Apache OpenOffice Community Forum

First, my version and system details, in case it helps:
Apache OpenOffice 4.1.15
OS Version: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro, 64 bit, Build 18363, Installed 20200505171710.000000+060
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz, Intel64 Family 6 Model 58 Stepping 9, CPU Count: 4
Total Physical RAM: 8 GB
Graphics Card: Intel(R) HD Graphics
Hard Drives: C: 446 GB (217 GB Free); F: 465 GB (0 GB Free); G: 3725 GB (3075 GB Free); H: 3725 GB (3189 GB Free); I: 931 GB (5 GB Free); J: 2794 GB (2218 GB Free);
Motherboard: Hewlett-Packard 3397, s/n CZC3303TYS
System: Hewlett-Packard, ver HPQOEM - 1072009, s/n CZC3303TYS
Antivirus: 360 Total Security, Updated: Yes, On-Demand Scanner: Enabled
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This is a new (to me at least) issue with OpenOffice.

It has only occurred when updating the same .ods spreadsheet file, so logically the file itself has somehow become corrupted. I do have a backup .ods copy of the file and also a second backup in .xls format. I have only seen this issue when using the original .ods one that OpenOffice easily recovers - but only after rebooting the computer - so I have not yet tested the two back up files - as to date the fault has only happened three times on three successive days.

The crash takes the form of freezing up completely when I click on the disc icon to save the file, (just as a precaution), having worked on it for a fair while, and before wanting to continue updating it. All attempts to save or close the file are ignored. In the past when I couldn't even close it my solution has been to use the Task Manager to close it, then relaunch it and allow O-O's excellent recovery system to get it back, then continue.

But now it also ignores the Task Manager's command to close. Everything else on the computer is still working correctly. I can still open and use other apps, or O-O files. I can close the Task Manager window, etc. but a complete shut down and reboot is the only way to get rid of this file, (that I know of, anyway). Once back up and runnng that same file works and is usable normally.

Help and advice would be appreciated.

The first thing to try is to reset your OpenOffice user profile.
If no change, you can try LibreOffice, at least a portable version: [Tutorial] Considering a Switch from OpenOffice to LibreOffice? Some Useful Information.

It has only occurred when updating the same .ods spreadsheet file, so logically the file itself has somehow become corrupted.

Well, try determining whether that is the case:

1. Install the same version of OpenOffice on a different machine, try the same file.
2. Install a recent version of LibreOffice alongside OpenOffice, try opening the same file there.
3. Assuming (2.) doesn't cause a crash, try saving the ODS opened in LibreOffice under a different filename, and opening _that_ file in AOO.

That should hopefuly establish or rule out whether the file is the cause.

Problems were reported with Calc due to Windows installing some form of clipboard manager. Such problems did not always result from clipboard actions, but were cured by the fix below, as far as I remember (note: I do _not_ use Windows)

viewtopic.php?p=534803#p534803

Dear Hagar Delest, y epk and RoryOF. Thank you to all three of you for your swift responses. I will have a go with your suggestions and post the results as soon as I can.

Hi all three kind helpers,
As a result of looking through all your advice, and following some of the links provided, I came across references to LIbreOffice. I heard about this app long ago, but after a brief look at it at that time I got the (now obviously wrong),impression that it was just a competitor for Open Office, and that it didn't seem to be quite as good, so I just kept on with O-O. Looking at it now, together with reading the information about it, I've discovered that it is simply a successor to O-O and that unlike O-O it is still actively being developed (have just downloaded version 25.2.2). So given that L-O will load and run all my O-O files, I've made the decision to solve my problems by switching to L-O. Thank you all once again for your kindness in offering to help me. It is greatly appreciated. Alex

Thanks for the feedback.
Indeed, sad that such issue occurs but troubleshooting it is a waste of time when LO does much better out of the box.

Remember to update your User Signature information at this forum to record that you are now using LO and version you are using.

Hi Hagar,
Yes, a little sad - I've stayed loyal to Open Office for a very long time, but time changes things and I feel confident that I have made the right decision in moving over to Libre Office. Thank you again for your help and support.
I have just edited my Signature information to state that I've migrated to Libre Office 25.2.2 - hope I have done it correctly - it did confirm that my signature had been updated.
Best wishes,
Alex.

PS, I presume that there is a sister forum like this one for Libre Office? - ie. I don't post libre office queries on here?

This forum deals with OpenOffice and with LibreOffice. Look at the top of the webpage for the banner information that this is so.

Yes, LibreOffice queries are welcome here, as are queries from any source using the ODF formats.

Oops !! Thank you to LastUnicorn and RoryOF.
You know, I don't think I have ever needed to pay attention to the banner at the top - well maybe I did on the first day that I joined, some six years or so ago, but since then I just go straight to what I need to look at - is that some kind of backhanded compliment about how the site is presented and works, perhaps ?