File Locked by Another User 1

[JDFrench]

While performing a directory backup tape in VMS 7.1, I have a single file that does not get backed-up. When I then try to edit (EDT) the file, I get the message 'that the file is locked by another user'. If I wait a while, continue to try to edit the file, eventually the file will become editable and a successful backup tape can be produced.
What is going on? There are no other users on this standalone computer so I'm assuming another process or application is accessing this file.
What can be done prior to backing-up this directory that will ensure all files within the directory are accessable and can be safely backed-up to tape.

JDFrench

 

[KIRBY2000]

What is the file name and location?

On the backup command line enter the qualifier:
/IGNORE=INTERLOCK

This will save or copy files currently open for write.
You will need the privilage SYSPRV or ownership of the
volume.

 

[JDFrench]

Kirby2000

The file name is INFDEF.HRS and is located in the 4,252 directory.

Our system has redundant ALPHA processors and I'm trying to backup the 4,252 directory on the off-line processor without halting it's standby operations.

The /ignore=interlock qualifier is not listed in the help files. Does this mean this qualifier is not available for use?

I tried the /ignore=interlock qualifier and I got a message saying it didn't recognize ignore.

 

[KIRBY2000]

The /IGNORE qualifier qualifier has been around
long prior to OpenVMS 7.1

Try the HELP again:
Type HELP BACKUP
then press RETURN until it says "BACKUP sub topic?"
(at this point it should display the qualifiers)
then type "/IGNORE"

Does your backup command look something like:
BACKUP/IGNORE=INTERLOCK {inputspec} $TAPEx:..../SAVE_SET

 

[BobGezelter]

JD,

First, a question. Exactly what command are you using when you attempt to "backup the directory"?

There are often many background processes running on a system. To find out who is using the file, use the command SHOW DEVICE <devicename>/FILES where <devicename> is the name of the disk where the file is stored. The display will show the ProcessID of the process that is using the file. You can then use the SHOW SYSTEM command.

When you say "redundant Alpha processors" what exactly do you mean? Are both processors part of an OpenVMS Cluster?

I would not generally recommend the use of /IGNORE=INTERLOCK unless the use of the file is VERY WELL understood, it can produce useless backup sets, namely files that are inconsistent.

I look forward to your clarifications.

- Bob Gezelter, CSA, CSE

Robert "Bob" Gezelter,

http://www.rlgsc.com

 

[JDFrench]

BobGezelter,
The two redundant ALPHA processors are part of a telephone switch. The processors are not part of a cluster.

We normally use an @Backup command at a X-Windows maintenance terminal. The @Backup command uses the Backup.com file which is as follows:

$IF P1.EQS.""THEN INQUIRE P1 TAPE_LABEL
$!SHOWSYM P1
$TAPE_ID=P1
$!SHOW SYM TAPE_ID
$INIT MKA500: 'TAPE_ID'
$BACKUP/LOG/VER DKA300:[ALPHASDS.004252]*.* MKA500:'TAPE_ID'/SAVE
$DISMOUNT MKA500:

The INFDEF file is an interface definition file. The file has a copy of all the telephone switch's support interfaces (telephone user configuration information). As changes are made to the interfaces (phone numbers, hotlines, conference settings), they are updated within this file. At the same time, in an identical file, on the redundant processor, the same updates are applied. When we are attempting to backup this directory no changes have occured for hours or even days.

Bob, I hope this did not muddy the waters more?

JDFrench

 

[KIRBY2000]

The IGNORE=INTERLOCK was a bad idea for creating
a good copy of this file!

Could we do a disk to disk backup of the directory.
If successful, backup the disk copy to tape.

Such as:

$! backup to disk
$BACKUP/LOG/NEW/IGNORE=INTER DKA300:[ALPHASDS.004252]*.*  DKA300:[BACKUP.ALPHASDS.004252]
$!
$ If $SEVERITY .eq. 1 then goto TOTAPE		!1=SUCCESS, 0=WARNING...
$!
$PURGE/LOG DKA300:[BACKUP.ALPHASDS.004252]	!
$!resubmit as batch job to run again an hour from now or when ever
$EXIT
$!
$TOTAPE:
$PURGE/LOG DKA300:[BACKUP.ALPHASDS.004252]	!
$! tape backup commands here
$!...
$!...
$!resubmit as batch job to run again tomorrow, tonight or when ever

Thanks, Glen

 

[JDFrench]

All,
BobGezelter happened upon a good approach. I indeed ran Show Device/Files and discovered the file in question (INFDEF) being accessed by a DBU task. In fact it was the last task/file listed.
Knowing a little about how our switch software works I knew this late DBU task was not right. I copied the order of Mail Buffers within our SDSSYS file to match those in another properly functioning telephone switch.
I then performed a STOPSDS, then STARTSDS and now the INFDEF file is not being accessed by the DBU task.
I can, so far perform a normal directory tape backup. This seems to have fixed the problem.
Thanks for your inputs. It is so helpful to bump these strange problems against someone else.

JDFrench

 

[BobGezelter]

JDFrench,

Glad to be of assistance.

- Bob

Robert "Bob" Gezelter,

http://www.rlgsc.com

 

[KIRBY2000]

I also thank you Bob. I have to review my use of
/IGNORE=INTERLOCK

I see your name alot on OpenVMS.ORG


JDFrench,

If you run the backup daily, you still may
want to look at running it in batch and automatically
resubmit itself when complete.

Set it to run after 12:00pm.
Just check the prior log file for normal completion and insert a new tape.

Example:

$ SUBMIT /NOPRINTER /LOG=DKA300:[xxx]BACKUP.LIS - 
/AFTER=TOMORROW+:01 -
/USER=SYSTEM DKA300:[xxx]AUTOBACKUP.COM

Place your backup commands and the SUBMIT command
in the AUTOBACKUP.COM file.
Also, in the system startup you will have to check if the
batch process is pending or needs to be submitted.

 

[BobGezelter]

Kirby2000,

You are welcome. I try to contribute to the community as my time allows.

I also contribute to Tek-tips and other forums. I appreciate the feedback that my writings have been informative and useful.

In addition to my consulting practice, I often write articles for OpenVMS.org and other publications (see the list at

http://www.rlgsc.com/publications.html)

and speak on behalf of ENCOMPASS (formerly DECUS), IEEE, and other organizations (see

http://www.rlgsc.com/presentations.html).

My best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!

- Bob

Robert "Bob" Gezelter,

http://www.rlgsc.com