4234xx
4xx — Client Error
Locked
The source or destination resource of a method is locked.
What it means
The HTTP 423 Locked response status code is a WebDAV extension. It means the source or destination resource of a method is locked.
This prevents multiple users from editing a single file at the same time and accidentally overwriting each other's work.
How it works
- 1User A sends a LOCK request on a file.
- 2User B tries to send a PUT request to edit the same file.
- 3The server returns 423 to User B, indicating they cannot edit the file until User A unlocks it.
Why you're seeing this
- • Another user or process has explicitly locked the resource.
How to fix it
- • Wait for the lock to expire or ask the owner to UNLOCK it.
Framework Implementations
WebDAV
// Implemented internally by WebDAV server extensions.
Real-Life Scenarios
Used exclusively in WebDAV environments.
Document Editing
Two people open a Word document on a shared network drive. The second person is told it is 'Locked for editing' because the server returned a 423.
HTTP Transaction
1. Client Request
PUT /shared/doc.txt HTTP/1.1
2. Server Response
HTTP/1.1 423 Locked Content-Type: application/xml (XML error payload detailing the lock)
SEO Implications
None.