MSB3021 diagnostic code

This article describes the MSB3021 error code.

Message text

MSB3021: Unable to copy file 'value' to 'value'.

Description

This diagnostic code is emitted when an error occurs when trying to copy a file. The error text from the operating system is displayed, which usually provides specific information about the failure.

Resolution

The standard output message text is followed by additional information from the operating system. Look to the additional information provided to determine the cause of the problem.

Common causes include the file is locked by another process, insufficient permissions to write to the destination folder, insufficient space on the drive, and so on. Make sure the file is not in use, that MSBuild has write permissions on the destination folder, and that there is sufficient space on the disk.

Applies to

All versions of MSBuild