diff --git a/announce.py b/announce.py
index 54b72c8d..c3468efe 100644
--- a/announce.py
+++ b/announce.py
@@ -114,11 +114,16 @@ def undoAnnounceCollectionEntry(postFilename: str,actor: str,debug: bool) -> Non
                 del postJsonObject['object']['shares']
             else:
                 postJsonObject['object']['shares']['totalItems']=len(postJsonObject['object']['shares']['items'])
-            try:
-                with open(postFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                    commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)            
-            except Exception as e:
-                print(e)
+            tries=0
+            while tries<5:
+                try:
+                    with open(postFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                        commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                        break
+                except Exception as e:
+                    print(e)
+                    time.sleep(1)
+                    tries+=1
 
 def updateAnnounceCollection(postFilename: str,actor: str,debug: bool) -> None:
     """Updates the announcements collection within a post
@@ -134,7 +139,7 @@ def updateAnnounceCollection(postFilename: str,actor: str,debug: bool) -> None:
                 break
         except Exception as e:
             print(e)
-            time.sleep(2)
+            time.sleep(1)
             tries+=1
     if postJsonObject:
         if not postJsonObject.get('object'):
@@ -178,11 +183,16 @@ def updateAnnounceCollection(postFilename: str,actor: str,debug: bool) -> None:
         if debug:
             print('DEBUG: saving post with shares (announcements) added')
             pprint(postJsonObject)
-        try:
-            with open(postFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(postFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
 
 def announcedByPerson(postJsonObject: {}, nickname: str,domain: str) -> bool:
     """Returns True if the given post is announced by the given person
@@ -245,11 +255,16 @@ def createAnnounce(session,baseDir: str,federationList: [], \
     if saveToFile:
         outboxDir = createOutboxDir(nickname,domain,baseDir)
         filename=outboxDir+'/'+newAnnounceId.replace('/','#')+'.json'
-        try:
-            with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(newAnnounce, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(newAnnounce, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
 
     announceNickname=None
     announceDomain=None
diff --git a/availability.py b/availability.py
index e91e07ca..2fe8acd8 100644
--- a/availability.py
+++ b/availability.py
@@ -36,15 +36,20 @@ def setAvailability(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str, \
                 break
         except Exception as e:
             print(e)
-            time.sleep(2)
+            time.sleep(1)
             tries+=1
     if actorJson:
         actorJson['availability']=status
-        try:
-            with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
     return True
 
 def getAvailability(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str) -> str:
@@ -62,7 +67,7 @@ def getAvailability(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str) -> str:
                 break
         except Exception as e:
             print(e)
-            time.sleep(2)
+            time.sleep(1)
             tries+=1
     if actorJson:
         if not actorJson.get('availability'):
diff --git a/cache.py b/cache.py
index 8613372b..69bbfef7 100644
--- a/cache.py
+++ b/cache.py
@@ -26,11 +26,16 @@ def storePersonInCache(baseDir: str,personUrl: str,personJson: {},personCache: {
     if os.path.isdir(baseDir+'/cache/actors'):
         cacheFilename=baseDir+'/cache/actors/'+personUrl.replace('/','#')+'.json'
         if not os.path.isfile(cacheFilename):
-            try:
-                with open(cacheFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                    commentjson.dump(personJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-            except Exception as e:
-                print(e)
+            tries=0
+            while tries<5:
+                try:
+                    with open(cacheFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                        commentjson.dump(personJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                        break
+                except Exception as e:
+                    print(e)
+                    time.sleep(1)
+                    tries+=1
 
 def getPersonFromCache(baseDir: str,personUrl: str,personCache: {}) -> {}:
     """Get an actor from the cache
@@ -50,7 +55,7 @@ def getPersonFromCache(baseDir: str,personUrl: str,personCache: {}) -> {}:
                 except Exception as e:
                     print('ERROR: unable to load actor from cache '+cacheFilename)
                     print(e)
-                    time.sleep(2)
+                    time.sleep(1)
                     tries+=1
             if personJson:
                 storePersonInCache(baseDir,personUrl,personJson,personCache)
diff --git a/capabilities.py b/capabilities.py
index a3690f14..f79dce3b 100644
--- a/capabilities.py
+++ b/capabilities.py
@@ -127,11 +127,16 @@ def capabilitiesAccept(baseDir: str,httpPrefix: str, \
 
