Reference - Understanding and Configuring the LOCK.INI File in GGP

Overview

The LOCK.INI file is a core configuration file used by GGP to manage system-wide settings. It defines directory paths, startup behaviour, raster and colour settings, authentication modes, and more. This file must remain writable and accessible to ensure GGP functions correctly for all users.

You can access and edit the file via User Control:

• Go to the User menu.

• Select LOCK.INI... to open it in a text editor.

Key Sections and Settings

[Directories]

Defines critical paths used by GGP:

Setting	Description
LockDir=	Directory for license/lock files.
LocalPCDir=	Overrides default Home folder. Useful for local script images.
BDEDir=	Path to Borland Database Engine, if applicable.
WebDir= / WebIni=	Optional web paths or configuration files for integrations.

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[General]

Controls default application behavior and user authentication:

Setting	Description
ScriptImageDefault=	If set, script images are saved by default.
PersistStandardGraph=	Controls whether the Standard Graphics overlay is preserved across sessions. See below for details.
WebConnectorURL=	URL for NGzWebConnector (used for dynamic keyword insertion in print templates).
ActiveDirectoryAuthentication=	Enables Active Directory logins.
PreventActiveDirAltLogin=	If TRUE, disables the login button for non-corporate AD users.
AutoCreateActiveDirUsers=	If TRUE, creates new users from a template on first AD login.

Standard Graphics Overlay Behaviour

Value	Result
False	Clears StdGraph overlay on exit. Export required to retain data.
True or (not set)	Preserves overlay if GGP version is prior to 2.9.2. In newer versions, overlay is created and auto-cleared unless exported.

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[About]

Setting	Description
StartUpBMP=	Leave blank to use default "About" box or provide path to a custom splash screen.

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[Gazetteers]

Defines default gazetteer layers:

Setting	Description
Street=	Set to OSGAZETT (default) or ODLOCATO for OS OpenData Locator.
Postcode=	Set to Addressp (default) or OSCODEPT for OS OpenData CodePoint.

This affects the [OS Street Data] and [Address Point] buttons in the Gazetteer selection menu.

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[Raster]

Setting	Description
Basemap=	Raster category used as a selectable background map.
OVERLAY_BlackThreshold=, etc.	Optional: Control color interpretation for specific raster overlays.

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[Colour Table]

Defines up to 16 corporate colours for overlays:

Colour000=
Colour001=
...
Colour015=
Colour016=

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[Database]

Note:
A valid database connection string must exist here. This is configured during installation.
GGP will display an error at startup if this section is missing or misconfigured.

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Background Behaviour

When a GGP module launches, it searches for LOCK.INI:

1. In the current execution directory.

2. If not found, in the parent directory (e.g., \ggpwin\programs\v292).

3. If found, the system sets the GGPDir variable accordingly.

Other GGP modules (or third-party tools) reference this GGPDir variable within GGP.INI.

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Summary of Available LOCK.INI Sections

[Directories]
LockDir=
BDEDir=
LocalPCDir=
WebDir=
WebIni=

[General]
FileBufSize=
OSLicense=
OwnerRights=
ScriptImageDefault=
PersistStandardGraph=
ActiveDirectoryAuthentication=
PreventActiveDirAltLogin=
AutoCreateActiveDirUsers=
WebConnectorURL=

[Colour Table]
Colour000= to Colour015=

[About]
StartUpBMP=

[Gazetteers]
Street=
Postcode=

[Raster]
Basemap=
OVERLAY_BlackThreshold=
OVERLAY_BlackPixels=
OVERLAY_NearlyBlack=

[Database]
<connection string>

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If you need assistance modifying LOCK.INI, consult your GGP administrator or submit a support request.