[GNC] My file is locked

[R Losey]

I just received this error myself (it was #1 below)

In order to ensure that a GnuCash file is only being written to by ONE
instance of GnuCash, before opening the file, GnuCash creates the LCK file,
and then opens the file, and then (when you are done) after the file is
closed, the LCK file is deleted.

Having said that, there are two instances in which there may be a LCK file:

1) [DANGEROUS] If GnuCash is running somewhere else and has the file open,
the LCK file will be present. NEVER say "Open anyway" in this case -- go to
the other computer, and shut down GnuCash, and then try again - you
shouldn't get the warning.


2) [HARMLESS] GnuCash did not shut down cleanly -- it may have crashed, for
example, or someone shut down the computer while GnuCash was up. Because it
didn't go through the normal shutdown, the LCK file is present. If you are
SURE this is the case, it is safe to say "Open anyway", and your data
should come up.

Note: If #2 occurred, it would be prudent to do and Check & Repair on the
file just to ensure that the GnuCash data doesn't have any problems.

The fact that you said "Open anyway" and didn't see you data is highly
worrisome (at least, that's what I infer from your "nothing happens"
comment)





On Fri, Jan 30, 2026 at 8:42 AM Dan a1TNC <Dan at a1tnc.com> wrote:

> Hey folks,
>
> I Have my GNU file on another computer (server) than the one I use it on
> (client ).
>
> The program closed and when I open it won't let me, cuz it is locked. It
> says someone has it open and asks me do I want to open it anyway. I say yes
> but nothing happens.
>
> Does anyone know what to do?
>
>
>
> Thank
>
> Dan
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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-- 
_________________________________
Richard Losey
rlosey at gmail.com
Micah 6:8