     # if the capability already exists then load it from file
     if os.path.isfile(ocapFilename):
-        try:
-            with open(ocapFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                ocapAccept=commentjson.load(fp)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(ocapFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                    ocapAccept=commentjson.load(fp)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
     # otherwise create a new capability    
     if not ocapAccept:
         acceptedActorNickname=getNicknameFromActor(acceptedActor)
@@ -155,11 +160,16 @@ def capabilitiesAccept(baseDir: str,httpPrefix: str, \
             ocapAccept['actor']=httpPrefix+"://"+fullDomain+'/users/'+nickname
 
     if saveToFile:
-        try:
-            with open(ocapFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(ocapAccept, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(ocapFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(ocapAccept, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
     return ocapAccept
 
 def capabilitiesGrantedSave(baseDir :str,nickname :str,domain :str,ocap: {}) -> bool:
@@ -171,11 +181,16 @@ def capabilitiesGrantedSave(baseDir :str,nickname :str,domain :str,ocap: {}) ->
     ocapFilename=getOcapFilename(baseDir,nickname,domain,ocap['actor'],'granted')
     if not ocapFilename:
         return False
-    try:
-        with open(ocapFilename, 'w') as fp:
-            commentjson.dump(ocap, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(ocapFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                commentjson.dump(ocap, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
     return True
 
 def capabilitiesUpdate(baseDir: str,httpPrefix: str, \
@@ -217,11 +232,16 @@ def capabilitiesUpdate(baseDir: str,httpPrefix: str, \
     }
 
     # read the existing capability
-    try:
-        with open(ocapFilename, 'r') as fp:
-            ocapJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(ocapFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                ocapJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
     # set the new capabilities list. eg. ["inbox:write","objects:read"]
     ocapJson['capability']=updateCaps
@@ -240,11 +260,16 @@ def capabilitiesUpdate(baseDir: str,httpPrefix: str, \
     ocapUpdate['object']=ocapJson
 
     # save it again
-    try:
-        with open(ocapFilename, 'w') as fp:
-            commentjson.dump(ocapJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(ocapFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                commentjson.dump(ocapJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
     return ocapUpdate
 
@@ -267,20 +292,29 @@ def capabilitiesReceiveUpdate(baseDir :str, \
         return False
 
     ocapJson=None
-    try:
-        with open(ocapFilename, 'r') as fp:
-            ocapJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(ocapFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                ocapJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
     if ocapJson:
         ocapJson['id']=newCapabilitiesId
         ocapJson['capability']=capabilityList
 
-        try:
-            with open(ocapFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(ocapJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-                return True
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(ocapFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(ocapJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    return True
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
     return False
diff --git a/config.py b/config.py
index cd72025a..49b8d274 100644
--- a/config.py
+++ b/config.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ __email__ = "bob@freedombone.net"
 __status__ = "Production"
 
