[Solved] Locked file dilemma

[Darren N]

I am about to finish my book, all 436 pages of it, and have a new PC that I edited a chapter on. The chapter is heavy in graphics so I used the new PC which has a solid state drive to make the new changes because it takes too long to do it on the older laptop.

When I was done I saved the file on my PC and then tried to open it on the laptop where all my book making application are. To my shock I can't properly open it on the laptop now unless it is a "copy."

Attached is the error message I get on the laptop.

What changes do I need to make to my PC to strip this security from my OpenOffice files?? I HAVE NO USE FOR IT! I went into all of the security options in "tools" and changed the settings but get the same results. I run a brand new Windows 8.

This is sort of an emergency as I was hoping to upload the book's files to the publisher by Tuesday, Sept 22.

Thanks in advance!!!

[FJCC]

I suspect that the "lock" file that is created automatically when the file is opened was not removed when the file was closed. Close OpenOffice, set your file system to show hidden files and look for a file like
.~.filename.odt#
in the folder where your book is stored. Delete that file.

[Darren N]

Oh good! Thanks a MILLION. Problem fixed.

I did not see that file but reopened the chapter on the PC then CLOSED the program. Now it opens on the laptop with no problem.

Now on to finish this book up!!

[RusselB]

Under normal circumstances you wouldn't see the lock file, which is why FJCC stated to set your file system to show hidden files.
That aside, the reason for your lockup is because you had the file open on a different system, while trying to open it.
Locks like what you encountered prevent multiple people from editing, though not usually viewing, the same file at the same time.