How do I check what is holding on to a database?

Hi

One of my users had problem replicating his email database to the server. We found that he encountered a messange that the database is in use bu another user.

We checked the database on the server and suspected that nserver.exe was the cause (based on another thread on the R% forum). So we down the domino server and tried to open the mail file using the nlnotes.exe client. Unfortunately, we stilll got the same message. Something on the Windows 2003 is hollding on the file. Obviously rebooting the whole server helped the situation but doesn’t tell us what is the cuase. We had this problems several times this month. How do I tell what process on Windows 2003 is holding on to the nsf?

Thanks in advance.

Subject: Use Process Explorer

Download Process Explorer from www.sysinternals.comhttp://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/ProcessExplorer.mspxhttp://download.sysinternals.com/Files/ProcessExplorer.zip

Choose Find->Find Handle or Dll

type nsf in the entry box. It will show all processes that have databases open and which ones.

Subject: RE: Use Process Explorer

And just to be absolutely clear about it: This functionality of Porcess Explorer not only helps with Notes databases, but any file or dll used by any process. It just depends on what you search for.

Process Explorer even comes with the option to completely replace the pretty much lacking (by comparison) Task Manager.

Subject: Use Process Explorer - Thanks

Thanks. This sounds like a very useful tool. SHould be built in :).

Subject: RE: Use Process Explorer - Thanks

Since Microsoft has bought SysInternals … who knows …

Subject: How do I check what is holding on to a database?

The only thing I can think of is a Virus Scan program grabbing it, and maybe never letting go.

I don’t think any Windows 2003 processes grab it. However, I could be wrong.

HTH

Subject: RE: How do I check what is holding on to a database?

That was what I suspected. We excluded the notes data folder from McAffee Scan but the problem still recur.

Subject: RE: How do I check what is holding on to a database?

Sometimes a server will lock the database if a consistency check is required but typically, the message that the user receives is explanatory enough. Maybe other processes (like fixup, or compact)?

Subject: RE: How do I check what is holding on to a database?

Hmmm…

Check that the Domino server is coming down clean. Sometimes, there might be some tasks in memory that are still holding onto the database…Or maybe it just needs like 2-3 minutes after shutdown?

How are you bringing it down? Through an exit command on the console? Or through the service? If through the service, that might indicate an “unclean” bring down…

HTH