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Can not backup file named "Lock" in Profile data.

  • 3 majibu
  • 2 wana tatizo hili
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by Zenos

MaiH
MaiH
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I am trying to make a backup for my email profile data (actually trying to transfer data to a new computer) by copying it to a usb-stick. Everything else was copied but a file named Lock was not able to copy. "Filesystem does not support symbolic links" says the computer.

My first question is: Do I need that file? Could I just do without it? And then the second question: If it is an important file, why it can not be copied? How could I copy it?

I am running Linux Mint 15

I am trying to make a backup for my email profile data (actually trying to transfer data to a new computer) by copying it to a usb-stick. Everything else was copied but a file named Lock was not able to copy. "Filesystem does not support symbolic links" says the computer. My first question is: Do I need that file? Could I just do without it? And then the second question: If it is an important file, why it can not be copied? How could I copy it? I am running Linux Mint 15

All Replies (3)

christ1
christ1
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Do I need that file?

You don't.

MaiH
MaiH Mwenye swali
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Thank you for the quick answer!

Can you still tell me what that file is for?

Zenos
Zenos
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As far as I can see, here in LMDE, that file exists only while Thunderbird is running.

I would strongly advise you to close Thunderbird before trying to copy its profile.

The presence of the lock file indicates that an instance of Thunderbird is running and therefore using the profile. It prevents another copy of Thunderbird running concurrently and thereby competing for access to this particular profile.

You can run further instances of Thunderbird, if you wish, but you need to arrange for any additional instance of Thunderbird to have its own dedicated profile.

Modified by Zenos