On Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:47:42 +0100 Hagar Delest <[email protected]> wrote:
> Hi All, > > We have had a recent discussion in the forum (after another > case) about the problem where files are replaced with only > hashes, leading to serious data loss. Is there any plan to > handle it or at least to double check the save process? > > For the record: usually after a power loss, the opened file is > wrecked and no data is recoverable. In very rare cases (I've > seen it twice IIRC), user is able to recover the last version > from the temporary files. The discussion: > http://user.services.openoffice.org/en/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=17677 > The post where I've listed more than 90 similar reports in > forums: > http://user.services.openoffice.org/en/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=17677#p81363 > The issue I'd filed: > https://issues.apache.org/ooo/show_bug.cgi?id=107847 > > NB: not sure if LibO has inherited this problem too but I guess > so according to a quick Google search: > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg19017.html > > Of course the bug is not reproducible, it happens on several > OS, with different versions but has appeared clearly end of > 2008. > > Please remember that this bug is very detrimental to the > product reputation, leading to a loss of confidence in the > code. Especially for a very basic feature. Facing say a power > loss is not usual but the original file should not be processed > until the new file is correctly written (or its temporary > version should at least be available for recovery). > > Hagar > I add my voice to Hagar's remarks. I can remember back in pre CP/M days, while working in Z80 assembler, running into a similar problem; its fix necessitated a rethink of the file saving protocol. Of course, I realise that one cannot write bomb-proof code, but one certainly ought be able to improve the situation where the last copy of a file is erased or destroyed if the power fails - a common scenario with less experienced users and laptops. -- Rory O'Farrell <[email protected]>
