Fix Error 0x800704C8 on Windows When Copying Files

Some Windows 10 users are reportedly getting the error 0x800704C8 (The Requested operation cannot be performed on a file with a user-mapped section opened) when try to copy certain files.

After investigating this particular issue thoroughly, it turns out that there are several different underlying causes that might be triggering this particular error code. Here’s a list of potential culprits that might be causing the 0x800704C8 on Windows 10:

Now that you are familiar with every potential culprit that might be causing this issue, here’s a list of verified fixes that other affected users have successfully used to resolve this particular error code:

Method 1: Taking Ownership of the File

As it turns out, more often than not, the 0x800704C8 is occurring due to some kind of permission issue that is preventing the file from being copied outside the drive that it’s currently residing in.

Several affected users that have also encountered this issue have reported that they finally managed to resolve the ‘The Requested operation cannot be performed on a file with a user-mapped section opened’ by using a 3rd party program called Unlocker to take full ownership of the file prior to retrying the copying process.

This is a freeware program that will allow you to take control over your files and grant the necessary permissions so you can then move them wherever you want with no hassle.

If you’re comfortable with using a freeware program to unlock and copy files that are otherwise not movable, follow the instructions below to install and use Unlocker:

1. Start by opening your default browser and visit the Softpedia download page of Unlocker.
2. Once you arrive at the correct listing, click on the Download Now button, pick a mirror and wait for the process to complete.

   

3. After the download is complete, double-click on the installer, then click Yes at the UAC (User Account Control) if you’re prompted to do so.
4. Next, follow the prompts to complete the installation of Unlocker, then restart your computer at the end of this process.

   

5. After Unlocker is finally installed, open it, then use the Browser window to navigate to the location of the file/folder, then click it once to select it before clicking Ok.
6. From the next prompt, use the No Action drop drown menu to select Move, then click Ok to successfully move the locked object.

   

If using Unlocker results in the same The Requested operation cannot be performed on a file with a user-mapped section opened error or you’re looking for a different method of resolving this issue, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 2: Disable or Uninstall Antivirus Software

If you’re using a 3rd party security suite or firewall, it’s possible then a false positive is actually affecting the moving operation and triggering the 0x800704C8 error.

This problem is mostly confirmed to occur by affected users with both 3rd party firewalls and 3rd party security suites.

Note: If you’re using Windows Defender, skip this method altogether as there is no evidence that Windows Defender can conflict with the service responsible for moving / copying files on Windows 10.

In case you’re using a 3rd party security option, you should start by disabling the security suite prior to opening Windows Backup – Most 3rd party suites will allow you to do this directly from the tray-icon of the security suite.

With most 3rd party security tools, you can do this simply right-click on the tray-bar icon of your 3rd party antivirus suite and look for an option that allows you to disable the real-time protection.

Note: Keep in mind that if this issue is being caused by a firewall, disabling the 3rd party suite will likely not be enough since the same security suite will remain in place even after you disable the security measure.

If you’re using a firewall or simply disabling the real-time protection was not enough to fix the issue, follow the instructions below to uninstall the 3rd party firewall and see if this fixes the problem in your case:

1. Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Next, type ‘appwiz.cpl’ and press Enter to open up the Programs and Features menu. If you’re prompted by the UAC (User Account Control), click Yes to grant admin access.

   

2. Once you’re inside the Programs and Files menu, scroll down through the list of installed applications and locate the 3rd party firewall suite that you want to uninstall.
3. When you finally manage to locate the correct listing, right-click on the 3rd party antivirus or firewall listing and choose Uninstall from the newly appeared context menu.

   

4. After you’ve done this, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
5. Restart your computer and see if the problem is fixed once the next startup is complete by attempting to copy a file once again.

In case this method was not applicable or you’re still encountering the same 0x800704C8 even after disabling or uninstalling the 3rd party suite, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 3: Open Visual Studio with Admin Access (if applicable)

If you’re encountering this issue while attempting to move a file that is currently part of a Visual Studio project, the program might be lacking the required administrative permissions to move files freely while the project is loaded.