 import os
+import time
 import json
 import commentjson
 
@@ -18,39 +19,59 @@ def createConfig(baseDir: str) -> None:
         return
     configJson = {
     }
-    try:
-        with open(configFilename, 'w') as fp:
-            commentjson.dump(configJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(configFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                commentjson.dump(configJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
 def setConfigParam(baseDir: str, variableName: str, variableValue) -> None:
     """Sets a configuration value
     """
     createConfig(baseDir)
     configFilename=baseDir+'/config.json'
-    try:
-        with open(configFilename, 'r') as fp:
-            configJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(configFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                configJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
     configJson[variableName]=variableValue
-    try:
-        with open(configFilename, 'w') as fp:
-            commentjson.dump(configJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(configFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                commentjson.dump(configJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
 def getConfigParam(baseDir: str, variableName: str):
     """Gets a configuration value
     """
     createConfig(baseDir)
     configFilename=baseDir+'/config.json'
-    try:
-        with open(configFilename, 'r') as fp:
-            configJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-            if configJson.get(variableName):
-                return configJson[variableName]
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(configFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                configJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                if configJson.get(variableName):
+                    return configJson[variableName]
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
     return None
diff --git a/content.py b/content.py
index 9a1e1975..048ef6f6 100644
--- a/content.py
+++ b/content.py
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ def addHtmlTags(baseDir: str,httpPrefix: str, \
                     try:
                         with open(baseDir+'/emoji/emoji.json', 'r') as fp:
                             emojiDict=commentjson.load(fp)
-                        break
+                            break
                     except Exception as e:
                         print('Failed to load emoji: '+baseDir+'/emoji/emoji.json '+str(e))
                         time.sleep(1)
diff --git a/daemon.py b/daemon.py
index 6b347426..d2c9edb5 100644
--- a/daemon.py
+++ b/daemon.py
@@ -1468,12 +1468,17 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                         if os.path.isfile(postFilename):
                             postJsonObject={}
                             loadedPost=False
-                            try:
-                                with open(postFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                                    postJsonObject=commentjson.load(fp)
-                                    loadedPost=True
-                            except Exception as e:
-                                print(e)
+                            tries=0
+                            while tries<5:
+                                try:
+                                    with open(postFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                                        postJsonObject=commentjson.load(fp)
+                                        loadedPost=True
+                                        break
+                                except Exception as e:
+                                    print(e)
+                                    time.sleep(1)
+                                    tries+=1
                             if loadedPost:                            
                                 # Only authorized viewers get to see likes on posts
                                 # Otherwize marketers could gain more social graph info
@@ -1617,12 +1622,17 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                 actorFilename=self.server.baseDir+'/accounts/'+nickname+'@'+self.server.domain+'.json'
                 if os.path.isfile(actorFilename):
                     loadedActor=False
-                    try:
-                        with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                            actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-                            loadedActor=True
-                    except Exception as e:
-                        print(e)
+                    tries=0
+                    while tries<5:
+                        try:
+                            with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                                actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                                loadedActor=True
+                                break
+                        except Exception as e:
+                            print(e)
+                            time.sleep(1)
+                            tries+=1
                     if loadedActor:                    
                         if actorJson.get('roles'):
                             if self._requestHTTP():
@@ -1663,12 +1673,17 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                 actorFilename=self.server.baseDir+'/accounts/'+nickname+'@'+self.server.domain+'.json'
                 if os.path.isfile(actorFilename):
                     loadedActor=False
-                    try:
-                        with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                            actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-                            loadedActor=True
-                    except Exception as e:
-                        print(e)
+                    tries=0
+                    while tries<5:
+                        try:
+                            with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                                actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                                loadedActor=True
+                                break
+                        except Exception as e:
+                            print(e)
+                            time.sleep(1)
+                            tries+=1
                     if loadedActor:                    
                         if actorJson.get('skills'):
                             if self._requestHTTP():
@@ -1719,12 +1734,17 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                         if os.path.isfile(postFilename):
                             postJsonObject={}
                             readPost=False
-                            try:
-                                with open(postFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                                    postJsonObject=commentjson.load(fp)
-                                    readPost=True
-                            except Exception as e:
-                                print(e)
+                            tries=0
+                            while tries<5:
+                                try:
+                                    with open(postFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                                        postJsonObject=commentjson.load(fp)
+                                        readPost=True
+                                        break
+                                except Exception as e:
+                                    print(e)
+                                    time.sleep(1)
+                                    tries+=1
                             if not readPost:
                                 self.send_response(429)
                                 self.end_headers()
@@ -3057,19 +3077,29 @@ class PubServer(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
                                 os.remove(allowedInstancesFilename)
                         # save actor json file within accounts
                         if actorChanged:
-                            try:
-                                with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                                    commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-                            except Exception as e:
-                                print(e)
+                            tries=0
+                            while tries<5:
+                                try:
+                                    with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                                        commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                                        break
+                                except Exception as e:
+                                    print(e)
+                                    time.sleep(1)
+                                    tries+=1
                             # also copy to the actors cache and personCache in memory
                             storePersonInCache(self.server.baseDir,actorJson['id'],actorJson,self.server.personCache)
                             actorCacheFilename=self.server.baseDir+'/cache/actors/'+actorJson['id'].replace('/','#')+'.json'
-                            try:
-                                with open(actorCacheFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                                    commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)                            
-                            except Exception as e:
-                                print(e)
+                            tries=0
+                            while tries<5:
+                                try:
+                                    with open(actorCacheFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                                        commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                                        break
+                                except Exception as e:
+                                    print(e)
+                                    time.sleep(1)
+                                    tries+=1
                             # send actor update to followers
                             updateActorJson={
                                 'type': 'Update',
diff --git a/follow.py b/follow.py
index d03b76a4..c24d426f 100644
--- a/follow.py
+++ b/follow.py
@@ -411,12 +411,16 @@ def storeFollowRequest(baseDir: str, \
     if not os.path.isdir(requestsDir):
         os.mkdir(requestsDir)
     followActivityfilename=requestsDir+'/'+approveHandle+'.follow'
-    try:
-        with open(followActivityfilename, 'w') as fp:
-            commentjson.dump(followJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-            return True
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(followActivityfilename, 'w') as fp:
+                commentjson.dump(followJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                return True
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
     return False
 
