# SanDisk "SecureAccess is already running" error **URL:** \ **Category:** All other USB Flash Drives\ **Created:** [September 24, 2016, 8:56am UTC](https://forums.sandisk.com/t/sandisk-secureaccess-is-already-running-error/33561 "2016-09-24T08:56:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jack11](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c37758/32.png) [@jack11](https://forums.sandisk.com/u/jack11)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2016, 8:56am UTC](https://forums.sandisk.com/t/sandisk-secureaccess-is-already-running-error/33561/1 "2016-09-24T08:56:26Z")
Just to share some information with others who might face similar issues with SecureAccess v3 My SecureAccess V3 gave a “SecureAccess is already running” error where I cannot open it and therefore cannot type my password to enter the vault to retrieve my existing files within the vault. I contacted SanDisk chat - and the support person gave 2 solutions: 1. alt+ctrl+del \> go to disk/task manager \>second tab( processes) If you can find SecureAccess there, delete it and try to open the SecureAccess again normally.  (I think she meant try to kill the process) 1. If you cannot find SecureAccess there, please uninstall and reinstall SecureAccess again. Instructions are on the article bellow: [SanDisk SecureAccess 3.0 support information and download page](http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2399 "Click to follow link: http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a\_id/2399") The 2nd solution worked for me.  It required me to uninstall the existing SecureAccessV3\_win from my USB stick, then download the new SecureAccessV3 (from Download for PC on that webpage - link above), copy this new version to my USB stick to replace the older one.  Then click it to open it, and it should work.  I did not delete anything else. I think any existing files/data you have already stored into the vault is stored in the SecureAccess Vault itself, so do not delete or uninstall anything else except the SanDiskSecureV3\_win!  I was worried that I could delete any encrpyted files within my vault, but only replacing the SanDiskSecure V3\_win did not affect those files, so I need not have worried. I hope it helps. ---
**Author:** ![rmac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ea924/32.png) [@rmac](https://forums.sandisk.com/u/rmac)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2017, 11:50pm UTC](https://forums.sandisk.com/t/sandisk-secureaccess-is-already-running-error/33561/2 "2017-10-11T23:50:33Z")
I solved this by removing 2 files, “lock” and “lock.rmlock” from the “SanDiskSecureAccess Settings” (I think) folder. However, now i have to delete “lock” every time I want to use it. ---
**Author:** ![mci003](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc348/32.png) [@mci003](https://forums.sandisk.com/u/mci003)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2018, 9:55pm UTC](https://forums.sandisk.com/t/sandisk-secureaccess-is-already-running-error/33561/3 "2018-03-20T21:55:30Z")
It worked like a charm! Thank you sir! ---
**Author:** ![runninnotanymore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sandisk/user_avatar/forums.sandisk.com/runninnotanymore/32/2794_2.png) [@runninnotanymore](https://forums.sandisk.com/u/runninnotanymore)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2020, 12:06am UTC](https://forums.sandisk.com/t/sandisk-secureaccess-is-already-running-error/33561/4 "2020-12-21T00:06:41Z")
Wow, like a charm; however I had my Documents folder disappear after installing an upgrade on Encryptstick vault so I could sync. After syncing it disappeared. I’d hoped I might find it in the old vault! thanks for the tip ---
**Author:** ![korean19780](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8e7dd6/32.png) [@korean19780](https://forums.sandisk.com/u/korean19780)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2021, 6:29am UTC](https://forums.sandisk.com/t/sandisk-secureaccess-is-already-running-error/33561/5 "2021-08-17T06:29:13Z")
hi i can open it but i encounter another issue is that the sandisk secure access keep closing so in the end i cant open it ---
**Author:** ![mcinniel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/977dab/32.png) [@mcinniel](https://forums.sandisk.com/u/mcinniel)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2023, 12:35pm UTC](https://forums.sandisk.com/t/sandisk-secureaccess-is-already-running-error/33561/6 "2023-03-17T12:35:28Z")
It still works! Thanks a lot for posting this. ---
**Author:** ![HalfBacker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e57/32.png) [@HalfBacker](https://forums.sandisk.com/u/HalfBacker)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2023, 5:16am UTC](https://forums.sandisk.com/t/sandisk-secureaccess-is-already-running-error/33561/7 "2023-12-16T05:16:32Z")
Have a SD Ultra USB 3.O getting message " **Private Access** is already running". Tried to remove the lock file but no luck. Read the info about “ **Secure Access** is already running.” Wondering if trouble shooting is the same for the newer version of SD .