How to permanently remove the parent.lock file
Thunderbird is not closing correctly when I X it to close the program. Then when I try to open it,it won't open. I have read the article about the Parent.lock file and have deleted it ,which fixes the problem until I reboot. Then the parent.lock file repopulates itself and I have to go through the whole process again. I am using windows 10 . Is there a way to permanently delete the parent.lock file in a Windows environment?
I don't have this issue on my Linux Mint Mate installation- just Windows 10- It is a dual-boot machine. Any help would be greatly appreciated as this is a constant nuisance! Paul A.
All Replies (5)
The 'parent.lock' used to be completely deleted upon exit of Thunderbird.
But recently, I've noticed it is never removed from the profile name folder. Instead, upon TB starting, the 'parent.lock' file's 'Date modified' is updated to the new date time of starting.
With Thunderbird closed, it is possible to open this blank file using Notepad, but canot be opened once you start Thunderbird as it is in use.
It would seem that Thunderbird is not fully closing. What version of Thunderbird are you using - is it the same on both OS?
I notice you are using a dual boot, so assume you are opening Thunderbird in either.
Thunderbird uses a different installation for Linux and Windows OS. Are you using 'Portable thunderbird'?
What setup are you using because I'm assuming you are using the same profile name folder. Where is the profile name folder stored?
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_in_use Other than the obvious delete of parent.lock have you tested all the other options. This problem can also occur if you don't have the rights to edit the files in the profile (or create the lock file in the first place). Please note that this can happen if you try to use a profile from a filesystem mounted with read-only (e.g. a remote Windows share which doesn't have "allow network users to change my files" checked)
If you are running Windows and store the profile on a file share try accessing the file share beforehand using Windows Explorer. Some users have reported this prevents the problem.
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Run_multiple_copies_of_Thunderbird_at_the_same_time
My dual-boot machine is installed on two different hard drives,so there should not be any conflict there. I am using version 52.4.0 just updated.
yes, dual boot on two separate is fine, but the 'parent.lock' is in the profile folders. Are you using one profile which is accessed by either Thunderbird on either OS like a filesharing situation or do you have a completely separate profile on each OS ?
Usually, Windows OS puts profile folders here: C:\Users\<Windows user name>\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles\<Profile name>\ Is this the location of your Windows OS thunderbird profile name folder?
Completely separate profiles on each operating system.
C:\Users\<Windows user name>\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles\<Profile name>\ - This is where the parent.lock file is. There is also a configuration file settings page right after that which opens in Notepad- maybe something could be changed there too fix the issue. To be clear, I have thunderbird installed on Windows 10 and on Linux- they are not shared.