DOS Error 2 or Comix 1101 Open Error
Problem
You receive one of the following error messages:
DOS Error 2 - COMIX 1101 Open Error
Cause
This error indicates that ProPay is attempting to open a file that:
- Is currently in use (Windows has placed a handle on the file)
- Does not exist in the expected location
- Is locked by another program or process
Solution
Follow these troubleshooting steps in order.
Step 1: Restart Windows
- Exit ProPay completely.
- Close all other programs.
- Restart Windows.
- Start ProPay and try the operation again.
This process normally releases the file handle from Windows and makes the file available for use.
If the problem is resolved, you're done. If not, continue to the next step.
Step 2: Network installation troubleshooting
If ProPay is installed on a network drive:
Verify other users have exited:
- Make sure no other users are accessing ProPay.
- Check all workstations to confirm ProPay is closed.
- Try the operation again.
Reboot the network drive:
- If the problem persists, schedule a server reboot.
- Restart the network server when possible.
- After the server restarts, try the operation again.
If the problem is resolved, you're done. If not, continue to Step 3.
Step 3: Reinstall ProPay
- Reboot the server again (if on network).
- Download and install the latest version of ProPay:
- Go to Utilities > Download the Latest Version of ProPay on the ProPay Main Menu.
- Or download from the Paysoft website.
- Install the update on the server (for network installations) or on the local computer.
- Start ProPay and try the operation again.
- ProPay not properly closed - Always exit ProPay using the Exit button
- Multiple users accessing the same files - Verify all users have exited
- Windows Update or antivirus scans - These can temporarily lock files
- Network disconnections - Can leave orphaned file locks
- Power failures - May not properly release file handles
- Always exit ProPay properly - Don't force-quit or shut down during processing
- Single-user operations - When performing critical operations (year-end, updates), ensure only one user is in ProPay
- Stable network connection - For multi-user systems, verify network stability
- Regular backups - Maintain current backups
- Keep Windows updated - Install Windows updates regularly
- Use UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supply prevents power-related file corruption
Understanding File Locks
Windows locks files to prevent data corruption when multiple processes try to access the same file simultaneously. Common causes of file locks include:
Prevention
To minimize file lock errors: