A method of locking exclusive access to a divided computer resource that may be access by more than one different is disclosed. A computer resource that is divided into more than one piece may require exclusive access to all the individual portions before the computer resource may be used. If more than one client system attempts to access such a divided computer resource, a deadlock situation may occur. To prevent such a deadlock situation, each client that attempts to access the divided resource will issue a globally unique identifier to the divided resource. If more than one client system attempts to access portions of the same computer resource then the globally unique identifier will be used to arbitrate disputes and thus prevent deadlock.