Knowledgebase & FAQs

What happens if a file is locked or in use?

When our software attempts to backup the file, if it is locked or in-use, it will skip the file. It does normally attempt to get the file again later in the backup job, but if it cannot (there are a few reasons this can happen or it won't try again), it is simply missed.

This should be a rare issue, particularly as most customers have jobs scheduled overnight, but some types of file are often overlooked.

For example, if you backup Outlook PST data, make sure you CLOSE Outlook before you leave for the day. Similarly Accounts software such as Quickbooks or Sage often has a single large file that is kept open if the software is running.

In general terms, you should close software overnight - this is the best way to ensure it is backed up and any data you've worked on is saved regardless.

If your file(s) cannot be backed up because they're locked or in use, you'll normally either receive a "Completed with Exceptions" or "Partial Backup" notification as a result.

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