On Monday, May 1, 2023 at 9:27:07 AM UTC-4, musicloverlch wrote:
> I have a large Access database and when it closes the locking file won't disappear. I've tried making a fresh database. I've tried Office 2019. I've tried Microsoft 365. Eventually, the database corrupts and I lose all my design work. I have rolled versions newer and older of Office and nothing seems to help. Anyone have anything else I can try?
>
> Thanks,
> Laura

That's a nagging problem that's been with Access Developers for many years. One way to help is to keep a table of users who are logged in. Even doing that, sometimes the lock file persists even after verifying that all users are logged out. For Access databases connected to SQL Server, say on Citrix, I've discovered that rebooting the server allows me to delete the lock file. Server Admins might know other ways to delete the lock file without rebooting. I also use a variable in SQL Server to serve as a shutdown flag. When set, a hidden form on a timer detects the flag and becomes visible to let the user know they have 10 minutes to finish their work before Access shuts them down. The shutdown flag doesn't guarantee that the lock file will become available for deletion when the forced shutdown occurs, but it provides peace of mind that no one will get nuked in the middle of work if a reboot occurs and usually takes care of the situation where a user forgets to log out.