In the projects folder there is a VCE and a ~VCE File - the File with the ~ is the last saved file before the current VCE File
The lock file is created when you open a project so that others that may have access to the file via a network or shared drive can only open the file in a read only mode.
We only save updates in TBC when you press the save button - at that time the VCE that was the previous save is moved to the ~vce and the new save is the VCE File. If you shut down your laptop while running TBC with an open project or if you get a crash that causes TBC to exit unexpectedly then the lock file is left in the project folder - so you get the
Message you saw on opening the project the next time - this deletes the lock file so that you can open the project in a read write mode again
If you lost 4 hours of work it is likely lost - I would turn on the save project reminder so that you get a save message while using the software every 30 mins or hour at least.
Unfortunately I would think that you have lost the work if you weren’t saving as you go - if you were saving then the ~VCE File May helps you - simply remove the ~ in the name and maybe rename the file as well and see if it opens - it is sometimes easier to backup the VCE file and remove it and then rename the~ file by removing the ~ that way the reference to the project folder of the same name remains in tact.
The Save reminder setting is in the Support - Options settings.
Alan
Sent from my iPhone