Microsoft Access 2000 - Error "File Could Not Be Locked"?

Question

All of the users on our network can access the Access 2000 DB on the server, except for one person who keeps getting the above error, "File could not be locked".

I can also use his ID from a different PC and log in successfully.

The databased is set to "shared", not "exclusive".

He had no problems originally accessing the DB until the day that I had to
repair his Office installation to fix a problem he was having with Outlook.

I've even tried uninstalling and reinstalling office, with no success.

In order to help I need more info: What type of network do you have?
Computers are running Windows 2000, Server Running Windows 2003

Is this error message worded exactly has you have in quotes or is it really "Could not lock file"?
Error message is "file could not be locked"

Is there any reference to an error number?
No reference to any error number or a help option.

Have you tried logging in on that machine as yourself and what were the results?
No, will try that ASAP.

Have you tried opening the database from this machine under both these circumstances?
1.) The database IS NOT currently in use by someone else on the network. Tried that
2.) The database IS currently in use by someone else on the network.
Haven't tried that, but will.

Tried a few more things, all run from the original computer:

1. Using his network login and his Access login
a. With someone else also using the database at the same time: error is "could not lock file."
b. When no one else is in the database: error "file could not be locked."
2. Using his network login and my Access login: had no problem getting in to the database.
3. Using anyone else's network login: could not even get into the Access program itself. One error said that the program was not installed. Another error said that Access could not start because there is no license for it on this machine.

Answer 1

In order to help I need more info: What type of network do you have? Is this error message worded exactly has you have in quotes or is it really "Could not lock file"? Is there any reference to an error number? Have you tried logging in on that machine as yourself and what were the results?

Have you tried opening the database from this machine under both these circumstances?
1.) The database IS NOT currently in use by someone else on the network.
2.) The database IS currently in use by someone else on the network.
MORE QUESTIONS: Does this person have read-only rights to the folder on the network where the database is stored?
UPDATE: Wow. That is quite a mess. I really am not much help with Access Security, and to me, given your trial #2 above, sounds like that is where the issue may be. I would try starting with a new database and import all your objects into it. Then go into Access Security and recreating all your workgroups, permissions, etc.

Answer 2

Rather than downloading more spyware, you can just reboot your computer to close any open handles. Rebooting s hitting the problem with a sledge hammer, but sleuthing out the file handles is slightly complicated and involves downloading software. I prefer not to download software.

Answer 3

Here's a step by step of what to do when multiple users get this error message on a shared ms access database...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqeePASWKWk&feature=youtu.be