I have a commercial programme that uses the paradox (.db) format and the BDE
for its data.  When this package, designed for real-time data collection, is not in use, I have
no problem reading the database files that it maintains.  However, when this other software
is running, I cannot access the relevant databases because this programme locks the
whole file, not just the record it is currently appending.

        Basically, I need to be able to read the database which is maintained real-time by the
commercial software.  I do no writing to this database, and only need read the data at fixed
intervals based on a delphi timer component (say every 12 seconds).  Furthermore, both the
commercial software and my own software will be run on the same machine, so no networking
is involved.

        Question: how can I work around the file locking?

        I would very much appreciate a response, either in this newsgroup (use the
phrase "reading locked db files" so the search engine can find your reply).

        Thanks again,

You cannot do anything yourself if the "commercial program" is locking
the file.

Since both programs must coexist -- Talk to the author of the
"commerical program" !!!

Garry Kernan