NSCopy

Download NSCopy

NSCopy works as a copy command with one big difference from others. If you have the "Back up files and directories" user right, you can copy files even if you don't have any explicit permission to read them. It doesn't take ownership of the file to do it.

Usage instructions

Download the exe file and run it from the Command Prompt.

Questions and answers

Q: When I double-click on the file a window comes up and disappears immediately. What's wrong?

A: You must run the file from a Command Prompt.

Q: Who has the "Back up files and directories" user right?

A: By default, the Administrators group and the Backup Operators group, but an administrator can give it to any account.

Q: An administrator can take ownership over a file and then give himself/herself permission to read it. What's the difference with NSCopy?

A: The difference is that an administrator can copy the file without taking the extra steps of taking ownership and then giving it back (using for example SetOwner).

Q: What is the real purpose of this tool?

A: It is a common misunderstanding that whenever an administrator doesn't have permission to read a file, he/she has to take ownership of the file and then give himself/herself permission to read it. Afterwards, the administrator wouldn't be able to give back the ownership since you can never give but only take ownership (which is also a misunderstanding, see SetOwner). However, NSCopy demonstrates that this is a misunderstanding and that there is no need at all to take ownership.