"This file has been edited outside of TopStyle"

[gambit37]

TopStyle 4 often reports that an open file has been edited outside of the program and "Do I want to reload it?". This isn't the case at all -- the only program I have editing the files in question is TopStyle and it's getting quite confusing seeing this message all the time.

I haven't determined a consistent reproducible case for this, it seems pretty random. I'm on Windows 7 x64, TopStyle 4.0.0.80.

[MikeGale]

If you have the time and inclination, there's a way to check whether something is touching the file.

There's a SysInternals tool that can monitor what touches files. It allows you to filter down even to a single file. It's free.

You could switch it on and hope to catch what is touching a file, while you work.

I do this sort of thing, infrequently, it's usually very effective.

[gambit37]

I finally determined what causes this: Windows Explorer Preview Pane (Windows 7).

If the file you are editing in Topstyle is currently selected in Windows Explorer, and the preview pane is is switched on, TopStyle will complain every time you save your file and switch between Explorer and Topstyle. For some reason TopStyle seems to think that Explorer's preview has modified the file.

Can this be fixed? It's driving me nuts. Many thanks.

[gambit37]

Hmm, further investigation seems to suggest that it's not related to the Preview Pane at all.

I just double-clicked a CSS file to load it into a brand new session of TopStyle, and TopStyle said the classic "This document has been modified since you last saved it. Do you wish to reload it?" -- despite the fact the file was not already open!

There seems to be something deeply messed up with file monitoring in TS4. Is it fixable? Is anyone from TopStyle support checking this forum? If not, where should I be asking for help? -- this issue is driving me nuts!

[Lou]

A unique problem. I have observed the same message but only when I make quick change to a CSS file in an other editor forgetting that I have it open in TS.

Have you tried Mike's suggestion to identify what is touching your CSS file?

Identifying a way to consistently cause the problem would also help Stefan track down the problem you have reported. I have not been able to reproduce the symptom with the information you have provided.

Have you considered updating to version 4.0.0.81? The current software is always a good idea when experiencing a problem.

Yes Stefan monitors this forum.

[gambit37]

Hi, thanks for the response. Yes, I did run a copy of Process Explorer (the tool I'm guessing Mike referred to?) but It didn't seem to tell me anything useful. I'm probably using it wrong, or not even using the right tool -- there's hundreds in the SysInternals suite. Any tips on which tool to use and/or what information I should be looking for?

[Albert Wiersch]

Have you tried disabling your anti-virus/spyware protection? I've found that it can cause strange file issues, like temporary file-locking (probably because it's checking the file before it allows access).

[gambit37]

Good point. As this is Windows, disabling anti-virus is not an option though However, I think there's an exclusion list in my anti-virus -- perhaps if I set it up to ignore HTML and CSS files, it might solve the issue. I'll check it out, thanks.

[TopStyle Support]

I just double-clicked a CSS file to load it into a brand new session of TopStyle, and TopStyle said the classic "This document has been modified since you last saved it. Do you wish to reload it?" -- despite the fact the file was not already open!

Not sure what is causing this, but you can turn off that message here: Options (F8) > General > Ask to reload files modified outside of TopStyle.

[gambit37]

Hi, thanks for the answer. That's not really an option, because sometimes you do in fact want to know if a file was changed externally.

I haven't yet had a chance to investigate if my anti-virus is causing the problem, I'll look into that when I get some time. I also have some Windows Explorer extensions running -- one called MysticThumbs enables previews of files, I doubt it's related but might also be something for me to look at.

I don't know if it's related, but TopStyle also often reports that files are locked and can't be edited. Using the Explorer extension "Lockhunter" reveals that Widows Explorer has a lock on the file (sometimes there are multiple locks showing from Explorer) and I have to "unlock" the file to be able to edit it.

Anyway, I'll see if I can get a reproducible error and report back.