>>
>> windowsXP + "E:\dbfile.gdb" - the well-known, documented-to-death case
>> is an obvious cause. Try changing the file suffix to ".fdb".
>
> What are you referring to here? Can you point me to a link? What
> difference does the extension make?
>

.gdb is a "managed" extension in windows (so XP "manages" changes to the
file), better still back up the .gdb, with FlameRobin, & restore to .fdb.
You'll likely find you are then back on track.

Max