Viewing_and_Editing_File_Entries

   Each X authority file assumes the default protections of the
   account and directory in which it resides. If you have the
   appropriate privileges, you can view or edit the contents of
   an X authority file. To ensure the appropriate level of security,
   access to this file is typically limited to either the local
   SYSTEM account, the file owner, or both.

                                  NOTE

      When an X authority file is open for viewing or editing,
      one or more lock files are created by adding -L or -C to the
      file extension (such as, *.DECW$XAUTH-C). This renders the
      X authority file locked from further use. When the file is
      closed, the lock is subsequently removed, and the lock files
      deleted.

      If a DECwindows Motif session is terminated abruptly, one
      or more locked files can remain. Use the XAUTH command with
      options -b or -i to either break or ignore the locks and
      gain access to the file.
 

Additional information available:

Displaying_File_Entries         Adding_and_Removing_File_Entries
Copying_Entries_Between_Files