Selecting a Database

When you select a database, the number of existing records is shown. It also states if the database is locked.

If the database is locked, it cannot be accessed by any user until the Administrator unlocks it.

To lock a database use the option Utilities->Lock Database in the start menu of ABCD.

Only the System Administrator or the Database Administrator can lock or unlock databases.

Another reason for a database being locked is a possible mistake created when manipulating it, for example, if the process of creating an inverted list is unfinished, or if there is a mistake in the FST when you try to update a record. This situation is also announced when you open the database. In the latter case, because the database was locked by an Administrator, it will be necessary to first unlock the database and then the records through the utilities' menu associated with the button “Utilities” of the tool bar available for the cataloging process.

Locked records are generally produced during the data entry operation. That is: when a user requests a record to modify, it is locked to avoid unwanted changes by another user. When the record is updated, it is unlocked and made available for the rest of the users.

If the updating cycle doesn't finish, that is, if the record is not modified or if the editing is cancelled (buttons Save or Cancel of the tool bar), the record will remain locked for some time (4 hours) to the rest of the users.

There are two ways to unlock a record before the mentioned time expires:

1. The user who locked the record can free (or unlock) it by either updating, editing or cancelling its editing.

2. Using the option “Unlock records” available in the Utilities menu in the tool bar. Only the System Administrator or the Administrator of the Database has access to this option.