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Azure Webapp corrupt sdf file - can't ftp it down to repair

Christopher Pritchard 0 Reputation points
2025-03-13T15:05:46.77+00:00

I have been working on a website for a few months to handle some business tasks under the free platform. It stopped working yesterday throwing some 403 errors. The portal said the quota was exceeded. I am only testing some asp.net entry screens a few times a day, hardly anything intense. I tried upgrading to the paid plan. Same thing. I believe I have a corrupt SDF file but when I try to download it, I receive

Response: 550 The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.

Error: Critical file transfer error

I can't upload a backup file over it because it is open...

Trying to open a support ticket I get:

Support AI Assistant is temporarily unavailable, but you can close the window and try again in a little while. For additional support, go to Support + troubleshooting.

I tried replicating the structure to a different host and am having a similar issue where it is getting hung up accessing that file. I can not see where anything has changed. I have no idea how to release whatever has that file held open and no way to contact anyone at Azure as I have been receiving the above message for hours. I am at a loss so thought I would ask.

Azure App Service
Azure App Service
Azure App Service is a service used to create and deploy scalable, mission-critical web apps.
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  1. Bhargavi Naragani 1,460 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2025-03-13T22:05:43.6833333+00:00

    Hi @Christopher Pritchard,

    The error you’re seeing suggests that your Azure Web App’s SDF file is locked by a process, which is why you’re unable to download, overwrite, or access it. This often happens when the app is actively using the file or if something has caused the process to hang without releasing the lock.

    Sometimes, simply restarting releases any remaining processes that may be retaining the file. In the Azure portal, navigate to your Web App, and click Restart. After it's restarted, attempt to access the file again.

    Stopping the Web App guarantees there is no running process that can be holding onto the file. In the portal, navigate to your Web App, click on Stop. Try accessing the file through FTP or Kudu (Advanced Tools). Kudu offers more immediate access to your Web App's file system. Within Development Tools, choose Advanced Tools and then Go. Within Kudu, find the directory for the SDF file. Attempt to download or replace the file there.

    The "quota exceeded" message implies your app could be reaching storage limits. Even if you were on a paid plan, the space could still be cramped. Under Usage, look at File System Storage, if it's close to capacity, clean out unused files or expand the storage.

    If the file is still locked, access the Kudu Console (above) and go to the directory. Rename the SDF file, upload your backup or repaired file.

    Check Web App Logs. Under Monitoring, select Log Stream, and find any errors which may give some clue what's locking the file.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/troubleshoot-diagnostic-logs https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/resources-kudu https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/deploy-ftp?tabs=portal

    If this answers your query, do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful—it may benefit other community members reading this thread. And, if you have any further query do let us know.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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