I am running a file server on Windows Server 2016 with ~15 users. One user has a lot of difficulty accessing files on the shared drive. The following occurs:
-
Many (sometimes all) files are locked and the user gets a popup that "Another user" is using the file — the other user is never named. I am absolutely sure that the files are not being used by another user.
-
When checking Open Files and Sessions on the file server using Computer Management, the user will often have 20+ open files and two active sessions. These will not disappear when the file is closed nor when logging out/in.
-
In order to regain access to files, the only temporary solution has been to manually close open files and sessions from the server side.
Why is the lock not being removed on files, and is there a more permanent solution?
Best Answer
The locks can be made by Windows Explorer, that tries to preview content of files when folder opened. In past, i has problems with pdf files, so i change pdf viewer application to another and problem gone. Worth checking for presenting different applications on user PCs like system-level backup or cloud syncing. Also try sysinternals Process explorer to track used file handles