Mastering MS Access: Fix File Sharing Lock Count Exceeded (Error 3052) Like a Pro!

In the world of MS Access databases, users often try to share numerous files concurrently. However, when the limit of file sharing exceeds, they can encounter the dreaded error message – “file sharing lock count exceeded. Increase MaxLocksPerFile registry entry.”

This error disrupts the smooth functioning of the databases and leaves the users scratching their heads. In this blog, we will explore every aspect of Access error 3052 along with the quick fixes to solve it effectively.

So, let’s dive into the blog…

Quick Fixes:

• Check Your Network Connection
• Ensure to Correct Windows Registry Setting
• Check for Concurrent Users
• Use the SetOption Method to Temporarily Change MaxLocksPerFile
• Repair Access Database File

What Is File Sharing Lock Count Exceeded?

When Access database users exceed the limit of file sharing or try to import their data from MS Excel to Access, they may receive ‘increase maxlocksperfile registry entry’ error.

This warning message is a clear sign that the file-sharing limit is exceeded and users can’t perform this operation. However, there is a registry element known as MaxLocksPerFile entry that helps to monitor & show the maximum file-sharing limit.

What Are the Limits of Microsoft Access File-Sharing?

MS Access has certain limitations when it comes to file sharing, particularly in multi-user environments. It has a maximum file size limit of 2 GB (Gigabytes) for a single file. However, this size limitation can pose challenges when handling large datasets that exceed the storage capacity.

To avoid any glitches due to large file size, consider migrating to a more robust database management system like SQL Server, or MySQL Also, it is not advisable to share numerous files concurrently.

Common Reasons for This Error

Well, there are countless reasons for triggering this MS Access error. Here I have mentioned the most common causes:

1. Too Many Concurrent Users.
2. Incorrect Windows Registry Setting.
3. Complex Queries & Transactions in the Records/Tables.
4. Network Issues.
5. Simultaneous Database Connections.

Also Read: Microsoft Access Was Unable to Initialize the Windows Registry

How to Fix File Sharing Lock Count Exceeded. Increase Maxlocksperfile Registry Entry Access Error?

To fix this problem and to increase the maximum number of locks per file. Use one of the following methods.

Method 1- Check Your Network Connection

The most prominent reason for getting this Access error is an unstable internet connection. So, before trying any technical solution, check your internet connection.

If you are using Wi-Fi, ensure to be within the WiFi range or power OFF & ON the router to fix Access error 3052.

Method 2- Ensure to Correct Windows Registry Setting

The following steps involve registry manipulation and this affects your system adversely. So, carefully edit registry entries and make some system restore points first.

• Press Windows Key + R together this will open the run window.
• Type Regedit in Run window and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Navigate Here:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\x.0\Access Connectivity Engine\Engines\ACE (if you’re 32-bit Windows edition)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Office\x.0\Access Connectivity Engine\Engines\ACE (if you’re 64-bit Windows edition)

Substitute the placeholder x.0 with 15.0 for Outlook 2013, 14.0 for Outlook 2010, 12.0 for Outlook 2007, and 11.0 for Outlook 2003.

• In the right pane of the registry location, search for the MaxLocksPerFile named registry DWORD (REG_DWORD) whose default value is the main cause of this issue. the default value here is 9500 in the decimal base, so make a double-tap on the same DWORD to get this:

• Now in the Edit DWORD Value box, increase the Value data from default one to your requirement. Set it to 15000. But make sure the selected base is the Decimal one and click OK.
• After that close the Registry Editor and restart Windows/File Explorer to see the changes. Now try the file-sharing simultaneously and this time you won’t face any issues.

Also Read: Resolve Access Library Not Registered Error

Method 3- Check for Concurrent Users to Fix the MS Access File Sharing Lock Count Exceeded

If you are getting this Access error because too many users accessing the database simultaneously then you should limit the concurrent users.

Also, you can split the Access database to reduce the chances of lock count problems because only the back-end, which stores data, is accessed concurrently.

