2. pc-audio
  3. 170304-2469

Problem duplicating my external HD onto another one

when I tried to copy my (music files) HD onto another HD, it failed the same way with 3 different 'receiving' HDs: at some point in the process, it stopped, messaged that it couldn't complete the task because "________ (one of my music files) is in use", but I wasn't playing anything. it's no biggie; I had another copy, and can still use the problem HD for playback (it's even still letting me write new files onto it). I'm curious if anyone here has run into this or has any ideas. I'm a mac user, did 'disc first-aid' on the problem HD (it said it's fine). at some point I may just erase the problem HD, (try to) copy the whole archive onto it, then see if it'll allow itself to be copied, but if you have any ideas, I'd appreciate your input. thanks.

fwiw: the file that supposedly was 'in use' was different each time, so I think (?) that rules out that there's a corrupted file on the HD. not sure.
musicslug

Showing 6 responses by musicslug

musicslug OP
430 posts
 
I did try restarting - no help. thanks!
musicslug OP
430 posts
 
I have a mac (OS 10.13.6). I did see something online about software for copying HDs - maybe I'll go back, try to find the link, try that. thanks.
musicslug OP
430 posts
 
@fuzztone: I tried to copy it to 3 different drives with no luck. I was able to transfer to one of those drives using a different source, so I think it's the HDD I'm trying to copy. it's solid-state, if that tells you anything.
@cd318: I didn't have any applications on when I attempted the transfer. the error message says '_________ file is in use' - since all the files on this HDD are music, that would suggest itunes (my player) is on, but it isn't.
fortunately, as I mentioned, I had a different backup, didn't lose anything. I ordered another SSD so I'll have 3 (not counting the problem SSD which, even though I can't copy it, still has all my music).
musicslug OP
430 posts
 
@noromance breaking up my itunes library would be a major PIA, and since I'm able to do this action with other drives, not worth the trouble
@fuzztone I was able to transfer the files using a different source to 2 different HDs, each of which has its own cable. it just seems like I've isolated the problem to that one HD
thanks for all the ideas!

musicslug OP
430 posts
 
@tom6897 the problem SSD is western digital. I had another copy on a seagate HDD. I was able to transfer that copy to a 2nd western digital.

@danager I can't skip the file; it automatically aborts, doesn't give me that option. each of the 3x I tried to copy the disc, the problem file was a different one; on one attempt it got to ~80% done before aborting, another time <10%.
thanks for all the suggestions. at some point in the next few days, I'll  erase the problem drive, see if I can copy my files onto it and then see if I can then copy it onto another HD. even if it behaves at that point, I'll consider it a HD with an 'intermittent' issue, i.e. unreliable. with storage so cheap these days, I won't risk losing my music collection. at that point the problem HD (even if it's behaving) will just be a redundant backup (I'll have 3 copies of the collection elsewhere). I guess you could say it'll be a lightweight paperweight with a ton of music in it?
musicslug OP
430 posts
 
@jbs thanks for the suggestion. the reviews of the mac version of teracopy are really negative, but I'll definitely check out more mac-friendly applications that do the same thing.
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