Windows 2003 Weird "file open by another user"

[matt3681]

A few times now, all on powerpoint presentations that are shared on a network drive, a user has complained to me that she cannot open them because it tells her the typical "this file is in use by *user*"

No problem right? Well if you click on cancel and re-open the file, it opens with no error.

To take it a step further, the user that it is reporting that has the file open - doesnt. In fact, has NEVER touched the file, heck they arent even here at work!

Any ideas as to why this would happen? Its completely sporadic, and more of a nuisance than anything, but still a quirk I was wondering if anyone has come across.

 

[sirlojik]

hmmm., these are the types of things virus can cause and leave behind. you have the latest antivirus? do you have registry cleaners/fixers?

 

[matt3681]

Yes, I am running Sophos Enterprise, and this machine has never had a problem with virus infections....

I am reluctant to use registry cleaners on a server.

 

[Zelandakh]

It could be that Powerpoint is seeing the file but cannot access it due to ACL resolution taking time. Look at the permissions of both the share and the directory. Simplify them if possible and reapply if possible.

 

[TheLad]

Could it be Sophos causing the issue? Or whatever virus software you have on your desktop?

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[itsp1965]

Is it possible that there is a duplicate user SID that may be causing the problem.

 

[matt3681]

Nah, I dont think its Sophos.....no warnings from it, etc....

I dont think its a dup either. Besides, it occurs randomly - random user reported, random files...

Its very odd isnt it?

 

[downloadkid]

OK, could it be that the file is a 'template'; look in the properties of the file.

 

[matt3681]

No its not a template either, its just a regular old ppt file....