ACC97: "File Already in Use" Error Message When You Share an Access 97 Database on a Windows 2000 Server-Based Computer (308633)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Access 97

This article was previously published under Q308633
Advanced: Requires expert coding, interoperability, and multiuser skills.

SYMPTOMS

On a computer that runs Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, when a second user tries to open an Access 97 database (an .mdb file) that you share, the following error message may appear:
Couldn't use database path. File already in use.

CAUSE

This issue can occur if the user does not have appropriate permissions to the shared folder where the .mdb file resides. In Windows 2000 Server, this can happen if the second user is a member of the Users group. By default, the Users group for Windows 2000 Server has Read-Only permissions to the share where the .mdb file resides. As a result, Access 97 cannot create the .ldb file that is necessary for the user to use the shared .mdb file.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, grant the Users group the appropriate permissions to the folder where the .mdb file resides:
  1. Make sure that no other user has the database open.
  2. Under the permissions for the folder, remove all groups except those for which you plan to grant explicit permissions.
  3. Grant the Users group Read, Write, Create, and Delete permissions for the folder.
  4. If an .ldb file still exists in the folder where the .mdb file resides, delete the .ldb file.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about permissions and .ldb files, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

136128 ACC: Introduction to .ldb Files (95/97)


Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/26/2003
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb kbSecurity KB308633