Single user access

[GHarknessCPA]

A client tells me she is trying to do a backup from within Peachtree, and gets this message: You are attempting to perform a process to your company that requires single user access. Please try again when no other users are accessing Peachtree Accounting.

She's using Peachtree Complete Version 8 and all other users' machines are shut down. She does not have Fixed Assets open...in short, no other access is open to Peachtree.

Suggestions? And thanks.

[Deborah Bean]

This message is common when the user's machine has crashed Peachtree, but allows the user to still re-open the program. Have the client reboot the machine and the instance should resolve itself. If this is a network install, you may need to rebbot the server also.

[GHarknessCPA]

Thank you for the suggestion. Do you think that there are any other circumstances when this error message might occur? I ask that because I am pretty sure (I will check) that she had this message yesterday afternoon and turned off the computer system (all of it) when she left, and booted up fresh today, and the message still occurs.

Thank you.

[dringstrom]

This can occur if you're using Dynamic Data Exchange with Peachtree, such as an Excel spreadsheet that links to Peachtree via DDE, that hasn't terminated the conversation. I doubt that's the case in your situation, though. Most likely, something is causing Peachtree to crash, then the user simply relaunches Peachtree without rebooting.

[Greg Lawrence]

I also get the 'single user access error message' quite often and it is extremely annoying to have to reboot. The problem does not seem to be related to crashing Peachtree, even though that happens much more often than I think it should. The problem does seem to be related to exporting data to an Excel spreadsheet. I really think there should be a better way to regain access than rebooting the computer. As you can probably tell, after 18 months of using Peachtree I am not exactly a satisfied customer.

[Greg Lawrence]

I also get the 'single user access error message' quite often and it is extremely annoying to have to reboot. The problem does not seem to be related to crashing Peachtree, even though that happens much more often than I think it should. The problem does seem to be related to exporting data to an Excel spreadsheet. I really think there should be a better way to regain access than rebooting the computer. As you can probably tell, after 18 months of using Peachtree I am not exactly a satisfied customer.

[dringstrom]

What version of Peachtree are you using? I only experience this problem when the software crashes.

[Greg Lawrence]

I have version 8.0.03.046. Like I said, I get the message regularly, we have 5 users using Windows 98 networking through a hub, no dedicated network server. The Peachtree data files reside on my hard drive so I guess that makes my computer the server for Peachtree purposes. I get the error message practically every time I backup (weekly) and change the accounting period. Is there something the other users should do besides just closing Peachtree on the other computers. When I get the message, I check the other computers to see if someone else has Peachtree open, if they did, simply closing Peachtree used to solve the problem. Now, after some updates, I always have to reboot to backup or change the accounting period. It could be a network problem of some kind, Peachtree is the only software we have that is multi-user. When Peachtree crashes (locks up, doesn't respond, hangs, etc.) it almost always involves rebooting that particular computer, but not my Peachtree server. Thanks for your interest. I am new to the forum, I have viewed some of your other postings and they have been helpful.

[dringstrom]

Thanks for the feedback! Regarding your issues, you've installed all the latest patches for 8, which is a great starting point. However, have you installed the version 7.0 registry update available from http://www.peachtree.com/html/PCW_product_update.cfm? This should be installed on every machine. I can't guarantee that it will solve your issue, but it's the next logical step in the process of elmination that's required to clear issues like yours. Even though it's for version 7, the benefits also carry over to version 8.

[Deborah Bean]

David, are the Registry updates for Version 7 needed for later versions? I thought they were included in the new versions.

[dringstrom]

My understanding is that they're needed for 7 or 8, but not 9/Peachtree 2002.

[Jacky Tse]

The reason why the registry update applies to Peachtree 7 and higher because they're all using the same btrieve version. Actually the update is to optimise your btrieve network performance and stability. So, it's a good idea to apply.

[Greg Lawrence]

I installed the registry update as David suggested. I started a backup, encountered the 'single user access' message, located another computer on the network that had Peachtree open. After closing Peachtree on that computer I was able to complete the backup without rebooting. It appears that the registry update helped. Backing up after using Excel without rebooting is the next hurdle. Thanks, David. ANow if someone could please help with my paycheck stub info post.

[ray125]

My opinion only!! don't take this seriously cause I don't!!

Peachtree has it's own logon - logoff setup in the application, it doesn't let the OS know when you logoff peachtree as it does not use win2k winlogon service to control the process. the way I see this is when I get the error, I go to my server and look at open files in admintools.computermanagement.openfiles, usually status.1 or whatever user it crashed on is open, I close it and bang it works. I would not classify your problem as a crash, the software is designed to run in multi and single mode.. in single user mode with admin privlages it works as it's designed. When Best has to change it they will (maybe a microsoft update will force newer btrieve, integrated security ect.. it's nice to dream, but for now they will milk that 10 year old design.) The Rebooting is not required, there is an open instance, when you logoff that closes the session and all open files, other causes are possable.. bad network setup, tsunami ect.. those are more likely..

ray125

[raykel1]

Just hit Ctrl + ALT+ DELETE (Task Manager).......
Go to your processes tab and end task on W32MKDE.exe ....
then try it again. Works 99% of the time

[kentcrane]

I have found that for whatever reason, if the company directory contains LCK files, (Lock Files) you will not be able to perform certain tasks and you will get an error message that says something like 'Task cannot be completed because it is a single user task and another user is in the company'.

If all users are out of Peachtree, LCK files should not be present when viewing the list of company files. If they are present, they must be deleted. Make sure all instances of Peachtree are closed. From the computer that holds your company data, back everything up in case you make a mistake, then delete the LCK files. If the files are present and you are unable to delete them, click on My Computer/Manage/Shared Folder/Open Files. From here you can force the files to close. After force closing the files, go back and delete the files. Re-boot the computer where the deletions were made. Review the folder containing the company data to confirm that all the LCK files are gone. Re-start Peachtree and you should be able to access all the functions.

[rick Prindivill]

You did not state the Version of Peachtree being used. The LCK files are Btreive Lock files and are typically always present.

If you are using Peachtree 2006 or older, then click on START and RUN, type the followind command - CONFIG.NT and use NOTEPAD to open this file. Scroll to the last line and change the default setting from FILES = 40 to read FILES = 199 on a standalone or workstation and FILES = 250 on the Host or Server. Do not exceed FILES = 255, as Windows will not respect any value higher and as such it will not help to resolve your problem.

Also, be sure to defrag all hard drives, starting with the Server or Host computer using Peachtree. Also search for all files using a TMP file extension and delete them.