Abstract: Updating a file which is currently open is accomplished by allowing current users to continue accessing the original file while redirecting new users to an updated version. When user activity permits, the updated version is substituted for the original file. An auxiliary program detects when a server application attempts to access an out-of-date file version and redirects the access call to the up-to-date file version. When no users are accessing the out-of-date file version, the up-to-date version of the file is substituted thereby allowing access to the most recent file version without creating errors for users who are accessing the older file version. New updates of files are transferred from a master site to a temporary location, accessible intermediate location, and finally to a permanent location.