file already in use message when trying to compact db

[shaggy]

I have multiple MDB files located on one computer which are used on that computer and others on our network. Until recently I was able to compact any of the MDBs as long as it was only open on one computer.

There seems to be a problem with the file locking recently. If I close all open instances except 1 of an MDB and then try to compact it I get a "file already in use" message. If I close all instances and re-open it I get the same results. Also I sometimes get errors when trying to edit reports, tables, or macros when I am the only one with the MDB open. I checked and the LDB file disappears when all instances of an MDB are closed.

The only way to compact or edit sometimes is to shut down all instances and then reboot the computer with the MDB file on it.

This problem started after a network problem where the computer with the MDB files was able to connect to our network, but other computers were not able to see that computer (ping it). That has since been fixed by our IT department, but now I'm having problems with Access.

The "file already in use" error indicates the file is still open on the computer with the MDB files on it even when nothing is open on that computer.

Has anybody ever hear of this?

 

[WinDancer]

We had that problem for three weeks, then learned that there was a problem with our antivirus running behind 2007. We updated the virus software and the problem was resolved.
HTH
Dave

 

[boblarson]

1. for multiple user use you really should use a split database (frontend on each computer and backend in a shared location).
See here for more about that:
http://members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/Articles/split/index.htm
2. Before you continue, make sure everyone is out of the database and then delete any .ldb or laccdb. files (the locking files) that might still remain. When the last person logs out they should go away. If a user exits by using CTL+ALT+DEL then they are not "exited" from the locking file and it can seem like someone is still there.