Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this lesson, we will discuss how to tell whether a shared Access back end is probably in use by checking for its LACCDB or LDB lock file. I will show you how lock files work, why stale lock files can be misleading after a crash or lost connection, and how to build a simple VBA function that checks whether the back-end lock file exists before you perform maintenance or design changes.
Nathan from Boise, Idaho (a Gold Member) asks I have a split database that several people use during the day. Every so often I need to compact the shared data file, restore a backup, or make a table change, but I never know whether someone is still working in it. Sometimes Access says the file is already in use, but nobody admits to having it open, and I do not want to interrupt someone entering orders. Is there a quick way to tell whether the shared backend is actually being used before I do maintenance?
Silver Members & up get access to an Extended Cut of this video. In the extended cut, we will upgrade the function to loop through all linked tables, identify their back-end files, and check each lock file while skipping duplicate back-end paths.
MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED CUT VIDEO:
youtu.be/2Vl-hSd-3JA
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
01:38 Understanding Access Lock Files
04:17 Interpreting Lock File Status
05:15 Handling Stale Lock Files
07:19 Unbound Front End Caveat
09:01 Prerequisites
09:53 Demonstrating Backend Lock Files
11:34 Building the VBA Lock File Check
14:16 Adding the Check to the Main Menu
17:01 Checking Multiple Backend Files
17:27 Identifying Connected Workstations
19:29 Recommended Videos
20:39 Conclusion
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Dir Function: 599cd.com/Dir
Split Your Database: 599cd.com/Split
LINKS:
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Status Box: 599cd.com/Status
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FMS Total Access Monitor: 599cd.com/FMSMonitor
RECOMMENDED COURSES:
Access Developer 61 for Scripting.Dictionary: 599cd.com/ACD61
Security Seminar: 599cd.com/Security
FREE TEMPLATE DOWNLOADS:
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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Access
products.office.com/en-us/access
microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/access
KEYWORDS:
TechHelp, Access 2016, Access 2019, Access 2021, Access 2024, Access 365, Microsoft Access, MS Access, MS Access Tutorial, #msaccess, #microsoftaccess, #help, #howto, #tutorial, #learn, #lesson, #training, #database, Access lock file, LACCDB file, shared backend maintenance, split database, stale lock file, check database in use, VBA Dir function, exclusive database access, LDB file, linked tables, compact and repair, lock file workstation names
QUESTIONS:
Please feel free to post your questions or comments below. Thanks.
Live long, and prosper.
In this lesson, we will discuss how to tell whether a shared Access back end is probably in use by checking for its LACCDB or LDB lock file. I will show you how lock files work, why stale lock files can be misleading after a crash or lost connection, and how to build a simple VBA function that checks whether the back-end lock file exists before you perform maintenance or design changes.
Nathan from Boise, Idaho (a Gold Member) asks I have a split database that several people use during the day. Every so often I need to compact the shared data file, restore a backup, or make a table change, but I never know whether someone is still working in it. Sometimes Access says the file is already in use, but nobody admits to having it open, and I do not want to interrupt someone entering orders. Is there a quick way to tell whether the shared backend is actually being used before I do maintenance?
Silver Members & up get access to an Extended Cut of this video. In the extended cut, we will upgrade the function to loop through all linked tables, identify their back-end files, and check each lock file while skipping duplicate back-end paths.
MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED CUT VIDEO:
youtu.be/2Vl-hSd-3JA
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
01:38 Understanding Access Lock Files
04:17 Interpreting Lock File Status
05:15 Handling Stale Lock Files
07:19 Unbound Front End Caveat
09:01 Prerequisites
09:53 Demonstrating Backend Lock Files
11:34 Building the VBA Lock File Check
14:16 Adding the Check to the Main Menu
17:01 Checking Multiple Backend Files
17:27 Identifying Connected Workstations
19:29 Recommended Videos
20:39 Conclusion
BECOME A MEMBER:
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCl7-jJie4ifOVK87FINIuDg/join
or My Site: 599cd.com/THMember
LEARN MORE:
Logged On: 599cd.com/LoggedOn
PREREQUISITES:
Intro to VBA: 599cd.com/IntroVBA
Create Function: 599cd.com/Function
Variables: 599cd.com/Variables
String Functions: 599cd.com/StringFunctions
Dir Function: 599cd.com/Dir
Split Your Database: 599cd.com/Split
LINKS:
Dark Mode: 599cd.com/DarkMode
Status Box: 599cd.com/Status
Track Log On: 599cd.com/TrackLogon
FMS Total Access Monitor: 599cd.com/FMSMonitor
RECOMMENDED COURSES:
Access Developer 61 for Scripting.Dictionary: 599cd.com/ACD61
Security Seminar: 599cd.com/Security
FREE TEMPLATE DOWNLOADS:
TechHelp Free Templates: 599cd.com/THFree
Blank Template: 599cd.com/Blank
Contact Management: 599cd.com/Contacts
Order Entry & Invoicing: 599cd.com/Invoicing
More Access Templates: 599cd.com/AccessTemplates
DIAMOND SPONSORS:
More info on our Sponsors: 599cd.com/DiamondSponsors
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
FREE Access Beginner Level 1: 599cd.com/Free1
How to Use Access in 30 Minutes: 599cd.com/30Minutes
$1 Access Level 2: 599cd.com/1Dollar
Donate to my Tip Jar: 599cd.com/TipJar
Merch Store! Get your swag here: 599cd.com/Merch
Get on my Mailing List: 599cd.com/YTML
Contact Me: 599cd.com/Contact
TechHelp: 599cd.com/TechHelp
Consulting Help: 599cd.com/DevNet
Twitter: twitter.com/LearningAccess
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Access
products.office.com/en-us/access
microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/access
KEYWORDS:
TechHelp, Access 2016, Access 2019, Access 2021, Access 2024, Access 365, Microsoft Access, MS Access, MS Access Tutorial, #msaccess, #microsoftaccess, #help, #howto, #tutorial, #learn, #lesson, #training, #database, Access lock file, LACCDB file, shared backend maintenance, split database, stale lock file, check database in use, VBA Dir function, exclusive database access, LDB file, linked tables, compact and repair, lock file workstation names
QUESTIONS:
Please feel free to post your questions or comments below. Thanks.
Live long, and prosper.