 def receiveFollowRequest(session,baseDir: str,httpPrefix: str, \
diff --git a/inbox.py b/inbox.py
index 5fa0c2dd..1618b811 100644
--- a/inbox.py
+++ b/inbox.py
@@ -285,11 +285,16 @@ def savePostToInboxQueue(baseDir: str,httpPrefix: str, \
     if debug:
         print('Inbox queue item created')
         pprint(newQueueItem)
-    try:
-        with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
-            commentjson.dump(newQueueItem, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
+                commentjson.dump(newQueueItem, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
     return filename
 
 def inboxCheckCapabilities(baseDir :str,nickname :str,domain :str, \
@@ -691,12 +696,17 @@ def personReceiveUpdate(baseDir: str, \
     # save to cache in memory
     storePersonInCache(baseDir,personJson['id'],personJson,personCache)
     # save to cache on file
-    try:
-        with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
-            commentjson.dump(personJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-            print('actor updated for '+personJson['id'])
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                commentjson.dump(personJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                print('actor updated for '+personJson['id'])
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
     # remove avatar if it exists so that it will be refreshed later
     # when a timeline is constructed
@@ -1546,11 +1556,16 @@ def inboxAfterCapabilities(session,keyId: str,handle: str,messageJson: {}, \
         obtainAvatarForReplyPost(session,baseDir,httpPrefix,domain,personCache,postJsonObject,debug)
 
         # save the post to file
-        try:
-            with open(destinationFilename, 'w+') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(destinationFilename, 'w+') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
 
         inboxUpdateCalendar(baseDir,handle,postJsonObject)
 
@@ -1903,12 +1918,17 @@ def runInboxQueue(projectVersion: str, \
             if len(recipientsDictFollowers)>0:
                 sharedInboxPostFilename=queueJson['destination'].replace(inboxHandle,inboxHandle)
                 if not os.path.isfile(sharedInboxPostFilename):
-                    try:
-                        with open(sharedInboxPostFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                            commentjson.dump(queueJson['post'],fp,indent=4, \
-                                             sort_keys=False)
-                    except Exception as e:
-                        print(e)
+                    tries=0
+                    while tries<5:
+                        try:
+                            with open(sharedInboxPostFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                                commentjson.dump(queueJson['post'],fp,indent=4, \
+                                                 sort_keys=False)
+                                break
+                        except Exception as e:
+                            print(e)
+                            time.sleep(1)
+                            tries+=1
 
             # for posts addressed to specific accounts
             for handle,capsId in recipientsDict.items():              
diff --git a/like.py b/like.py
index 1986b4dd..ed671a8e 100644
--- a/like.py
+++ b/like.py
@@ -72,11 +72,16 @@ def undoLikesCollectionEntry(postFilename: str,objectUrl: str,actor: str,debug:
                 del postJsonObject['object']['likes']
             else:
                 postJsonObject['object']['likes']['totalItems']=len(postJsonObject['likes']['items'])
-            try:
-                with open(postFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                    commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)            
-            except Exception as e:
-                print(e)
+            tries=0
+            while tries<5:
+                try:
+                    with open(postFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                        commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                        break
+                except Exception as e:
+                    print(e)
+                    time.sleep(1)
+                    tries+=1
 
 def likedByPerson(postJsonObject: {}, nickname: str,domain: str) -> bool:
     """Returns True if the given post is liked by the given person
@@ -159,11 +164,16 @@ def updateLikesCollection(postFilename: str,objectUrl: str, actor: str,debug: bo
         if debug:
             print('DEBUG: saving post with likes added')
             pprint(postJsonObject)
-        try:
-            with open(postFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(postFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
 
