Some Workplace customers have not too long ago skilled “Unknown error trying to lock file” whereas utilizing Workplace apps like Excel, Groups, OneDrive, PowerPoint, and so forth. It’s much more irritating for SharePoint enterprise customers, who depend on the service to share and edit recordsdata. On this put up, we’ll attempt to repair the Unknown error trying to lock recordsdata in Groups, Excel, OneDrive, and SharePoint. This unknown error prevents customers from accessing the file and even performing any process on it.
Groups, Excel, OneDrive, and SharePoint are important instruments for a lot of particular person and enterprise customers. The latest replace by Microsoft appears to have non permanent points that set off an unknown error trying to lock recordsdata. In some cases, the recordsdata open effectively on completely different browsers and in file desktop apps like Excel however fail in different Microsoft apps. Allow us to first take a look at the doable causes of this unknown error that’s blocking your recordsdata.
Why do I get Unknown error trying to lock file in Workplace?
There are a number of explanation why you get an unknown error trying to lock recordsdata on Groups, Excel, OneDrive, and so forth. Some of the widespread causes of this error is non permanent bugs and glitches in the Microsoft apps, particularly after an replace. Permission and Home windows safety settings or points can set off an unknown error trying to lock your file. The file may additionally be in use by one other person; this will occur in instances the place the system has saved processed and uncooked information in a sure listing construction. Community points can even set off errors when the connection is congested or not secure.
Repair Unknown error trying to lock file in Groups, Excel, OneDrive, PowerPoint
The unknown error might occur to one person or all customers or shoppers in the identical community in a company. To repair the Unknown error trying to lock file in Groups, Excel, OneDrive, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and so forth, Workplace apps use the next options;
- Carry out fundamental steps
- Clear Microsoft Workplace cache
- Revert to the earlier app model
- Tweak Protected View settings
- Reset Workplace Add Middle
Allow us to take a look at these options in element.
1] Carry out fundamental steps
Typically, the Unknown error trying to lock file will be attributable to easy glitches that may be resolved by performing fundamental steps. To repair the unknown error, carry out the next preliminary steps:
- Scan your PC for viruses and malware. In case your system or recordsdata are contaminated or attacked by malware, they is perhaps locked by Home windows safety they usually gained’t open.
- Reboot your pc and test if the problem is resolved. You may as well attempt to entry such recordsdata in the Home windows Protected Mode State.
- Exit apps which are operating in the background. Some background apps can intervene with some recordsdata or different apps, triggering points like unknown error trying to lock file in Groups, Excel, OneDrive, and so forth.
- Attempt to relaunch the affected app. For instance, in case you are getting the issue in Groups, restart the app and see if the error is resolved.
- Replace your Microsoft Workplace if there are newer variations. The brand new variations include fastened bugs and different vital options.
2] Clear Microsoft Workplace cache
The unknown error that’s trying to lock your recordsdata will be attributable to a corrupted Workplace cache that’s nonetheless saved in your system. Clearing the Workplace cache safely can drastically assist you repair unknown errors. Right here is how:
3] Revert to the earlier app model
Should you proceed to get the Unknown error trying to lock file on Groups, OneDrive, Excel, and so forth. after upgrading the app, chances are you’ll attempt to resolve the issue by reverting to the earlier model. You want to disable computerized Workplace updates after which revert to the earlier model. To revert to the earlier model in Groups, Excel, OneDrive, and so forth, comply with the steps beneath;
Change ‘Previous version ID‘ with the actual value, like 16.0.16026.20200.
NOTE: The above steps can only be applied to Click-to-Run Microsoft Office versions.
Read: The function attempted to use a name that is reserved, Error 0x80071A90
4] Tweak Protected View settings
You might be getting the unknown error trying to lock file in Teams, Excel, OneDrive, etc because Windows thinks the file or document is potentially unsafe to open or edit. In this case, you need to change the Protected View settings as follows;
- Open the document default app like Excel, Word, Powerpoint, etc by searching their name in the search box and pressing Enter.
- Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Protect View.
- Next, uncheck the box next to Enable Protected View for files located in potentially unsafe locations.
5] Reset Office Upload Center
Resetting the Microsoft Office Upload Center ensures that you delete all the cache from uploaded Office files. These caches can sometimes trigger an error that tries to lock the files. To reset the Office Upload Center, follow the steps below:
- Search Office Upload in the search box and select Open to launch the Office Upload Center.
- In the Upload Center, locate Settings and click on it.
- Locate the Cache settings and select Delete Cached files. All the cached files will be deleted.
- Next, check the box next to Delete files from the Office Document Cache when they are closed, and then select OK to complete the process.
Some users have reported that they get an Unknown error trying to lock files when they try to access files in SharePoint online Web. Let us look at this briefly.
How to fix SharePoint Unknown error trying to lock file
SharePoint is a great web application for collaboration and sharing files. If you are getting an unknown error trying to lock files while using SharePoint, try the following steps:
- Check out the file by selecting the document with the issue and clicking on the three horizontal dots, then click Check Out.
- Use the Registry Editor to create a network location. Type regedit on the Run dialog box and press Enter. Follow this path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesWebClientParameters.
- Next, right-click on an empty left-side space and click New. Rename the new value as AuthForwardServerList and hit Enter. Now, right-click on the newly created value (AuthForwardServerList ) and choose Modify. Enter the Website URL in the Value data option and select OK. Close the editor and relaunch your Webclient Service.
- Clear the browser cache. The process of clearing the browser depends on the type of browser you are using.
- Finally, you can exempt SharePoint from the Firewall security settings. Type firewall in the Windows search box to open Windows Defender Firewall. Click on Allow an app or feature through the Windows Defender Firewall option and choose Sharepoint. Check the box next to Public and Private. Hit OK to save and complete the process and restart your computer.
This should work for SharePoint users.
We hope one solution helps you to fix Unknown error trying to lock file on Teams, OneDrive, Excel, SharePoint, etc.
Fix: Excel ran out of resources while attempting to calculate one or more formulas
How do I unlock a locked Excel file for editing?
If an Excel file is locked for editing, you can unlock it by getting access from the other user, ensuring the version you are using supports co-authoring, or putting the document in SharePoint or OneDrive. Also, ensure the Excel document you are using is in the right format, ie .xlsx, .xlsm, or .xlsb.
Why does Excel say the file is locked by me?
The Excel file may say it’s locked if the person who shared it with you is at present enhancing the doc. It can be as a result of the Workplace app operating in the background has already opened the file. Another excuse could be that the Excel file is already marked ‘Final’ and you aren’t allowed to replace it. If the file is password-protected you should get the password to open it; there are not any shortcuts to it.
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