Member Avatar for pmccray

Do you know what this is and how to fix?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jwshepherd

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As already noted, Runtime Error 58 is "File already exists." In updaters that message usually appears when the program tries to create or rename a file to a name that already exists (or when another process has the file locked). reported this happening when "Check for updates" runs on Windows XP Home — that context points at an updater trying to replace a local file and hitting a name/lock conflict.

Safer replacement pattern (preferred over deleting first): write the new data to a uniquely named temporary file in a writable folder (user temp or program writable location), close it, then atomically move/rename the temp file into place. This avoids leaving a corrupted or missing file if the write fails. 's backup/rename idea and 's delete-before-open both address the collision, but write-then-rename is usually more robust against crashes and concurrent runs. Add an explicit check for file existence and trap Err.Number = 58 so the updater can retry, back up, or abort cleanly.

Quick checklist useful for debugging this thread: (1) log the exact filename and statement that raises the error; (2) verify no second updater instance or antivirus scanner is holding the file (use Process Explorer/Handle to find locks); (3) ensure the updater runs with write permission for the target folder; (4) use short retry-with-delay if locks are transient.

Example (VB6, late binding) — write to temp then replace:

Dim fso As Object
Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Dim target As String, tmp As String
target = App.Path & "\config.dat"
tmp = Environ("TEMP") & "\config.dat.tmp"

' -- write new content to tmp here --

If fso.FileExists(target) Then fso.DeleteFile target
fso.MoveFile tmp, target

Wrap these operations in error handling and keep a timestamped backup before removing anything permanently.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for pmccray

It also says program already exists.

Member Avatar for swamprat

Exactly what are you trying to do?

Member Avatar for Buff

Error 58 is File already exists.

(you can do ERROR #)
where # is a number to find out the error message for that error number

Without the code, it will be impossible to debug.

(You can also get a list of run-time errors and the associated error messages
in the help). F1 then I then E then Error Statement then Run-Time error Codes

Member Avatar for pmccray

open up the tech in a box.
win xp home

Member Avatar for pmccray

it says to check for updates when I click yes I get the error 58 file already exists when I click ok to the error it cancels the program

Member Avatar for asheesh

Do you know what this is and how to fix?

PLZ TELL ME ABOUT RUN TIME ERROR 58 AND HOW CAN I FIX IT

Member Avatar for asheesh

plz tell to fix run time error 58

Member Avatar for vhinehds

can you post your code please, where the error takes place...thanks.

Member Avatar for Comatose

Yes, Post Your code, so that we may see, and tinker with it.

Member Avatar for MrConfused

Runtime error 58 occurs when you try to rename a file with a name that already exists (in the same folder), or you try to save a new file with the same name as one that already exists (in the same folder).

With MSDOS, sorry Windows you cannot insert information into a file that already exists. The way around this is to first re-name the old file (so it is still there if you need it, a temporary file so to speak) with an obscure name (I use a few relevant "ABC" characters) plus a randomly generated number) for new name of the "old" file. Then I use a string to store the new name of the file (so I can still refer to it). Then you save the new information to the old file name (now you have re-named it, it won't clash). At this point if it goes wrong you can then re-name the "backup" file and you will be where you were before. If there is no problem and the new file is saved then you just delete the temporary file. If you don't then the folder will become full of the temporary files.

This sounds confusing. I think Comatose will understand what I mean. I hope you do as well.

Member Avatar for Comatose

That was a trick I used to use in Batch file fun.... :)

Member Avatar for jwshepherd

If you are just trying to create a new file and want to delete the old file. use kill before your open statement.

kill app.path & "\file.txt"

But like mrConfused stated, i would rename the file first. You might try nameing each file with the date and time, something like this usually does not get overwritten because the file name is always different, unless someone has reset the system clock or your writing more than one file per second.

Open App.Path & "\" & Year(Date) & Month(Date) & Day(Date) & Hour(Time) & Minute(Time) & Second(Time) & ".txt" For Output As #1
Member Avatar for Comatose

I always find shelling to be a convient way to execute simple operations.... certainly you could always use a rename function or an API call, but it's just as easy to shell with the rename command.

Member Avatar for lynfolan14

Runtime Error 58

Member Avatar for jwshepherd

Runtime Error 58

Is that a question?

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