In Microsoft Access, record-locking refers to an excellent feature that prevents manifold users from editing the same record concurrently. While this feature is crucial for maintaining data integrity, it can also cause frustration & inefficiency if not managed properly and even lead to Microsoft Access record-locking information (.ldb) issues. In this blog, I will discuss the common causes and other vital information along with the workarounds to solve it.
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What Causes MS Access Record Locking Information Issue?
There are a wide variety of reasons that can lead to this problem. Here I have listed the common factors behind it:
- The Access database is corrupted somehow.
- The record is locked by a user and any other user trying to modify the record.
- VBA code has opened a recordset and has a lock on a record.
- Two or more instances of Access applications are executing on the same PC.
- The Access application is using page record locking and has exceeded the 4k limit.
How to Fix Microsoft Access Record-Locking Information (.ldb)?
Fortunately, you can follow the below strategies for addressing record-locking problems.
In order to set the record locking option in the interface simply go to the Advanced Tab in the Options dialog box and set the options under the Default Record Locking group box:
From the shown image you can see that there are mainly 3 types of record locking options are available:
- No Locks–
No lock option is best to use when there are very small chances of having more than one user editing the same record. This locking method is also called optimistic locking.
- All Records–
Through this option, users can lock the entire table while records are being edited. The negative point of this option is that multiple users will be unable to access the database for long periods of time.
- Edit Record–
This option is most commonly used in a multi-user environment. The Edit record option ensures that access locks a record the moment a user starts the editing process and then lock is released when users save the changes. This locking method is called pessimistic locking.
Like many other settings on the Advanced tab of the Options dialog box, the Default Record Locking setting applies to access the application as a whole, and not to the database application which is opened.
So, when the user tries to edit a locked record the following error message popup to their screen.
Users can either save the changes, copy them to the Windows clipboard, or abandon the changes.
Also Read: MS Access “Can’t Create This Relationship And Enforce Referential Integrity” Issue
How to Repair Corrupted Access File?
If you are facing an Access record locking information problem due to database corruption, consider fixing it by using Access’s built-in Compact and Repair Tool.
In some cases, this built-in utility fails to work, at that time using advanced Access Repair Software can come in handy. This tool can effectively repair severely corrupted .accdb and .mdb database files and recover their data with 100% integrity.
* 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.
How Do You Lock A Form In Access?
MS Access application provides numerous ways to prevent users from inadvertently changing data on their forms. One way is to set control properties called to enable and Locked to prevent data entry.
For example:
Suppose you have created a form that is used to make changes to clients’ addresses. The first field control is a lookup field that is used to see the client’s customer number. When you select a number, the client’s name and address automatically appear in the corresponding control. However, if you don’t want that any user will make any changes to the customer name field. You can prevent users from making any changes to the field by following these below-mentioned steps:
- Open the form in Design view.
- Right-click the Name field.
- Under the Data tab, set the Locked property to Yes.
If you set the Locked Property to Yes then it will prevent users from making changes to the field but the user can still make a tab and copy to the field.
In order to prevent users from accessing the field, follow these steps:
- Open the form in Design view.
- Make the right tap to the Customer Name field.
- In the Data tab, set the Enabled property to No and then set the Locked property to Yes.
Even though you have turned off, the customer name field is still visible. So, the user can attempt to click on it. To keep users trying to work with the field at all. You can set the control so that both if the control label and its content get disabled. Follow these steps to perform this:
- Open the form in Design view.
- Make a right-click on the Customer Name field.
- Within the Data tab, set the Enabled property to No and then set the Locked property to No.
Also Read: Fix Access Forms And Reports Not Showing Image Issue
Related FAQs:
What Is File Locking and Record Locking?
File locking & record locking in Access are the same thing, except that record locking blocks access to a specified segment of the file, while file locking blocks access to a whole file.
Can I Delete Microsoft Access Record Locking Information?
Actually, if you are the last user and close your shared database after completion of your work, the lock file will automatically get deleted. But before that ensure you have a necessary right to delete it.
How Does Record-Locking Affect Database Performance?
Record-locking can cause slow performance & hindered workflow in the Access database.
How to Unlock Microsoft Office Access Record-Locking Information (.ldb)?
To unlock Microsoft Office Access record-locking information (.ldb), you have to open the database file, then navigate to go to the File tab >> Options. Now, go to the ‘Advanced’ menu >> ‘Default record locking’ and click on ‘No locks’ option.
Are There Any Alternative Database Solutions to Microsoft Access?
Yes, there are various alternative databases available to Access, such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and PostgreSQL, which may offer different features & functionalities.
Summing Up
In conclusion, the Microsoft Office Access record-locking information (.ldb) is a common issue yet a solvable problem that can have a significant impact on database performance. However, by understanding the causes and applying the effective solutions specified in this write-up, you can easily overcome record-locking challenges & unlock the full potential of your Access database.
That’s all…
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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.