Have you ever tried to open a file in SmartVault’s Connected Desktop and received a notification that the file is locked, even though the colleague previously working on it has already closed it? Or have you edited a file, closed it, and later found the changes missing for the rest of the firm?
If so, the Opt out of Restart Manager option in SmartVault’s advanced settings may help edits sync correctly and files unlock for the rest of your firm.
Why Files Stay Locked or Don't Sync
When a team member opens a file in the Connected Desktop, SmartVault locks it so only that person can edit it. This keeps two people from changing the same file at once. When they close the file, SmartVault uploads their changes and unlocks it for the rest of the firm.
To do that, SmartVault has to know the moment the file is closed. By default, it asks a Microsoft Windows feature called Restart Manager, which keeps track of which programs have which files open. If Restart Manager says the file is free, SmartVault syncs the changes and unlocks it.
Restart Manager isn’t always accurate. On some computers, background tools such as antivirus scanners or the File Explorer preview pane can confuse it. If it says a closed file is still open, the file stays locked for everyone else and changes can sync late or not at all. If it says a file is free too early, an edit can be missed or overwritten by an older version.
When to Opt Out
Opting out tells SmartVault to stop asking Restart Manager and to check the file’s status itself, so it no longer depends on Windows’ answer. Consider opting out if file syncing behaves unreliably on a computer, especially when your team notices any of the following:
- Edits made in Excel don't appear in SmartVault, or the file shows an older version.
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File locked notifications continue long after the file has been closed.
- Files are slow to sync or unlock.
If your firm isn't having file-detection problems, leave the setting off. If the issue continues after opting out, contact SmartVault Support.
Steps to Opt Out
- Access your SmartVault User Settings from the SmartVault Launchpad.
- Navigate to the Advanced tab, enable the Opt out of Restart Manager checkbox under File Usage Detection, and click OK.
- Restart the SmartVault Connected Desktop.