[GNC] locked data base

[Derek Atkins]

Hi,

GnuCash will re-open the last file you used.  So that's not a problem.

But yes, it sounds like this started as a backup file.  So long as you
haven't noticed any data loss, then you can go from there.  I would
recommend that you File -> Save As and then change the name to the base
name instead of xxx.gnucash.<date>.gnucash.<date>.gnucash!

You're probably fine continuing to use DropBox, but there might be locking
issues if the lock file doesn't get properly deleted when you exit the
application.  I don't use DropBox so can't really explain that any better;
maybe someone else can.

If you are SURE that you don't have the file open on multiple devices then
you're safe using Open Anyways.  However, if you're not sure, then you
need to be careful.  If two copies get opened then the "last write wins"
and will overwrite all changes made on earlier writes.

Good Luck,

-derek

On Thu, August 1, 2019 3:08 pm, Bob Sisk wrote:
> Thanks Derek - how do I designate Dropbox to be my main data file? Is it
> stored somewhere by default within Gnucash? When I got my new laptop I
> clicked into a data file in my home directory (it may have been a
> backup?). When I clicked it Gnucash opened and I have been using that -
> I transferred  it to Dropbox to use as my main data base. Evidently I
> should not have done this. Any help appreciated ---
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob
>
> On 8/1/19 1:54 PM, Derek Atkins wrote:
>> HI,
>>
>> First, please make sure you CC gnucash-user on all replies.
>>
>> Second, you ARE using a backup file.  The fact that your file name is
>> FileName.gnucash.YYYYMMDDHHMMSS.gnucash means you are using a backup
>> file.
>>
>> If you're using DROPBOX...  *THAT* could be the problem.  It could be
>> that
>> there is a problem creating or deleting the lock file.
>>
>> -derek
>>
>> On Thu, August 1, 2019 2:49 pm, Bob Sisk wrote:
>>> That is not my backup. I am using Dropbox as my data base because I
>>> sometimes post to Gnucash on my desktop and other times using my
>>> laptop.
>>> I store backups on both computers. Is there a better way to configure
>>> if
>>> I post from both machines?
>>>
>>> On 8/1/19 1:32 PM, Derek Atkins wrote:
>>>> HI,
>>>>
>>>> On Thu, August 1, 2019 2:25 pm, Bob Sisk wrote:
>>>>> GnuCash could not obtain the lock for
>>>>> file:///home/bob/Dropbox/gnucash_data/GreenGrillsData.gnucash.20180825170527.gnucash.20190706140712.gnucash.
>>>> First, why are you opening a backup file?  Specifically, this is a
>>>> backup
>>>> of a backup!  So at some point you opened the backup made on August
>>>> 28,
>>>> 2018...  And then on July 6th, 2019 you opened a new backup file...
>>>> And
>>>> have been using that as your data file.   Are you SURE that's what you
>>>> want to be doing?
>>>>
>>>>> I get the above message when trying to open Gnucash. I click "open
>>>>> anyway" and it seems normal. What is causing this and what should I
>>>>> do?
>>>>> I am running Linux Mint 19.1.
>>>> Are you sure that there is not another GnuCash instance running?
>>>> Do you perhaps shutdown (or logout) without quitting GnuCash?
>>>>
>>>> This pop-up comes up when GnuCash finds the lock file still there to
>>>> prevent two instances of the program from opening the same data file.
>>>>
>>>>> Please remember to CC this list on all your replies.
>>>>> You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
>>>> -Derek
>>>>
>>> --
>>> /Robert Sisk
>>> sisk.bob at gmail.com
>>> (210)716-6400/
>>>
>>
> --
> /Robert Sisk
> sisk.bob at gmail.com
> (210)716-6400/
>


-- 
       Derek Atkins                 617-623-3745
       derek at ihtfp.com             www.ihtfp.com
       Computer and Internet Security Consultant