Word Read-Only Issues

[Joel Pratt]

OS is Windows XP Pro at current SP
Office Version is 2002 current sp level.
While using Word, one of our users will be working in her
documents and when she attempts to save the changes or
close the doc, it will give her the "This file is read-
only" error. Some times it locks up Word, sometimes it
will allow her to save it off elsewhere. This happens
sporatically and to different files.
None of the files are marked as Read Only and she has
full control permissions on all of her files.

Any ideas??

 

[Eric Shen [MSFT]]

Hi Joel,

Thank you for your post.

Since this issue happens sporadically, it may be related to the specific
condition of this file. Normally, Word will determine this kind of
read-only information based on its ownership file. This is a hidden file
located under the same folder of the Word document. It starts with ~$ and
ended with the same file name of the Word document. For example, if I have
a file named TestDoc.doc, its ownership file would possibly be ~$stDoc.doc.

Please enable "Show hidden files and folder" from "Folder Options"->"View"
to check if there is a such file for the problematic document. Normally,
this kind of file is left by a previous unsuccessful ownership release. If
this file exists, Word will think this file is being edited or accessed by
another user so it prompts you will a read-only message.

If this is not the case, please help me check the following information:

1. What's the exact error message?

2. Is this file on a network share folder or a local folder? If you are
using a network share, please try to put this file locally and check if
this issue persists.

3. Does this always happen to a specific file? I understand that this
happens to different files, but if this occurs with a single file
consistently, please send the file to me. ([email protected])

Please let me know if this solves this issue or if you need further
assistance.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Eric Shen
Product Support Services
Microsoft Corporation

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security

 

[Beth Melton]

Hi Joe,

Do you have the workstations set to AutoDisconnect?

If they are getting disconnected then Word is unable to locate a temp
file called the "Owner file". This temp file is stored in the same
location as the document and holds the user info for the person that
has the document open. Since Word has no way of determining if the
file is in use then it will use "Read only" to protect the original
file.

Here's more information on AutoDisconnect:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=297684

Please post all follow-up questions to the newsgroup. Requests for
assistance by email can not be acknowledged.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beth Melton

Word FAQ: http://mvps.org/word
TechTrax eZine: http://mousetrax.com/techtrax/
MVP FAQ site: http://mvps.org/

 

[Eric Shen [MSFT]]

Hi Joel,

Thank you for letting me know the information.

I would like to confirm one thing before we go further. If you put the file
on local hard disk to make sure no one else is accessing the file at this
same time, can this issue be reproduced? This information will help us
narrow down to see if this issue is a network driver specific issue.

I am looking forward to your reply with the detailed information. Have a
great week.

Regards,

Eric Shen
Product Support Services
Microsoft Corporation

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security

 

[Tommy Campbell - [MSFT]*]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the update!

We will be standing by, so should you need anything, please let us know.

Have a great day!

Best Regards,

Tommy Campbell, 2000 MCSA, MCSE
Microsoft Online Support Engineer
Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security
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[Tommy Campbell - [MSFT]*]

Hi Joel,

Thanks for responding!

I understand that this will take a little longer. As such we can set the
status of this thread to temp archive. When you get your test results back
then you can simply post back to this thread and we will respond.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Have a great day!

Best Regards,

Tommy Campbell, 2000 MCSA, MCSE
Microsoft Online Support Engineer
Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security
=====================================================
When responding to posts, please "Reply to Group" via
your newsreader so that others may learn and benefit
from your issue.
=====================================================
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.