Backup failing with "Text file busy" error

Summary: Backup failing with "Text file busy" error : --- Job Indications --- cannot open /var/tmp/netcd.lock: Text file busy

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Symptoms

  • The "Text file busy" error: error usually occurs when attempting to execute a file that is currently open for writing.
  • The "Text file busy" error (ETXTBSY) in Linux, and Unix-like systems, indicates that an attempt was made to modify or remove an executable file that is currently being executed by the kernel.

Cause

  • The " Text file busy" is reported by the operating system.
  • A process has a lock on the file, and the client agent cannot back it up.
  • This is like the Windows client message.
  • Code 32: The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.

Resolution

Troubleshooting :

->fuser <open directory with .lock file> (Ex : - fuser /var/tmp/netcd.lock) – This Command is used to identify which process is holding the file open.
Then it will return the Process ID which is running & holding up the file. ( Ex : - /var/tmp/netcd.lock: 32440328)

-> kill -9 PID (Ex : - kill -9 32440328)
>> Then try to Trigger the Backup & it will be Successful.

Additional Information

Also Note that, .lock files are temporary files. They are not normally backed up.

If this file must be backed up, then find which process has a lock on this file and resolve it from there. 

 

Reference Link : -
https://community.spiceworks.com/t/0511-089-cannot-open-var-tmp-netcd-lock/837458/6This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.

Affected Products

NetWorker Family, NetWorker
Article Properties
Article Number: 000410911
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 02 Jan 2026
Version:  1
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.