 def like(session,baseDir: str,federationList: [],nickname: str,domain: str,port: int, \
          ccList: [],httpPrefix: str,objectUrl: str,clientToServer: bool, \
diff --git a/manualapprove.py b/manualapprove.py
index 35acac9a..dae262c1 100644
--- a/manualapprove.py
+++ b/manualapprove.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ __status__ = "Production"
 import os
 import json
 import commentjson
-
+import time
 from follow import followedAccountAccepts
 from follow import followedAccountRejects
 from follow import removeFromFollowRequests
diff --git a/person.py b/person.py
index 0325c73b..e985918d 100644
--- a/person.py
+++ b/person.py
@@ -106,11 +106,16 @@ def setProfileImage(baseDir: str,httpPrefix :str,nickname: str,domain: str, \
     if personJson:
         personJson[iconFilenameBase]['mediaType']=mediaType
         personJson[iconFilenameBase]['url']=httpPrefix+'://'+fullDomain+'/users/'+nickname+'/'+iconFilename
-        try:
-            with open(personFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(personJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(personFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(personJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
             
         cmd = '/usr/bin/convert '+imageFilename+' -size '+resolution+' -quality 50 '+profileFilename
         subprocess.call(cmd, shell=True)
@@ -145,11 +150,16 @@ def setOrganizationScheme(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str, \
 
     if actorJson:
         actorJson['orgSchema']=schema
-        try:
-            with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
     return True
 
 def accountExists(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str) -> bool:
@@ -269,11 +279,16 @@ def createPersonBase(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str,port: int, \
         if not os.path.isdir(baseDir+peopleSubdir+'/'+handle+'/queue'):
             os.mkdir(baseDir+peopleSubdir+'/'+handle+'/queue')
         filename=baseDir+peopleSubdir+'/'+handle+'.json'
-        try:
-            with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(newPerson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(newPerson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
 
         # save to cache
         if not os.path.isdir(baseDir+'/cache'):
@@ -281,11 +296,16 @@ def createPersonBase(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str,port: int, \
         if not os.path.isdir(baseDir+'/cache/actors'):
             os.mkdir(baseDir+'/cache/actors')
         cacheFilename=baseDir+'/cache/actors/'+newPerson['id'].replace('/','#')+'.json'
-        try:
-            with open(cacheFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(newPerson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(cacheFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(newPerson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
 
         # save the private key
         privateKeysSubdir='/keys/private'
@@ -442,7 +462,7 @@ def personLookup(domain: str,path: str,baseDir: str) -> {}:
                 break
         except:
             print('WARN: Failed to load actor '+filename)
-            time.sleep(2)
+            time.sleep(1)
             tries+=1
     if tries>=5:
         return None
@@ -572,11 +592,16 @@ def setDisplayNickname(baseDir: str,nickname: str, domain: str, \
     if not personJson:
         return False
     personJson['name']=displayName
-    try:
-        with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
-            commentjson.dump(personJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
+                commentjson.dump(personJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
     return True
 
 def setBio(baseDir: str,nickname: str, domain: str, bio: str) -> bool:
@@ -605,11 +630,16 @@ def setBio(baseDir: str,nickname: str, domain: str, bio: str) -> bool:
         return False
     personJson['summary']=bio
 
-    try:
-        with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
-            commentjson.dump(personJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
+                commentjson.dump(personJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
         
     return True
 
diff --git a/posts.py b/posts.py
index 6c062d80..346d05b7 100644
--- a/posts.py
+++ b/posts.py
@@ -415,11 +415,16 @@ def savePostToBox(baseDir: str,httpPrefix: str,postId: str, \
          
     boxDir = createPersonDir(nickname,domain,baseDir,boxname)
     filename=boxDir+'/'+postId.replace('/','#')+'.json'
-    try:
-        with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
-            commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
+                commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
     return filename
 
