Dimitrios, Gnucash create a lock file with tthe extension ".LCK" in the same directory as the datafile whenever a computer has the data file open. Gnucash checks for the presence of that datafile and will report the that the file can't be opened if another computer has the file open for read/write. Gnucash is not setup for simultaneous accessfrom more than one computer although that is a long term goal but not a particularly high priority at this stage until record level locking is implemented rather than file levelas at present. Are you trying to open the file simultaeously on both computers. If so you will have to close it on the other computer before you can open it. There is a risk of corrupting the datafile if you do access it from both compauters simultaeously.Gnucash deletes the ".LCK" file when it closes normally. It can de left on the drive if GnuCash exits abnormally. The startup in GnuCash usually has a popup, if the LCK file is present, allowing you to open the file read only, over ride the LCK file (at your peril), create a new file or open another file.
I have been using GnuCash on multiple computers (Linux) using Dropbox since around 2015 with no problem other than that limitation to not have the file open at the same time. David On Sun, 2026-04-05 at 12:00 +0300, Dimitrios Dalagiorgos wrote: > Dear all, > > I have two laptops. Both are configured to use OneDrive and Dropbox. > > I used to save my .gnucash file on a Dropbox folder and as long as I > used > only Laptop A, everything worked fine. > > When I open the same file from Dropbox on Laptop B, make a change, > and try > to save it, I get the following error message: > > Gnucash could not write to [path]. That database may be on a read- > only file > > system, you may not have write permission for the directory or your > > anti-virus softare is preventing this action. > > > Saving works only on a local folder, e.g. Documents, or Desktop. > Trying to > save it on OneDrive, or Dropbox, even with a different filename, > doesn't > work. > > I don't understand why. > > Laptop A runs Windows 10. Laptop B runs Windows 11. > > Any ideas? > > Dimitrios > _______________________________________________ > gnucash-user mailing list > [email protected] > To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: > https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user > ----- > Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. > You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All. -- David Cousens _______________________________________________ gnucash-user mailing list [email protected] To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user ----- Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
