Member Avatar for danellkupner

Hi, we have an issue where we edit the project file which is stored in a sharepoint document library and then when we try to save it comes up saying the file is locked and cannot be saved, we then have to save a copy, this issue is intermittent but a nuisance...

We do not have the issue when editing in the office, only when connected through vpn...

thanks in advance

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Seen this a lot with Project 2010 + SharePoint libraries, and it usually is not file corruption. Over VPN, a brief drop can orphan the WebDAV/Upload Center lock, so Project reports the MPP is locked until SharePoint clears it. is right that this has been around for years; ’s load-balancing comment matches the symptom when the client’s session shifts mid-save.

Try this workflow and checks:

  • Open the MPP from Project via SharePoint (File > Open > SharePoint or use the library’s Open in Project). Avoid mapped drives/Explorer when on VPN; the native client integration is more reliable than raw WebDAV. (support.microsoft.com)
  • Check the file out before editing and check it in when done. If someone else has it checked out, you can see and discard a stale check-out from the library. (support.microsoft.com)
  • If the library requires check-out, know that it disables co-authoring; decide whether that setting helps or hurts your team’s flow. (support.microsoft.com)
  • Clear the Office Upload Center cache and, while testing, enable “Delete files from the Office Document Cache when they are closed.” This often clears stuck locks after a flaky VPN hop. (support.microsoft.com)
  • Make sure the Windows WebClient service (used for WebDAV/SharePoint integration) is running and set to Automatic. If needed, restart it:
sc query WebClient
sc config WebClient start= auto
net stop WebClient && net start WebClient

This fixes a surprising number of SharePoint save/open oddities. (learn.microsoft.com)

  • Add the SharePoint URL to Trusted Sites on the client; it can be the difference between read-only and editable opens with legacy Office/IE auth. (sharepoint.stackexchange.com)

If a lock persists after a VPN hiccup, discard the check-out from the library, then reopen and save again. Also watch the Upload Center for “pending upload” items and click Upload All to flush them before disconnecting. (support.microsoft.com)

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Member Avatar for rproffitt

Remember this bug has been kicking around for years.

Microsoft seems to think it's OK for systems to work 99% of the time (some say less.) There is a small clue in that search but I can't tell exactly what open options you have on Project.

Member Avatar for Bilal_3

I got same problem eith VPN but without VPN it is working. Sometimes, on VPN there is load balancing and your file divide and send to server and server did not permit it.

Member Avatar for millieowen

Restoring the Database - you may use this huge guide, but if don't want or it is ineffective visit following sources where you can get various tips short, long and etc. Last one is dedicated only for complicated sql database corruptions


https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/52a4d505-ffa9-4eb4-8948-64ad16a0ef47/cant-open-ms-project-file?forum=projectserver2010general
https://onlinefilerepair.com/en/project-repair-online.html

Re-create a whole new file from the corrupted/bloated file:
1. Open a new blank project file
2. Go to Insert/Project and insert the problem file.
3. Select the first task which will be the insertion point summary line.
4. Go to Project/Task Information/Advanced tab.
5. Uncheck the "Link to Project" button and hit "OK".
6. If the file isn't already expanded, expand it.
7. Select all tasks below the top level summary line.
8. Outdent the selected tasks.
9. Delete the first task which previously was a summary line.
10. Save the resulting file.

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