Why are most conventional applications unable to copy live memory?

The correct answer emphasizes the necessity of utilizing kernel-mode procedures to access live memory directly from the operating system. The kernel is the core component that has high-level privileges and can manage system resources, including memory. Standard user-mode applications lack the elevated access rights required to effectively and safely retrieve data from live memory, which is critical for an accurate forensic analysis.

This limitation is particularly important for investigators who need to gather reliable evidence from a system's memory, as standard applications do not have visibility or control over memory operations due to security and stability reasons. This lack of access means that unless an application can operate in kernel mode, it would be inherently restricted from capturing live memory accurately.

Other options do not capture this vital context. For instance, while it is true that system memory is dynamic, the key issue in direct memory copying isn't just about memory contents changing but rather the access level required to obtain that information. Similarly, while it is true that memory is not part of the regular file system and may not be directly accessible in the same way, that statement doesn't address the specific operational requirements for capturing live memory data.