If you find yourself in this particular scenario, you should be able to resolve the issue by closing Visual Studio while moving the files that are currently triggering the 0x800704C8 (The Requested operation cannot be performed on a file with a user-mapped section opened).

In case you want to be able to move files dynamically (while Visual Studio is opened), you’ll need to open the program with admin access.

To do this, simply right-click on the executable that you use to launch Visual Studio and click on Run as Administrator from the context menu that just appeared.

If the issue is resolved and you want to avoid doing the steps above every time you need want to open the Visual Studio, follow the instructions below to force your OS to open this executable with admin access every time you need to open the program:

1. First things first, ensure that Visual Studio is closed and no associated process is running in the background.
2. After you do this, open My Computer or File Explorer and navigate to the location where you installed Steam. By default, Steam is installed in the following location:

   C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\2019\{editionName}

3. Next, right-click on VisualStudio.exe and then click on Properties from the newly appeared context menu.
4. Once you’re inside the Properties screen, access the Compatibility tab from the ribbon menu at the top. Next, move down to the Settings category and check the box associated with Run this program as an administrator.

   

5. Finally, click on Apply to save the changes permanent before attempting to launch Visual Studio normally (by double-clicking).

In case this scenario is not applicable or you’re still encountering the same 0x800704C8 even after going through the steps above, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 4: Running SFC and DISM Scans

If none of the fixes above have allowed you to fix the 0x800704C8 issue in your case, the next thing you should do is utilize a couple of utilities (SFC and DISM) that are capable of fixing the system file corruption that might be affecting your operating system’s ability to handle file management.

System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management are two built-in tools that are equipped to fix the most common corruption instances that might trigger the 0x800704C8 when copying or moving files on Windows 10.

If you haven’t deployed this utility yet, start by going for a System File Checker scan since you can do it without requiring an active internet connection.

Note: It’s important to understand that SFC is an entirely local tool that works by using a locally stored cache to replace corrupted system file items with healthy equivalents. Once you deploy this method, it’s important not to interrupt this type of scan since causing an interruption has the potential of creating additional logical errors.

IMPORTANT: In case you’re using a traditional HDD instead of a more modern SSD, you can expect this operation to take up a couple of hours. Keep in mind that this utility has a tendency to freeze temporarily – If this happens, don’t close the window and wait for the real-time tracking to return.

When the SFC scan is finally complete, reboot your computer and see if the ‘The Requested operation cannot be performed on a file with a user-mapped section opened’ error code is finally fixed.

In case it isn’t, move forward by initiating a DISM scan.

Note: As opposed to a regular SFC scan, DISM uses a component of Windows Update to replace corrupted Windows file instances with healthy copies downloaded over the internet. Because of this, you need to ensure that your Internet connection is stable before starting this operation.

Once you’ve completed both DISM and SFC scans, reboot your computer and use your computer normally to see if you still end up seeing the 0x8078012D error code when running a Windows 10 backup.

In case the problem persists, move down to Method 5 below.

Method 5: Resetting every OS Component

If you tried every potential fix above and you’re still encountering the same kind of 0x8078012D error when attempting to move or copy files on Windows 10, you’re most likely dealing with some kind of system file corruption that is affecting a dependency used by the backup sequence.

If none of the fixes above have worked in your particular situation, the next logical step is to reset every Windows component with a procedure like a clean install or install repair (in-place repair).

If you’re looking for the easy route, go for a clean install. But unless you’ll back up your data in advance, you can expect to lose all your personal data present on your OS driver.

Note: Going with this procedure will not require you to use compatible installation media.

In case you’re looking for the focused approach that will leave your personal files stored on your OS drive alone, you’ll need compatible installation media to initiate a repair install (in-place repair procedure).

Note: This process is more tedious than the first, but the main advantage is that you’ll be able to refresh every potentially corrupted component without losing data from your apps, games, documents, and personal media that’ currently stored on your OS drive.