How to Check for Open Files on Novell NetWare

Last reviewed: 12/29/2011
Article ID: R10181

The information in this article applies to:

Novell NetWare Versions 6.x, 5.x, 4.x and 3.x

SUMMARY

Sometimes a workstation will lock up causing files to be erroneously flagged as being open. Generally, having the workstation log out and log back on to the network will take care of this problem. Sometimes it is difficult to determine which workstation has the files open.

MORE INFORMATION

The following information will help you determine if the file server thinks a file is open as well as determine which user has the file open.

Determining If the File Is Open

Using the filename from the error message (not STFILE.CPP or STKDFILE.CPP), go to a Command prompt and change to the directory where the file is located. For example if the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software is installed on drive F: in an STI directory, you would type the following commands at the Command prompt:

Type F: then press Enter.
Type CD\STI then press Enter.
You should be at the F:\STI> prompt.

Try renaming the file to a new name by typing REN <file name> <new file name>. For example, if the error message references the T3client.dat file you would type "REN T3client.dat T3client.old". If the file is open, you will get a message stating access is denied because of a sharing violation or that the file is in use.
If you know who has the file open, have that user log off the network. This will normally fix the problem.
If you do not know who has the file open, contact your Network Administrator and continue with the following.

Determining Who Has the File Open

Note: The following information is provided and is intended for use by the Network Administrator or person who has knowledge of loading the Monitor Screen program. Software Technology, Inc. cannot assist you in loading this program or be responsible for any problems encountered while using the Monitor Screen program.

At the File Server Console, load the Monitor screen.
Select the File Open / Lock Activity option.
Select the file in question to view the status. Information similar to the following information will be displayed. This information tells you which connection (Conn) has the file open. In the following example, connection #4 has the file open.

T3CLIENT.DAT	<File>	Conn	Task	Status
Use Count:	1	4	14	Not Locked	Not Logged
Open Count:	1
Open For Read:	1
Open For Write:	1
Deny Read:	0
Deny Write:	1
Status:	Not Locked

Determining Which User Is Associated with the Connection

Once you have identified the connection, the following steps will help you determine which user is associated with that connection.

At the File Server Console, load the Monitor screen.
Select the Connection Information option in the Monitor Screen program.
Scroll the list of Active Connections until you find the connection you are looking for. The user associated with the connection will be listed as well.
Have that user log off the network to close the file.
If the file is still open after the user logs off the network, then you will have to reset the file server.

Resources

KB Article R10028 - How to Check for Open Files on Windows

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