What Is a .laccdb File?
Microsoft Access left a .laccdb file next to your database and it will not go away. It is just a lock file. Here is what it does and how to clear a stale one safely.
What a .laccdb file is
A .laccdb file is the record-locking file Microsoft Access creates the moment a database (.accdb) is opened. It has the same name as the database and sits in the same folder — open Sales.accdb and Access writes Sales.laccdb beside it. Older Access versions used the .ldb extension for exactly the same purpose.
Why it exists
The lock file tracks who currently has the database open, so two people on a shared database cannot overwrite the same record at the same time. It stores each user's computer name and security name. When the last user closes the database, Access deletes the .laccdb file automatically.
Why it will not delete
If the file stays behind when nobody is in the database, Access did not shut down cleanly — usually a crash, a force-quit, or a hidden MSACCESS.EXE ghost process still holding the lock. On a network share, another user or a sync client may still have it open.
Is it safe to delete?
Yes — once the database is closed everywhere. The .laccdb file holds no data from your tables; it only lists current users. Deleting an orphaned lock does not harm the .accdb. The next time someone opens the database, Access creates a fresh lock file.
How to clear a stuck .laccdb
1. Make sure every user has closed the database. 2. Open Task Manager and end any lingering MSACCESS.EXE process. 3. Delete the .laccdb (or .ldb) file. 4. If it still will not delete, a restart releases the ghost lock, then delete it.
On a shared / network database
Confirm no other user still has it open and that no backup or OneDrive/Dropbox client is syncing the folder. A sync client that keeps the file open will recreate the lock immediately after you delete it.
FAQ
What is a .laccdb file?
It is the lock file Microsoft Access creates while an .accdb database is open, listing who currently has it open so two users cannot overwrite the same record.
Is it safe to delete a .laccdb file?
Yes, once the database is closed everywhere. It holds no table data, so deleting an orphaned lock does not harm your .accdb.
Why won't my .laccdb file delete?
Access did not close cleanly and a hidden MSACCESS.EXE process still holds the lock. End that process in Task Manager, or restart, then delete the file.
What is the difference between .ldb and .laccdb?
They are the same lock file for different Access versions: .ldb for the older .mdb format, .laccdb for the newer .accdb format.
Will deleting the lock file corrupt my database?
No. The lock file contains only the list of current users, not your data. Your .accdb database is untouched.