ACC: "Couldn't Update; (or Delete) Currently Locked by User"

• Microsoft Access versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0

SYMPTOMS

Moderate: Requires basic macro, coding, and interoperability skills.

The following message appears either when two users simultaneously try to update or delete a similar object in a shared database or on a single-user system if the system runs out of locks:

   Couldn't update; currently locked by user '<user name>' on machine
   '<machine name>'

CAUSE

On a multiuser system, a conflict exists with the SYSTEM.MDA file. By design, Microsoft Access cannot simultaneously update the MsysObjects table in the SYSTEM.MDA file for multiple users.

On a single-user system, there are not enough locks specified in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

NOTE: The .MDA file should not have the same name as .mdb file unless they are in different directories.

RESOLUTION

Multiuser System

On a multiuser system, try saving the object again. If no one is updating a similar object at the same time, the Save command should work. This error can occur in Access Basic code also; therefore, you will need to handle error trapping for this.

Single-User System

1. Quit Windows.

2. Delete all the .LDB files from the Microsoft Access directory.

3. Delete all the .TMP files from the Windows directory and from the WINDOWS\TEMP directory.

4. Edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Look for a line similar to:

         C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE
   

   Add "/L:500" (without the quotation marks) to the end of the line, so that it reads:

         C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE /L:500
   

   Note that this line will not be present if you run VSHARE.EXE, OS/2, or you are running on a network.

5. After saving the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, restart your computer.

MORE INFORMATION

The SYSTEM.MDA file conflict is likely to occur only on systems with many (100+) users.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. User A and user B open the same database on a shared drive.

2. Both users create a new object of similar type (such as a table, form, report, query, or macro).

3. Both users choose Save from the File menu and enter a unique file name.

4. Simultaneously, user A and user B press ENTER to update the object.

5. Microsoft Access displays the error message mentioned earlier. Choose OK to dismiss the message and try again.