Question : The database has been placed in a state by user <name> on machine <name> that prevents it from being opened or locked.

Hello,

I have a simple database, with a few related tables, and some data entry forms.

It is stored on a shared drive network drive, and many of us access it at the same time.  We all use Access 2002.  There is no additional Access security (no logons, etc).

At any given moment, 5 people may have it open, editing various records.

However, there are some times when we are not able to open the database.  Instead we get this message:

"The database has been placed in a state by user on machine that prevents it from being opened or locked."

Help also says "This error occurs when the new passive shutdown/connection control is being used. This error message indicates that a user set the database in a mode that will prevent other users from opening it."

The one user who occassionally causes this problem is right down the hall from me.  They seem to open the database just like the rest of us, use the standard forms, etc.  How can I find out what they are doing that causes the database to lock, so nobody can even open it?

Answer : The database has been placed in a state by user <name> on machine <name> that prevents it from being opened or locked.

(Wild guess)  On their pc, find the shortcut they use to open the app, dor a right-click:Properties, and in the Target textbox make sure you don't see /excl at the end.

Also, if they have a front-end .mdb, open it, go to Tools:Options, Advanced tab, and make sure 'Default Open Mode' is not set to Exclusive.