How do I delete an open file?

[Twodogs]

I have a small problem where a 3rd party MS Access (97) application is running on a server and occassionally the .ldb file remains when all users are logged off. In order for us to carry out some processes, we need to be able to start the MS Access front end in single-user (exclusive) mode, but this is not possible while the .ldb file remains.

Rebooting the server is an absolute last resort, and does kill whatever it is that is holding the .ldb open and preventing it from being deleted, however I would like to write something that will forcibly delete this .ldb file, so we can do the backup/purge etc.

I did try to get through a change to have the server rebooted on a nightly basis, but that didn't get through our change control process. Had to write a 23 page doc explaining why we need to be able to delete this file etc etc, so I'm pretty much over it at the moment, however I *still* have to be able to delete this file, preferably without rebooting the server.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated - by the way, I'm thinking that I might be able to find the file-handle thru VB, the kill that etc etc.
cheers
niall

[dglienna]

Access 97? If you ever have more than 5 users, you're asking for trouble.

I'd use SQL Express...

[HanneSThEGreaT]

Perhaps this will help you :

http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.p...light=kill+ldb

[WoF]

This looks helpful, Hannes.
However, as I recall there is a freeware called "Unlocker" available in the web, somewhere.
I had id installed for being able to delete files which where accidentally held open by some unwanted process or other. It seems to work good.

[DataMiser]

Looked at the linked thread it appears that the user having the problem was using DAO for his data access rather than ADO. Which is not uncommon with Access 97.

[dglienna]

Delete the LDB file, if the DB is really closed, but if it's NOT, you can lose your data...