ldb file and multiple user worries.

[scubadiver]

My db is on a network.

When a db is opened the ldb file appears and when the db is closed, the ldb
file SHOULD disappear. On occasion I have deleted the ldb file with no
problem and sometimes I get a "file sharing violation" message. Do I presume
this means the db IS being used?

Also, if the ldb exists can multiple users still enter and save information
to the same file.

It does worry me a bit.

cheers.

 

[Nikos Yannacopoulos]

Access is intended for multi-user apps (as a file share, though, rather
than a true client / server system). The lock file (.ldb) is created
when the first user opens the database, and deleted when the last user
exits. It does not prevent other users from connecting to the already
opened database, it only prevents exclusive opening (necessary fro
administrative operations only, not normal daily use). So, the behaviour
of the lock file that you have been observing is normal, if one or more
other users also use the database.
Note, though, that fore a multi-user database application, you must
split your app to a front end (containing everything but the tables) and
a back end (containing only the tables), and place the BE in a shared
folder on the server, which each user must have their own, exclusive
copy of the FE (preferably on their local HDD). This not only helps
prevent corruptions, but also makes maintenance easier. Splitting is
quite easy, using the built-in wizard (Tools > Database Utilities >
Database Splitter).

HTH,
Nikos

 

[scubadiver]

So how can I find out who is using the database?

That LDB file is the Locking DataBase file. It exist to keep track of
who has the file open and acts as a kind of traffic cop to bring some sort
of order to a situation where another user is also trying to edit a file a
second user is already editing.

You can use the file to get a list of who is currently using the file.

On occasion the file does not get deleted when someone is no longer
using the database, this usually happens when they just turn off their
computer without closing the file or access. This can cause some problems

You are right that when you get the file sharing error message, likely
someone has it open. With a LDB utility you can find out who has it open.
That same utility is helpful if you want to do maintenance on the file that
requires it to be opened exclusively and you need to have someone log off.

 

[John Vinson]

So how can I find out who is using the database?

Just open the .ldb file in Notepad. It will list the userID's of
everyone currently logged on. (Don't change or save anything of
course!)

John W. Vinson[MVP]

 

[Ron2006]

Try this link: http://www.mvps.org/access/modules/mdl0055.htm

it has a small access app that looks at the ldb file and will tell you
all of the users that are logged into mdb that you reference.


really neat and small, and the code for the form can be imported into
any app that you want or run standalone out of this app. With that you
may be able to tell what machine is actually holding open the ldb file
without having to try to guess.

The only time this app does NOT work is if the tables mdb is corrupt,
in which case the notpad method would be the way.


Ron