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.