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"This file is locked for editing" Why can I not open my own file in my own dropbox?

Several files that were created by me and stored within my dropbox now come up with the message "This file is locked for editing" followed by name of file, followed by "You can open the file as read-only". Yet all other folders and files are fine. Please advise.

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Rick_M

Based on your evidence you should submit a ticket at www.dropbox.com/support

Meanwhile you could try an older version of DB if you are now running 3.20.1

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Rick_M

You have to close the program that is editing the file. This is an OS issue, not a DB issue.

Christopher L.5

Hi Rick. When you say "You have to close the program that is editing the file" The file was created in Microsoft Excel so do you mean I should close that and then try again?

Rick_M

Yes, and let the file "sync' before reopening. I have even seen people double click on excel and not realize they have two open instances because one window conceals the other window.

http://www.amsys.co.uk/2014/03/word-excel-powerpoint-file-locked-editing/

Note that dropbox does not sync temp files.

John H.103

I have two computers, a Lenovo Laptop (windows) and an IMac. I can update files only on the Lenovo. When I try to use the IMac I always get the "This file is locked for editing" message and can only use the "read only" option.

John H.103

regarding the above "read only" problem - does anyone have a solution?

Rick_M

The file "lock" is not AFIK "sync'd" by dropbox. Turn off computer power and try again.

John H.103

I've turned off computer power to both devices more than once. This is not the solution. Anything else you can suggest?

Rick_M

Reboot sometimes removes spurious locks. Not today. It DOES sound like some program opens at startup and opens the file (possible as an MRU - most recently used) for editing. IOW it is an OS problem, not a DB problem.

Paul M.1

Funny that it's an OS issue but if you end the dropbox task and open the file it is no longer locked. After a period of time it locks it again and again if you end dropbox it clears the lock. Sounds more like a dropbox bug to me - perhaps related to the dropbox collaboration feature.

Rick_M

Based on your evidence you should submit a ticket at www.dropbox.com/support

Meanwhile you could try an older version of DB if you are now running 3.20.1

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