 def updateHashtagsIndex(baseDir: str,tag: {},newPostId: str) -> None:
@@ -2388,10 +2393,14 @@ def downloadAnnounce(session,baseDir: str,httpPrefix: str,nickname: str,domain:
                 rejectAnnounce(announceFilename)
                 return None
         postJsonObject=announcedJson
-        try:
-            with open(announceFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-                return postJsonObject
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(announceFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(postJsonObject, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    return postJsonObject
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
     return None
diff --git a/roles.py b/roles.py
index d67ec689..40e71a02 100644
--- a/roles.py
+++ b/roles.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ __status__ = "Production"
 import json
 import commentjson
 import os
+import time
 from webfinger import webfingerHandle
 from auth import createBasicAuthHeader
 from posts import getPersonBox
@@ -29,21 +30,31 @@ def clearModeratorStatus(baseDir: str) -> None:
             filename=os.path.join(baseDir+'/accounts/', filename)
             if '"moderator"' in open(filename).read():
                 actorJson=None
-                try:
-                    with open(filename, 'r') as fp:
-                        actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-                except Exception as e:
-                    print(e)
+                tries=0
+                while tries<5:
+                    try:
+                        with open(filename, 'r') as fp:
+                            actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                            break
+                    except Exception as e:
+                        print(e)
+                        time.sleep(1)
+                        tries+=1
 
                 if actorJson:
                     if actorJson['roles'].get('instance'):
                         if 'moderator' in actorJson['roles']['instance']:
                             actorJson['roles']['instance'].remove('moderator')
-                            try:
-                                with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
-                                    commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-                            except Exception as e:
-                                print(e)
+                            tries=0
+                            while tries<5:
+                                try:
+                                    with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
+                                        commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                                        break
+                                except Exception as e:
+                                    print(e)
+                                    time.sleep(1)
+                                    tries+=1
 
 def addModerator(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str) -> None:
     """Adds a moderator nickname to the file
@@ -98,11 +109,16 @@ def setRole(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str, \
         return False
 
     actorJson=None
-    try:
-        with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
-            actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
     if actorJson:        
         if role:
@@ -123,11 +139,16 @@ def setRole(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str, \
                 # if the project contains no roles then remove it
                 if len(actorJson['roles'][project])==0:
                     del actorJson['roles'][project]
-        try:
-            with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)    
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
     return True
 
 def getRoles(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str, \
@@ -139,11 +160,16 @@ def getRoles(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str, \
         return False
 
     actorJson=None
-    try:
-        with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
-            actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
     if actorJson:
         if not actorJson.get('roles'):
diff --git a/shares.py b/shares.py
index 82702ffa..1ac0e942 100644
--- a/shares.py
+++ b/shares.py
@@ -26,11 +26,16 @@ def removeShare(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str, \
     """
     sharesFilename=baseDir+'/accounts/'+nickname+'@'+domain+'/shares.json'
     if os.path.isfile(sharesFilename):
-        try:
-            with open(sharesFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(sharesFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                    sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
 
     itemID=displayName.replace(' ','')
     if sharesJson.get(itemID):
@@ -45,11 +50,16 @@ def removeShare(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str, \
                 os.remove(itemIDfile+'.gif')
         # remove the item itself
         del sharesJson[itemID]
-        try:
-            with open(sharesFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(sharesJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(sharesFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(sharesJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
 
 def addShare(baseDir: str, \
              httpPrefix: str,nickname: str,domain: str,port: int, \
@@ -66,11 +76,16 @@ def addShare(baseDir: str, \
     sharesFilename=baseDir+'/accounts/'+nickname+'@'+domain+'/shares.json'
     sharesJson={}
     if os.path.isfile(sharesFilename):
-        try:
-            with open(sharesFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(sharesFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                    sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
 
     duration=duration.lower()
     durationSec=0
@@ -146,11 +161,16 @@ def addShare(baseDir: str, \
         "expire": durationSec
     }
 
