Client Already in Use by Another User When Opening a Client in Lacerte

When attempting to open a client file in Lacerte, one of the following error messages may appear:

• Client already in use by another user
• Client is in use by user [UserName].

Both messages indicate there is a user accessing the client file. If all users have exited Lacerte and the message continues, the user's lock file may be stuck.

To clear the lock, you can delete the lock file:

1. Press F10 on your keyboard.
2. Select the System Information tab.
3. Scroll down and take note of the Data Path.
4. Close Lacerte.
5. Press the Windows + R key to open the Run command window
6. Type the Data Path from step #3 in the Run window and click OK.
   • ex: X:\Lacerte\24Tax\IDATA\
7. Locate the client file Client#.?L* (?= Module, *= Tax Year).  
   • Ex: a 2023 individual client with client number 01sample will be 01sample.IL3.
8. Right-click on the file and select Delete.
   • If you encounter a windows error when attempting to delete the Lock, it means a workstation is still accessing the file on the server. You will need to reboot the workstations, and possibly the server, to clear the user from accessing the file and allow it to be deleted.
9. Open the Lacerte Tax program and access the client file.