Topic: Files on server lock or aren't released after use

[weblance]

Hi,

I'm experiencing some issues with some files on my server. The files are some Excel files opened from workstations on the network. The problem is that the aren't released when closed so that others can edit them afterwards. For example: I open an Excel file on the server from my desktop pc, edit the file and close it. Then another user opens the same file, but get the message that the file is locked from editing by me.

The problems is on and off. Sometimes it doesn't occur a whole day and sometimes it occurs several times a day. The problem is solved if I reboot the computer.

/Carl

[Stefano]

the problem is, IMHO, excel

[weblance]

the problem is, IMHO, excel

You're probably right! But any ideas how to solve this? It's happened a lot lately

[Stefano]

try to use OpenOffice just for a test..

[piran]

Then another user opens the same file, but get the message that the file is locked from editing by me.

Your temp/cache stuff is holding on too long?
So, restart Excel and/or open a different doc to
precipitate the dropping of any aged file locking.
Used to happen in the old days... presumably it
still does or you've still got the old stuff running.
(I haven't used Excel in well over a decade)

[mmccarn]

You might try disabling 'oplocks' on the affected ibay.

SME reference for changing oplocks setting:
http://wiki.contribs.org/DB_Variables_Configuration#Samba_global_settings_.28smbd.29

More info on oplocks:
http://oreilly.com/catalog/samba/chapter/book/ch05_05.html
http://www.superbase.com/services_tech_support_oplocks.htm

[MSmith]

OP has omitted mentioning changes to SME server and/or network ... did this start occurring after a big SME update, or perhaps an "upgrade" to the network's Excel version(s)?  New antivirus?  New Windows OS?  What changed?

[weblance]

OP has omitted mentioning changes to SME server and/or network ... did this start occurring after a big SME update, or perhaps an "upgrade" to the network's Excel version(s)?  New antivirus?  New Windows OS?  What changed?

There has not been any changes to the server, network, Excel, antivirus, OS or other things that can/will affect the system. I'm a little afraid that there might be something wrong with the server hardware, but I can't see what it would be.

Is it possible for Linux to build up a cache that isn't automatically cleaned and will create somekind of buffer overrun?

[purvis]

i agree with that it is probably an oplocks issue

on all my data servers, i did this

Create a directory on the sme server name "/etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/smb.conf/"

use the command below
mkdir /etc/e-smith/templates-custom/etc/smb.conf/

Create a file named "11oplocks" in the directory above and place the single line below on line 2, leaving lines 1 and 3 blank.

Code: [Select]

veto oplock files = /*.EXE/*.JCL/FS??A.III/AM??M.III/FS??C.III/FS??L.CCC/FS??PY.CCC/FS??RB.CCC/FS??MO.CCC/FS??PP.CCC/FS??WK.CCC/FS??Q.CCC/FS??MA.CCC/AP*.CCC/AM*.CCC/PD*.CCC/PR*.CCC/FS??CK?.CCC/FS??MS.CCC/FS??MC.CCC/FS??UR.CCC/*.WPD/*.123/*.DOC/*.SEC/


[axessit]

Had a similar problem today on a server running a dedicated software package (SAM) that uses some database method (uses TPS extension files). Anyway, this has happened once before on this site - when users go to backup the software using that packages's utility, it says 'access denied - make sure all users are logged out' which they are, and the software reports no active users. I rang their support helpline and they said reboot the server. I never found out which file was locked, other than perhaps trial and error on 170 files - no thanks. I did arrange to reboot the server during lunchtime, and this fixed it, but I would like to know if I can find the offending 'open' file and be able to close it, like the M$ one in server 2003.

[mdo]

Have a look at the Samba command line tool 'smbstatus' to find out what users are active and especially, what files are in use by what user.

[axessit]

Brilliant. That's exactly what I need.