[GNC] Could Not Obtain Lock

[Michael or Penny Novack]

On 6/26/2022 3:22 PM, Abe Sternberg wrote:
> I am using Windows 11.  I try to close GnuCash properly, though there have
> been times when I may not have.  Also, I have had some Windows updates
> while GnuCash was left open.  I will look for the update and advise if the
> error continues.
>
> Thanks,
> Abe
>
a) "file in use" << that's what "cannot obtain lock file" means >> if 
CORRECT if you have not closed gnucash properly. This is not unique to 
gnucash but normal for any application using the "lock file" method of 
preventing multiple access to data.

     IF you are certain the file is not in use (by another instance of 
gnucash) you can override if/when the application provides an easy way 
to do that. Or you can go into the directory (file folder) where the 
data file lives and delete the lock file -- it will always be in the 
same directory.

b) Do NOT proceed with an operating system update while you have 
application open. Again, this is not specific to gnucash. You should 
have settings related to how updates happen that will allow you to do 
this. Safest if to have the option of doing the updates wit the shutdown 
process.

Michael D Novack

PS -- The "file lock" is a method to allow multiple sequential access 
while preventing multiple simultaneous access. When you ask gnucash (or 
any other application using this method) to open a data file, the 
program looks in the same directory for the corresponding lock file. If 
NOT found, it creates that file and proceeds. When gnucash (or any other 
application using this method) closes, the  last thing it does is delete 
the lock file. So if the program does not get to close properly, the 
lock file is left behind,