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johntegg

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passwd file is locked, how to unlock

Hello, I am using Caldera OpenLinux as an FTP server and am having a problem with the password file.  I added a new user using the graphical user manager.  She was not able to log on and when I checked, she was not listed in the user list.  When I tried to add user it said "Unable to lock user database".  When I tried adduser from the terminal it said "/etc/passwd is locked try again later".  There is no .lock file and I have re-booted.  I can open the passwd file in an editor without error.  Am I doomed?
-JohnTEgg
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johntegg

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There wasn't anything in /var/.*, is there any way to have the system list locked or open files?  Thanks.
Your comment about the private lock-file for passwd caused me to search Caldera's knowledge base for passwd lock and it told me to rm /etc/shadow- and /etc/ptmp.  We aren't using shadow so I'm guessing the ptmp is the one that did the trick.  I deleted it and it is working now.  Thanks for the help.
JohnE