.loc files

[alicia]

I have a database split BE/FE on a large corporate server.
Is there any way to eliminate the .loc file when a staff
member opens the database?

I was reading last night somewhere that this can be
eliminated by creating a "dummy" table where a form
immediately opens this table which causes each front end
to be accessing the back end and that this would
eliminate it?? Is that correct? It was late last night
and I may have missed the point. I most often keep a
running list of where I get tips from but didn't in this
case for some reason.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of the .loc file?
Thanks in advance Alicia

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

I think you mean ldb locking files?

These files ARE CRITICAL to the operation of the file share database when
multiple users open the file.

This would imply that when the front end (which IS ON EACH PC..RIGHT!!!)
opens, that a .ldb file of the same name is created. This file is deleted
when the user exits the application. While the .ldb file on the front end
(which is supposed to be on each pc) is not that important, the locking file
(.ldb) on the server side is CRITICAL to operation of the application. If
you are typing a letter on your pc, then the pc down the hall, or even my pc
does NOT care on bit about this fact. How then, does ms-access share, or
figure out when more then one person is trying to update the same
information? I mean, your pc can't talk to my pc when you run word, or
Excel, or even ms-access? So, what ms-access does is WRITES OUT a file on
the server, and places info that all other users (computers running
ms-access) can look at. It is this file that handles all the multi-users
conflicts. Deleting this file would be courting disaster, as you would be in
effect cutting out the only brains the ms-access has to manage things in a
multi-user environment.

Also, why do you need, or want to delete this file? There is zillions of
temp files that all kinds of applications create. (word uses and opens
something called "normal.dot" each time for example.

Why do you need to delete, or even bother with these important system files
used for housekeeping?

Anyway, ..if you are talking about a ldb locking file...then no...you don't
even want to think about touching them as you will risk damage to your data.

As for the reference about keeping the file open in the front end? Yes, this
simply means that you FORCE the locking file to stay open, and thus you
eliminate a whole bunch of things that ms-access tries to do with that file
(like creating it for the first user, and trying to delete it when you close
a table). By forcing a connection open, you can result in a HUGE increase in
performance, as then access does not have to try and create/delete/open that
very important locking file. So, yes, keeping a persistent connection open
can really help performance. Once again however, you do not want to delete
that file (cut the brains out of how ms-access handles multiple uses).

 

[alicia]

The file shows as "Access.Lockfile.9" and not .ldb. Is
that the same thing? Thanks! Alicia

 

[Brendan Reynolds]

Recent versions of Windows have an option to 'Hide extensions for known file
types' which is turned on by default. If you turn off that option, you'll
see the .ldb extension.

The following describes the process in Windows XP. Some details may differ
in other versions of Windows.

Open 'My Computer' and browse to the folder in question. Choose 'Folder
Options' from the 'Tools' menu, then in the 'Folder Options' dialog box
choose the 'View' tab. In the 'Advanced settings' list, find the 'Hide
extensions for known file types' option, uncheck the check box beside that
option, and click 'OK'.

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

Brendan gave good explain here.

And yes...it is the same thing. And yes..those files are critical...

 

[alicia]

Makes complete sense. And I must say that the feature to
hide a form that is always accessing the BE has saved the
day! The performance is awesome today. Thanks so much
for your help!! Alicia

 

[alicia]

Makes total sense! Thanks!!

-----Original Message-----
Recent versions of Windows have an option to 'Hide extensions for known file
types' which is turned on by default. If you turn off that option, you'll
see the .ldb extension.

The following describes the process in Windows XP. Some details may differ
in other versions of Windows.

Open 'My Computer' and browse to the folder in question. Choose 'Folder
Options' from the 'Tools' menu, then in the 'Folder Options' dialog box
choose the 'View' tab. In the 'Advanced settings' list, find the 'Hide
extensions for known file types' option, uncheck the check box beside that
option, and click 'OK'.

--
Brendan Reynolds (MVP)




.