Unable to open Lightroom Classic with error "catalog already in use"?

[Deepwaterrun]

I don't understand the error I'm getting when I try to start Lightroom Classic CC.  The error is that the catalog is already in use by another app.  Any suggestions?

[F. McLion]

Open the folder where the catalog (*.lrcat) is located on your drive.

You'll probably see a *.lock file there. If yes, delete it ... only this one (1) file!

[Megan22361592w08h]

I do this and the next time i try the lock file is back

[johnrellis]

"I do this and the next time i try the lock file is back"

After deleting the .lock file, starting LR, exiting LR, and then starting it again, are you still getting the message that the catalog is in use?

In normal operation, the .lock file should appear while LR is running, and when LR exits, it will delete the .lock file.

[Sahil.Chawla · Accepted solution]

Hi Deepwaterrow,

I believe you're using windows, if yes, then please go to the catalog's location and there you'll see a file ending with ".lrcat.lock" please delete that file and let us know if that helps.

The default location of a catalog file on windows is: C:\Users\Username\Pictures\Lightroom

Please follow this link for mac location: Lightroom catalog cannot be opened

Regards,
Sahil