# [DHCPD_PID_FILE_LOCK](https://apps.juniper.net/syslog-explorer/?msg=DHCPD_PID_FILE_LOCK)

## SYSLOG Details
- **Message**: Unable to lock PID file for '<variable>program-name</variable>'
- **Help**: dhcpd could not lock PID file
- **Description**: The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server process (dhcpd) attempted to lock the file that records its process ID (PID), which serves to prevent multiple instances of the dhcpd process from running simultaneously. The attempt failed.
- **Type**: SNO: Should Not Occur
- **Severity**: error
- **Cause**: Another instance of the dhcpd process is running.
- **Action**: Check whether another dhcpd process is running, and stop it if appropriate.
- **Attributes**: program-name
- **Facility**: LOG_AUTH

## Found this message in the following releases:
- [Junos OS 24.2R1](https://apps.juniper.net/syslog-explorer/?msg=DHCPD_PID_FILE_LOCK&sw=Junos%20OS&rel=24.2R1)
- [Junos OS 23.4R1](https://apps.juniper.net/syslog-explorer/?msg=DHCPD_PID_FILE_LOCK&sw=Junos%20OS&rel=23.4R1)