Cannot open files on network drive for editing

Issues with installing under all versions of MS Windows
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not2tech
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Joined: Sun Sep 30, 2018 10:55 pm

Cannot open files on network drive for editing

Post by not2tech »

OpenOffice 4.1.5 files on my network drive are only used by me from one laptop and one desktop. Win 7 pro sp-1 64 bit on either PC will only allow me to open a copy of OO files. Message says an unknown user has file open for editing. I have configured windows to show hidden files and folders. I do not see a locked file in the folder containing the subject OpenOffice files.
Help :roll:
OpenOffice 4.5 on Windows 7
John_Ha
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Re: cannot open files on network drive for editing

Post by John_Ha »

Welcome to the forum.

It works OK for me so it is a problem with your system.

1. Try another application like Notepad - does it open files on the disk OK?

2. right-click a .odt file which will not open > Properties. Is it Read only? Or Blocked?

As a new poster you will find much useful information in the Writer FAQ, the Writer Tutorials, the up to date Writer guide and the Writer Manual. May I suggest you bookmark the pages.

Press F1 to access the Help screen and search for your problem

The chapter headings in the manual are:

1 - Introducing Writer
2 - Setting up Writer
3 - Working with Text
4 - Formatting Pages
5 - Printing, Exporting, Faxing and E-Mailing
6 - Introduction to Styles
7 - Working with Styles
8 - Working with Graphics
9 - Working with Tables
10 - Working with Templates
11 - Using Mail Merge
12 - Tables of Contents, Indexes and Bibliographies
13 - Working with Master Documents
14 - Working with Fields
15 - Using Forms in Writer
16 - Customizing Writer – Keyboard shortcuts.

When a pop-up window opens, click the Help button for extensive help on that function - it is often more comprehensive than the manual.
LO 6.4.4.2, Windows 10 Home 64 bit

See the Writer Guide, the Writer FAQ, the Writer Tutorials and Writer for students.

Remember: Always save your Writer files as .odt files. - see here for the many reasons why.
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keme
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Re: cannot open files on network drive for editing

Post by keme »

A few other points which may shed some light on the subject:
- Has it ever worked, or have you just recently set it up?

- What platform is the network drive on? (Shared folder on one of your PCs, external network appliance - NAS, other general purpose computer set up with sharing, computer with specialised file sharing os installed - e.g.FreeNAS, usb disk connected to your router, etc.)

- What network protocol is used? (SMB, NFS, Netbios)

- Is it on a private network, at work, community (e.g. church) or public (e.g. shared network for student quarters)?

- Do you sync to cloud services?
not2tech
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Joined: Sun Sep 30, 2018 10:55 pm

Re: Cannot open files on network drive for editing

Post by not2tech »

My name says I'm not technical. I'm not, but I'm going to try and restate my problem.
I have a couple of home PCs, a desktop, and a laptop, both Win 7. Both access a network drive - a Kingston USB thumb drive, attached to a Toshiba Canvio Cast wireless adapter. I am the only user.
Most of the time, when a OO file on the network drive is accessed from either PC, I am only allowed to open a copy for editing. The error message is "Document file xxxx.ods is locked for editing by: unknown user." There is no "locked file" in the parent folder, hidden or not.
Sometimes (I don't know why) I can open and edit the same .ods file but then cannot save it because the update was not allowed.
I AM able to open, edit and save an exactly identical .xls file with Ms Office with no problems. I can open, edit and save wordpad files.
I have had similar problems using a Win 10 machine, so it's neither Win 7 or 10 problem.
I reset my OO profile. That was no help.
I will happily provide more info if not too technical.
OpenOffice 4.5 on Windows 7
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keme
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Re: Cannot open files on network drive for editing

Post by keme »

The odf file types are not listed as supported file types in the manual (p 19 in the English user manual). This may suggest that the locking method used by openoffice is not supported. (MS office uses a different locking method.) It is, however, more likely that this support listing pertains to preview capabilities in the software/chromecast context.

Did you map the device to a drive letter? See manual pp.22-23. While Windows can detect and use network devices, OpenOffice does not always handle unmapped storage devices well.

Have youtried both wireless networking modes of the Canviocast (bridge mode and station mode)? See manual p.34.
not2tech
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Joined: Sun Sep 30, 2018 10:55 pm

Re: Cannot open files on network drive for editing

Post by not2tech »

keme wrote:The odf file types are not listed as supported file types in the manual (p 19 in the English user manual). This may suggest that the locking method used by openoffice is not supported. (MS office uses a different locking method.) It is, however, more likely that this support listing pertains to preview capabilities in the software/chromecast context.

Did you map the device to a drive letter? See manual pp.22-23. While Windows can detect and use network devices, OpenOffice does not always handle unmapped storage devices well.

Have youtried both wireless networking modes of the Canviocast (bridge mode and station mode)? See manual p.34.
Yes, the drive was mapped.
No, I have not tried bridge mode.
OpenOffice 4.5 on Windows 7
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RoryOF
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Re: Cannot open files on network drive for editing

Post by RoryOF »

In OO try turning off /Tools /Options Load-Save : General : "Always create backup copy". For some reason I have never found this will permit OO files to be opened/edited on one network device on my system; with without it, I can open/edit files on the other network device.
Apache OpenOffice 4.1.15 on Xubuntu 22.04.4 LTS
not2tech
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Joined: Sun Sep 30, 2018 10:55 pm

Re: Cannot open files on network drive for editing

Post by not2tech »

RoryOF wrote:In OO try turning off /Tools /Options Load-Save : General : "Always create backup copy". For some reason I have never found this will permit OO files to be opened/edited on one network device on my system; with without it, I can open/edit files on the other network device.
Thanks, That setting is already off (unchecked).
OpenOffice 4.5 on Windows 7
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