Find which program is using a specific file

Sometimes an error message will tell you a device (like the sound device or the DVD ROM) is busy, or the file you want to edit is in use. To find the process or processes responsible:

  1. Click System Monitor ▸ Search for Open Files.

  2. Enter a filename or part of a filename. This could be /dev/snd for the sound device or /media/cdrom for the DVD ROM.

  3. Click Find.

This will display a list of running processes that are currently accessing the file or files that match the search. Quitting the program should allow you to access the device or edit the file.