-    try:
-        with open(sharesFilename, 'w') as fp:
-            commentjson.dump(sharesJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(sharesFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                commentjson.dump(sharesJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
 def expireShares(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str) -> None:
     """Removes expired items from shares
@@ -162,11 +182,16 @@ def expireShares(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str) -> None:
     sharesFilename=baseDir+'/accounts/'+handle+'/shares.json'    
     if os.path.isfile(sharesFilename):
         sharesJson=None
-        try:
-            with open(sharesFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(sharesFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                    sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
         if sharesJson:
             currTime=int(time.time())
             deleteItemID=[]
@@ -184,11 +209,16 @@ def expireShares(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str) -> None:
                         os.remove(itemIDfile+'.jpg')
                     if os.path.isfile(itemIDfile+'.gif'):
                         os.remove(itemIDfile+'.gif')
-                try:
-                    with open(sharesFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                        commentjson.dump(sharesJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-                except Exception as e:
-                    print(e)
+                tries=0
+                while tries<5:
+                    try:
+                        with open(sharesFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                            commentjson.dump(sharesJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                            break
+                    except Exception as e:
+                        print(e)
+                        time.sleep(1)
+                        tries+=1
 
 def getSharesFeedForPerson(baseDir: str, \
                            domain: str,port: int, \
@@ -239,12 +269,17 @@ def getSharesFeedForPerson(baseDir: str, \
     if headerOnly:
         noOfShares=0
         if os.path.isfile(sharesFilename):
-            try:
-                with open(sharesFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                    sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-                    noOfShares=len(sharesJson.items())
-            except Exception as e:
-                print(e)
+            tries=0
+            while tries<5:
+                try:
+                    with open(sharesFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                        sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                        noOfShares=len(sharesJson.items())
+                        break
+                except Exception as e:
+                    print(e)
+                    time.sleep(1)
+                    tries+=1
         shares = {
             '@context': 'https://www.w3.org/ns/activitystreams',
             'first': httpPrefix+'://'+domain+'/users/'+nickname+'/shares?page=1',
@@ -273,11 +308,16 @@ def getSharesFeedForPerson(baseDir: str, \
     totalCtr=0
 
     sharesJson=None
-    try:
-        with open(sharesFilename, 'r') as fp:
-            sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(sharesFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
     if sharesJson:
         for itemID,item in sharesJson.items():
diff --git a/skills.py b/skills.py
index fd787aeb..64d621f4 100644
--- a/skills.py
+++ b/skills.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ __status__ = "Production"
 import json
 import commentjson
 import os
+import time
 from webfinger import webfingerHandle
 from auth import createBasicAuthHeader
 from posts import getPersonBox
@@ -28,11 +29,16 @@ def setSkillLevel(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str, \
         return False
 
     actorJson=None
-    try:
-        with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
-            actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
     if actorJson:
         if not actorJson.get('skills'):
@@ -41,11 +47,16 @@ def setSkillLevel(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str, \
             actorJson['skills'][skill]=skillLevelPercent
         else:
             del actorJson['skills'][skill]
-        try:
-            with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)    
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
     return True
 
 def setSkills(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str,skills: {}) -> None:
@@ -54,19 +65,29 @@ def setSkills(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str,skills: {}) -> None:
         return False
 
     actorJson=None
-    try:
-        with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
-            actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
     if actorJson:
         actorJson['skills']=skills
-        try:
-            with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)    
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(actorFilename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(actorJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
 
 def getSkills(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str) -> []:
     """Returns the skills for a given person
@@ -76,11 +97,16 @@ def getSkills(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str) -> []:
         return False
 
     actorJson=None
-    try:
-        with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
-            actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
 
     if actorJson:
         if not actorJson.get('skills'):
diff --git a/webfinger.py b/webfinger.py
index b4b869f5..5a5e6c17 100644
--- a/webfinger.py
+++ b/webfinger.py
@@ -92,19 +92,29 @@ def storeWebfingerEndpoint(nickname: str,domain: str,port: int,baseDir: str, \
     if not os.path.isdir(baseDir+wfSubdir):
         os.mkdir(baseDir+wfSubdir)
     filename=baseDir+wfSubdir+'/'+handle.lower()+'.json'
-    try:
-        with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
-            commentjson.dump(wfJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
+                commentjson.dump(wfJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
     if nickname=='inbox':
         handle=originalDomain+'@'+domain
         filename=baseDir+wfSubdir+'/'+handle.lower()+'.json'
-        try:
-            with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
-                commentjson.dump(wfJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)        
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(filename, 'w') as fp:
+                    commentjson.dump(wfJson, fp, indent=4, sort_keys=False)
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
     return True
 
