open office.org error message

Restart your computer, and if you are not logged on to another workstation on a complex, Server-run Network, the problem should resolve by itself.

On a complex network you sometimes have to Restart the Server as well.

Are you on a cableTV Network, without a Router of your own?

If so, the problem is being caused by one of your neighbors. You may need to create a new Account with a more unusual name. (Or buy yourself a Router.)

For me, this error appears after OpenOffice.org (OOo) has crashed or hanged with a file open.

Some people have reported the error can be cleared by deleting the "lock" file. Each OOo file you create has one: It's an invisible file located in the same folder as the OOo file +(eg: a spreadsheet file named "filename.ods" would have a lock file named ".~lock.filename.ods#")+

I suspect erasing the offending "lock" file +(or, files if more than one file was open when OOo crashed or hanged)+ might work.
(1) Invoke search and select File visibility --> Invisible Items.
(2) Search "lock" to find the invisible lock file(s)
(3) Move the offending lock file(s) to the Trash
(4) Relaunch OOo

Good luck!