Frequently asked question

Can multiple users access a personal geodatabase with a schema lock on it?

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Answer

Yes; for multiple users to access data in a personal geodatabase that has a schema lock on it, all users must have the same permissions for accessing the personal geodatabase. For example, if a user opening an .mdb file has write access, subsequent users with read-only permission cannot read the file. If the users with read-only permissions were to open the file first then they would be able to read it, while the user with write permission would also be able to view the file.

If all users have only read-access or if all users have write access, no problems occur. This is a limitation of the jet engine and .mdb files.

For additional information, see the link in the Related Information section for the ArcGIS Desktop Help topic 'Schema locking'.

Article ID:000006591

Software:
  • ArcMap 8 x
  • ArcMap 9 x
  • ArcReader 8 x
  • ArcReader 9 x

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