could not use database.mdb file already in use

[Jean-R Leonard]

Hi,
I have a database that is accessible to many users on a
network drive and many users have been able to access it
at the same time up until this week. Now when more than
one person try to get into it at the same time, we obtain
the error message "could not use database.mdb file already
in use".

Do you know what causes that problem? Can you provide a
solution?
Thanks,
J-R Léonard

 

[Joan Wild]

'until this week' - that suggests that something changed last week.
Double-check that network permissions haven't been changed for your users.
All users need modify permissions on the folder where the mdb is.

With everyone out of the database, look in the folder for a file with a ldb
extension, and delete it. Open the mdb and Compact and Repair it.

For multiuser access, you are better to split the database and give each
user a copy of the frontend on their computer, linked to the backend on the
server.

--
Joan Wild
Microsoft Access MVP

Hi,
I have a database that is accessible to many users on a
network drive and many users have been able to access it
at the same time up until this week. Now when more than
one person try to get into it at the same time, we obtain
the error message "could not use database.mdb file already
in use".

Do you know what causes that problem? Can you provide a
solution?
Thanks,
J-R Léonard

 

[Joan Wild]

Thanks for your reply.
I did compact and repaired and it worked. I am not
familiar with the front-end / back-end concept can you
direct me where I could find the necessary information to
implement the change that you recommend? Thanks
J-R

You can split your mdb into two mdb files - one contains the
tables/relationships (backend), and the other one all other objects
(frontend). The frontend is linked to the tables in the backend. The
backend is put on a server share, and a copy of the frontend is put on each
user's computer.

There is a database splitter wizard you can use (Tools, Database Utilities),
or you can do it manually.