[GNC] Cannot write to file a new wrinkle

[Adrien Monteleone]

Barry - *PLEASE* do not e-mail list members personally. Please use 
'reply-list' or 'reply-all'. This keeps the discussion on the list, 
allows others to see the progress of discussion, and allows others to 
help out or chime in where they can. I may not have all of the answers 
you need, I might have incorrect answers, and someone else may see a 
clearer path to a solution than I do.

Forwarding to the list for discussion.


On 7/31/23 9:35 AM, Mahon Finbar wrote:
> This the list of current files in the folder, under this pc documents.
> 
> BUT, the search says there is a .lck file in there....!!! However, there is no.lck file in gnucash.

That is interesting. What do you mean by "the search says"? What search? 
Did you do a Search in Windows Explorer? How did it 'say' there was such 
a file there, but not show it?

> I am getting the impression that I have corruption somewhere??

Not necessarily. And based on what I see below, a mess? yes. Corruption? 
unlikely.

> Would it be a good idea to uninstall and reinstall? but can I get back to the latest 'known' gnucash file?

No. Do not just uninstall and reinstall. We can probably get you back to 
your proper GnuCash file.

Slow down.

First, I requested a Screenshot of the Windows explorer showing the list 
of files, not you actually sending me your files! (I've deleted them)

> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134528.gnucash.20230730135440.gnucash
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730135204.gnucash
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134400.log
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134528.gnucash
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134433.gnucash
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134032.log
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134144.gnucash
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134528.gnucash.20230730154450.log.gnucash.20230730154556 - Copy.log
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134528.gnucash.20230730154450.log.gnucash.20230730154556.log
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134528.gnucash.20230730154610.gnucash
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134528.gnucash.20230730154519.gnucash
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134528.gnucash.20230730154450.log
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134144.gnucash.20230730140837.log
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134144.gnucash.20230730140540.log
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134805.log
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134144.gnucash.20230730135647.log
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134144.gnucash.20230730135659.gnucash
> GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134528.gnucash.20230730135410.log

I'll attach an example screenshot that might help you to understand what 
we need to see. Here is a good resource on the Windows File Explorer if 
you aren't sure how to get the list view with column details. We'd need 
to see Modified and Created columns. 
(https://uis.georgetown.edu/file-explorer/)

-----

Second, the files of concern are the ones 'ending' in ".gnucash" Those 
are GnuCash data files. (your book files) It seems at some point, you 
opened a backup file instead of your main file, and then you began 
working in it—several times this happened. Then it seems, you opened a 
backup of the backup and did that again—also several times this happened.

The original file appears to be named "GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash" but it 
is not in this list. (this is where a screenshot would help)

Here, I've re-arranged the listed files in the order it appears they 
were created:

 > GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134144.gnucash
 > GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134433.gnucash
 > GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134528.gnucash
 > GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730135204.gnucash
 > GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134144.gnucash.20230730135659.gnucash
 > GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134528.gnucash.20230730154519.gnucash
 > GNU FEB 12 2019.gnucash.20230730134528.gnucash.20230730154610.gnucash

Those strings of numbers in the file names are date-time stamps. So for 
the first one, "20230730134144" it was created on July 30th, 2023, at 
1:41:44 pm. (not sure if that is local time or UTC)

The next one was created almost 3 minutes later. (1:44:33 pm)

The next about a minute later. (1:45:28 pm)

The 4th one about six and a half minutes after that. (1:52:04 pm)

Then...

It seems you opened the file from 1:41:44pm and saved it at 1:56:59pm

But then...

It seems you opened the file from 1:45:28pm and saved it at 3:45:19pm 
and again at 3:46:10pm.

This pattern is concerning. It appears you are opening backup files and 
saving them again, but not always selecting the same file.

----

I'm also concerned about the fact you reported a sample file name in 
your previous thread as:

> C:\Users\Barry Mahon\Documents\Tax accounts and returns\P&L 2022.gnucash.20230726121238.gnucash.20230728171739.gnucash

This indicates that at least one file (GnuCash book) in your 'Tax 
accounts and returns' folder *was* originally named "P&L 2022.gnucash" 
but there again, you somehow opened a backup file, saved that as a 
working file, then opened that and saved it again as a working file. 
(like the file list above)

I'm also concerned about these file names. Based on how you've named 
them, and how you initially reported this issue with:

> The file is a report of annual P&L that I have open , but I am not working on it

I'll hazard a guess that you are thinking you are under the impression 
that if you are viewing a report and click File > Save As, that you are 
saving *just* the report.

That is incorrect.

File > Save As is saving the BOOK with that new name.

If you want to save a report, use the Export, Print, or MakePDF toolbar 
buttons while viewing the report. (note, you can also 'Print' to a file, 
so that would duplicate the MakePDF button)

-----

This is a mess. But it is cleanable.

HOW exactly are you opening your GnuCash file?

Are you finding the file and double-clicking it?

Or are you starting GnuCash from an app shortcut icon on your desktop or 
toolbar?

What is the name of the folder where *you think* you store your GnuCash 
file?

Do you store other non-GnuCash files there?



Regards,
Adrien
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