Q92439: PC DB: Preventing .KEY Files from Locking Up on Networks

Article: Q92439
Product(s): Microsoft Mail For PC Networks
Version(s): WINDOWS:2.1x,3.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 28-OCT-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Mail for PC Networks, versions 2.1x, 3.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

With version 2.1x or 3.0 of Microsoft Mail for PC Networks, your .KEY file may
become locked open, causing your computer to stop responding (hang). This may
happen when a network error occurs on your workstation while you have a Mail
client minimized or in the background that does not use the Mail Message File
(.MMF) format. For example, Microsoft Mail for Windows, version 2.1x, Microsoft
Mail for MS-DOS, and Microsoft Mail for AppleTalk Networks do not use the .MMF
format.

CAUSE
=====

It is likely that Microsoft Mail was in the process of polling for new mail. By
default, when Microsoft Mail polls for new mail, it opens the key file. If a
network error occurs, the key file may become locked open when the network
operating system experiences a network fault on a file that, by default, lacks
sharable attributes.

RESOLUTION
==========

To resolve the problem, you need to change the network security attributes on
the key files. The exact nature of the change depends on which network operating
system you use. In Novell NetWare versions 2.1x through 3.11, you need to break
the connection that is holding the key file open, and then place read (r), write
(w), and sharable (s) attributes on all existing key files by using the NetWare
FLAG command. The syntax is as follows:

     FLAG *.* srw

By default, the key files have only read and write attributes. When you add a new
user to your Microsoft Mail system, remember to use the FLAG command to mark the
new user's key files as sharable.

Additional query words: 2.1x 3.00 MMF key share

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbMailSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbMailPCN300 kbMailPCN21xSearch
Version           : WINDOWS:2.1x,3.0

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