Method 4- Use the SetOption Method to Temporarily Change MaxLocksPerFile

Note: Codes mentioned in this post use Microsoft Data Access Objects. To run this code correctly, reference the Microsoft DAO 3.6 Object Library.

To do this, tap to the References option on the Tools menu in the Visual Basic Editor, and make sure that the Microsoft DAO 3.6 Object Library checkbox is selected properly.

Well, this SetOption method overrides the default number of locks per file temporarily.  Set the default number of locks per file when you set the MaxLocksPerFile registry key.

Set the new value by making use of the SetOption method. In this, the new value is valid until you close the DBEngine object. Here are the steps to follow this.

• Firstly you need to open Microsoft Access.
• Open database, and then press Alt+F11 to launch the Visual Basic editor.

• On the Microsoft Visual Basic -<Database Name>-[<Module Name> (Code)] window, click Immediate Windows in the View
• In Immediate Window, write down the following code:

DAO.DBEngine.SetOption dbmaxlocksperfile, 15000

• Press ENTER key to execute the line of code. Note: This temporarily sets the MaxLocksPerFile value to 15,000.

In order to process the large transactions, set the MaxLocksPerFile value to fulfill the requirement, and then run the transaction in session.

Modifications are done in the MaxLocksPerFile setting making use of the SetOption method that is only available for the current session.

Method 5- Repair Access Database File

Using a large-size database or corrupted database file can cause different errors in Access including error code 3052. In that case, you can use the Compact & Repair utility in Access to compact and repair the corrupted db file. Follow the below steps to do so:

• Launch the Access application.
• Click Templates page >> click on the Blank Database.
• Go to the File>> select Close.
• After this, click on Database Tools>> Compact and Repair Database.

• in the opened dialog box, choose the corrupt database & then Compact option.

In case, Compact & repair fails to solve the problem, you can try the automated tool- Access Repair & Recovery. This program can repair highly corrupted Access db (.mdb/.accdb) files with 100% integrity. You can even download the free demo version of this tool to preview the recovered data.

* By clicking the Download button above and installing Stellar Repair for Access (14.8 MB), I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the End User License Agreement and Privacy Policy of this site.

Also Read: Mastering Subscript Out of Range Access: The Ultimate Guide

Related FAQs:

What If Microsoft Access Database Has Reached Maximum Size?

If the Microsoft Access database has reached its maximum limit, then migrate it to a more robust database management system like SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL.

Is There Risk Associated with Modifying Registry Entries?

Yes, modifying registry entries might lead to severe database corruption or data loss.

Why Does Access File Size Grow?

Adding or updating more data in the database file or changing its design can make the file become larger.

What Preventive Measures Can I Take to Avoid This Error in The Future?

You can follow the below preventive measures to avoid this error:

1. Do not share numerous files concurrently.
2. Maintaining regular backups of the database.
3. When the Access file reaches its maximum limit, consider migrating it to a more robust DBMS.
4. Keeping software & systems up-to-date.

Conclusion

So, it’s time for a wrap-up!

Addressing the MS Access error 3052 file sharing lock count exceeded is pivotal for continuous workflow. By understanding the intricacies of this error and implementing the best practices mentioned above, you can ensure an efficient database environment.

For further queries or doubts, feel free to ask us on Twitter or Facebook.

References:

• https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/compact-and-repair-a-database-6ee60f16-aed0-40ac-bf22-85fa9f4005b2
• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/troubleshoot/access/file-sharing-lock-count-exceeded

Still having issues? Fix them with this Access repair tool:

This software repairs & restores all ACCDB/MDB objects including tables, reports, queries, records, forms, and indexes along with modules, macros, and other stuffs effectively.

1. Download Stellar Repair for Access rated Great on Cnet (download starts on this page).
2. Click Browse and Search option to locate corrupt Access database.
3. Click Repair button to repair & preview the database objects.

Pearson Willey

Pearson Willey is a website content writer and long-form content planner. Besides this, he is also an avid reader. Thus he knows very well how to write an engaging content for readers. Writing is like a growing edge for him. He loves exploring his knowledge on MS Access & sharing tech blogs.