IBM Support

Starting the DOORS database server results in error "Database locked by 36677@server..."

Troubleshooting


Problem

Attempts to start the IBM Rational DOORS Database Server result in the error "DOORS_DB_SERVER: -E-: Error getting exclusive lock on data: Database locked by server 36677@DOORS_servername ..."

Cause

The lock file "servdata.dtc" is written to the data directory being used by a database server.
This file prevents restricts access to the database server that created the file.

A typical scenario that would result in this type error condition would be not stopping the DOORS Database Server (DDBS) prior to taking a copy of the server data directory.

  • One of the first actions a database server completes to establish control of a designated data area is to create a lock which prevents other servers from gaining access to the files and potentially corrupting connected user data.

  • User are required to log out and the DOORS Database Server must always be stopped prior to taking a copy of production data; otherwise, interim lock files associated with data transactions may not be released and left in place at the time the data files are copied.

  • Logging users off and shutting down the database server ensures data integrity is maintained

Diagnosing The Problem

When this error message appears, use computer management system tools to open the Event Viewer.

In the Application Event Log description open the error event that corresponds to the DOORS DB Server at the time the a message is displayed:

"DOORS_DB_SERVER: -E-: Error getting exclusive lock on data: Database locked by server 36677@DOORS_servername ..."

This message indicates when the server process is starting up the attempt to acquire control of the data location failed; it indicates data files are in use.



In the message values for the port, in this case 36677, and the server name that created the lock file are shown.

Resolving The Problem

To resolve this problem, the DOORS Administrator should:

  1. Navigate to the top level directory of the server DATA location

  2. Locate the file "servdata.dtc"

  3. Remove the file or rename it to servdata.dtc.old

  4. Restart the DOORS Database Server

Note: Do not under any circumstances remove this file while the server is running or the database will be corrupted. Contact your local Support organization if in any doubt before proceeding.

Related Information

DOORS db server error

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Document Information

Modified date:
01 May 2020

UID

swg21324616

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