

The most common reason behind the error “the requested resource is in use” is Trojan or malware. Systems and programs resist working due to these malware-related issues. It is recommended to make use of Windows Defender to get rid of malware or virus.

Steps to fix the error “the requested resource is in use”:

  • 1: Visit Settings on your system.
  • 2: Select “Update & Security” and look for “Windows Defender.”
  • 3: Choose the option “Scan Offline.”

The last step will help users to scan and then remove all viruses or malware from their computers offline. Along with that, this program will help to prevent them from getting back into the system.

Method 3: Get Rid of Malicious Programs/Software

Another method to resolve the issue of “the requested resource is in use” is to get rid of malicious programs or software on a permanent basis.

Steps to fix “the requested resource is in use”:

If you find any malicious programs on the computer, then you can disable them with the help of the following instructions:

Get rid of malicious software to fix the requested resource is in use
  • 1: Choose the option “Control Panel” by right-clicking on the icon of Windows.
  • 2: Click “Administration Tools” and select “System Configuration.”
  • 3: In the tab “General,” you need to check against “Load startup items” after clicking on “Selective startup.” Now, tap “O.K..”
  • 4: Select the “Startup” tab and place a check against the programs listed after your computer reboot. Now, you have to select “Disable” by right-clicking on the programs shown as Unknown in the list.

Steps to eliminate malicious program registry entries:

1: Press the keys “Windows + R” together to open up a Run dialog box.

2: Now, tap the “Ctrl + F” keys and type in “SmartService” to search the malware through the registry quickly.

SmartService

3: Find the malware and delete it from your computer.

Find the malware and delete it from your computer

You have to repeat this process several times to get rid of all malware to get rid of that error. If you have no idea about the Trojan or malware name, you can use the following steps.

1: Tap the “Windows + R” keys and type in “Regedit.”

2: Go to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE” and then “SOFTWARE.” After that, look for “Microsoft” and then “Windows” and lastly, “CurrentVersion” to locate all folders along with the running ones.

3: Open each folder and try to look at suspicious files or folders, which may result in the error “the requested resource is in use.”

Now, remove these folders or files from the computer. You can open these found folders if you are not sure about them before hitting the button “Delete.”

Method 4: Resetting File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can sometimes prevent you from accessing or modifying a resource, leading to the error. Resetting the file permissions can help resolve this issue. Follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the file or folder causing the error and select “Properties.”
  2. In the Properties window, go to the “Security” tab.
  3. Click on “Edit” to modify the permissions.
  4. Select your user account from the list and check the box for “Full Control” under the “Allow” column.
  5. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
  6. Attempt the desired action again and check if the error is resolved.

Method 5: Changing File Attributes

Altering the file attributes can sometimes help overcome the “The Requested Resource is In Use” error. Follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the file or folder causing the error and select “Properties” from the context menu.
  2. In the Properties window, navigate to the “General” tab.
  3. Clear the “Read-only” checkbox if it’s selected.
  4. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
  5. Attempt the desired action again and check if the error is resolved.

Method 6: Updating or Reinstalling Problematic Software

Outdated or incompatible software can often lead to resource conflicts and trigger the error. To address this, consider updating or reinstalling the program associated with the resource. Follow these steps:

  1. Identify the software or program related to the resource causing the error.
  2. Visit the official website or application store to download the latest version of the software.
  3. Install the updated version or perform a clean reinstall.
  4. After the installation is complete, attempt the action again and see if the error persists.

FAQs

  1. Q: Is the “The Requested Resource is In Use” error specific to a particular operating system? A: No, this error can occur on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  2. Q: Can I fix the error by simply deleting the file or folder from the Command Prompt? A: It’s recommended to follow the appropriate methods mentioned in this article to ensure the safe resolution of the error. Deleting files or folders without considering the active processes may lead to unexpected consequences.
  3. Q: Why does the error occur even when I’m the only user on my computer? A: The error can occur if any background processes or services are utilizing the resource. Additionally, certain system files may require elevated permissions to modify.
  4. Q: Are third-party unlocker tools safe to use? A: Popular unlocker tools from reputable sources are generally safe to use. However, exercise caution while downloading and installing any third-party software and ensure it is from a trusted source.
  5. Q: What should I do if none of the methods mentioned in this article work for me? A: If you’ve exhausted all the methods and are still unable to fix the error, it’s advisable to contact the technical support of the software or operating system you’re using for further assistance.

The Bottom Line

Therefore, the issue “the requested resource is in use” can be dealt with easily with the above-mentioned fixes. One can make use of any of these methods to eliminate this issue. You need to get rid of the malware or viruses that cause this mischief to the system.

However, do not forget to restore your data safely before performing this task of eradicating the malware. You can save these found files on another external device to save them against the issue. In this way, your files will be saved against any loss.

Users who are struggling with the error “the requested resource is in use” or other issues, like Windows cannot access the specified device path or fileyour computer is low on memory can also make use of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

It is a professional recovery tool that allows you to restore lost data from a computer or other external devices. This recovery tool is quite safe and quick for recovering files against accidental deletion, virus-infected files, system crashes, formatted recovery, or various other situations.

With the help of its free trial version, you can scan or take a preview of your lost files or data. Download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for better data recovery of lost files.

Jason
Jason

Skilled software testing specialist with expertise in comparisons and research, passionate about blogging, reviews, and creating video tutorials.

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