CYMA SYSTEMS DATA FILE LOCKING
CYMA Systems Support occasionally receives calls reporting that of data files are locked and work is not allowed to finish.

Usually, CYMA users can exit out of the process or program to restart again then the work can be completed. However, this is not a good solution since the work was not saved and will need to be redone. There is a need to make sure the environment (operating system of the computer) will always allow CYMA data files to perform processes without any scan, or block or lock, to stop further interferences of files being or getting locked.

Note: Sometimes, going back into the CYMA program, the process may be allowed without error.  Remember to always backup daily to secured folder or directory. The information below covers different reasons and possible solutions to keep CYMA Data Files from locking.

SMNUMBER FILE LOCKING
Each CYMA Company ID has its own smnumber file. The smnumber.dat file can get locked, scanned, or blocked when acquiring the next unique number (record number, check number, etc.) and the error message appears on screen. The only solution at this time is to stop all work to restart the process again. When successful the system processing can continue. When not successful more research is required to determine what is causing the problem.

REASONS DATA FILES GET LOCKED
CYMA Folder Shared to Network

• SHARING Permissions of main CYMA folder shared to the network is set to EVERYONE Group full control.
• The CYMA program does not have more control from environmental issues when it comes to acquiring the information with the company database smnumber.dat file.
• The locking of the smnumber.dat file can occur when not Shared correctly or some other program such as anti- virus software has locked the file.
• Note: CYMA only has control over of the Advanced Sharing Permissions set to the EVERYONE Group on the main CYMA or Upper level folder that is used for the system data path from the CYMA Server. The workstation uses the setpath.exe utility program to determine the system data path at workstation to locate the main CYMA System is installed on the network.

Antivirus Software (AV) Exclusions or Exceptions Settings

• Set exclusions or exceptions for CYMA Systems folder at server and workstation(s)
• \\servername\cyma\cyma or cyma4nfp
• C:\cyma\cyma4 or cyma4nfp
• Mapped drive such as Z:\cyma4 or cyma4nfp

Windows 10 and Later Operating Systems

• Windows 10 and later computers enable the Windows Defender program which may need to be disabled if there are other Antivirus Software program(s) installed in the computer for protection.
• Otherwise, this program may be causing the locking/blocking problem of the smnumber.dat file.
• Usually, a network technician who monitors computer settings and network settings in the specific network can take care of the problem.
• Windows 10 computers enable the SYNC Center with managing offline files may not be correctly setup then causes issues with the dynamic smnumber.dat file.
• Other Operating Systems may work without error since they are not as secured as newer operating systems such Windows 10. However, need to follow how the SHARING Permissions and AV Software Settings.

BAD PROFILE LOCKING
Windows environment user profile is a record of user-specific data that define the user's working environment. The record can include display settings, application settings, and network connections.

End User Profiles can have a problem, while having file or folder ownership, to find the problem accessing the program’s file was due to the profile somehow became corrupt.  Not only did this problem lock files and folders, but programs weren't responding the correct way or wouldn't load right.   

Note: To resolve this bad profile issue is to create two new user accounts, one standard and one admin, then copy all files from old user profile documents into new folder except for the profile settings.  After that go into with new profile and deleted the old profile.  Everything would be working great with no more locks and all the programs work again. With Windows 7 can delete the old profile as the operating system will actually copy documents from your old profile to the desktop of the new profile after allowing it. Be careful to not lose any pictures or music or projects the user has been working on.  It takes longer doing it manually, yet a good way to ensure not to lose anything.

WINDOWS SYSTEM LOCKING
Windows won’t allow to modify files that open programs have locked. When trying to delete a file and see a message that it’s open in another program, the file will have to be unlocked (or close the program). In some cases, it may not be clear which program has locked a file. Sometimes, a program or background process may have finished with a file, but not unlocked it properly when it was done. In that case, the stubborn file or folder must be unlocked in order to modify the file.

Note: Unlocking certain files and deleting them can cause problems with open programs. Don’t unlock and delete files that should remain locked, including Windows system files.

ADDITIONAL SETTINGS FOR EXCLUSIONS
FIREWALLS
Firewalls that need to open on the server or workstation(s) can have Ports opened to allow the CYMA system to properly acquire its data and not interfere or lock files.

Note: The information may not be needed if there is no Smart Firewall or Server’s Firewall that has been disabled.

The Advanced Settings for the Firewall Ports can be set have to Ports opened:

• Firewall on the clients (to enable: new rule for incoming and outgoing)
• Firewall on the server (to enable: new rule for incoming and outgoing)

Open (enable) Firewall Ports, create new rules for incoming and outgoing for:

• 3351 for the transactional interface (main port used by Pervasive services) can be named: PSQL
• 1583 for the PSQL relational interface can be named: PSQL PCC
• 137-139 for TCP named pipes can be named: PSQL TCP

GROUP POLICY OBJECT (GPO) LOCKING
Windows 10 computers can get File Locking due to how GPO settings are done in the network. If the network is using GPO for mapped network drives to reconnect then review the following information:

• Windows 10 has known issue for GPO Mapped Network Drives set to “Replace” instead of “Create”.
• Note: Windows 10 behind the processes remaps network drives about every 4 hours. The GPO needs to have proper setting to allow the file or folder permissions to be the correct.

If you have worked through these steps or require additional assistance with data files locking, please contact CYMA at 800-292-2962.