 def createWebfingerEndpoint(nickname: str,domain: str,port: int, \
diff --git a/webinterface.py b/webinterface.py
index 2a8886f5..6a391605 100644
--- a/webinterface.py
+++ b/webinterface.py
@@ -150,12 +150,17 @@ def htmlSearchEmoji(translate: {},baseDir: str,searchStr: str) -> str:
             return emojiForm
         
         loadedEmoji=False
-        try:
-            with open(emojiLookupFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                emojiJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-                loadedEmoji=True
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(emojiLookupFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                    emojiJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                    loadedEmoji=True
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
         if loadedEmoji:
             results={}
             for emojiName,filename in emojiJson.items():
@@ -219,11 +224,16 @@ def htmlSearchSharedItems(translate: {}, \
                     continue
 
                 sharesJson=None
-                try:
-                    with open(sharesFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                        sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-                except Exception as e:
-                    print(e)
+                tries=0
+                while tries<5:
+                    try:
+                        with open(sharesFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                            sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                            break
+                    except Exception as e:
+                        print(e)
+                        time.sleep(1)
+                        tries+=1
                 if not sharesJson:
                     continue
                 
@@ -380,12 +390,17 @@ def htmlHashtagSearch(translate: {}, \
             index-=1
             continue
         loadedPost=False
-        try:
-            with open(postFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                postJsonObject=commentjson.load(fp)
-                loadedPost=True
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(postFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                    postJsonObject=commentjson.load(fp)
+                    loadedPost=True
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
         if loadedPost:
             if not isPublicPost(postJsonObject):
                 index-=1
@@ -427,12 +442,17 @@ def htmlSkillsSearch(translate: {},baseDir: str, \
                 continue
             actorFilename = os.path.join(subdir, f)
             loadedActor=False
-            try:
-                with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                    actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-                    loadedActor=True
-            except Exception as e:
-                print(e)
+            tries=0
+            while tries<5:
+                try:
+                    with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                        actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                        loadedActor=True
+                        break
+                except Exception as e:
+                    print(e)
+                    time.sleep(1)
+                    tries+=1
             if loadedActor:
                 if actorJson.get('id') and \
                    actorJson.get('skills') and \
@@ -462,12 +482,17 @@ def htmlSkillsSearch(translate: {},baseDir: str, \
                     continue
                 actorFilename = os.path.join(subdir, f)
                 loadedActor=False
-                try:
-                    with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                        cachedActorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-                        loadedActor=True
-                except Exception as e:
-                    print(e)
+                tries=0
+                while tries<5:
+                    try:
+                        with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                            cachedActorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                            loadedActor=True
+                            break
+                    except Exception as e:
+                        print(e)
+                        time.sleep(1)
+                        tries+=1
                 if loadedActor:
                     if cachedActorJson.get('actor'):
                         actorJson=cachedActorJson['actor']
@@ -543,12 +568,17 @@ def htmlEditProfile(translate: {},baseDir: str,path: str,domain: str,port: int)
     bioStr=''
     manuallyApprovesFollowers=''
     loadedActor=False
-    try:
-        with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
-            actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-            loadedActor=True
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                loadedActor=True
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
     if loadedActor:
         if actorJson.get('name'):
             displayNickname=actorJson['name']
@@ -1588,12 +1618,17 @@ def followerApprovalActive(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str) -> bool:
     actorFilename=baseDir+'/accounts/'+nickname+'@'+domain+'.json'
     if os.path.isfile(actorFilename):
         loadedActor=False
-        try:
-            with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-                loadedActor=True
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(actorFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                    actorJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                    loadedActor=True
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
         if loadedActor:
             if actorJson.get('manuallyApprovesFollowers'):
                 manuallyApprovesFollowers=actorJson['manuallyApprovesFollowers']
@@ -2323,12 +2358,17 @@ def htmlIndividualPost(translate: {}, \
         if not postFilename:
             break
         loadedPost=False
-        try:
-            with open(postFilename, 'r') as fp:
-                postJsonObject=commentjson.load(fp)
-                loadedPost=True
-        except Exception as e:
-            print(e)
+        tries=0
+        while tries<5:
+            try:
+                with open(postFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                    postJsonObject=commentjson.load(fp)
+                    loadedPost=True
+                    break
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(e)
+                time.sleep(1)
+                tries+=1
         if loadedPost:
             postStr= \
                 individualPostAsHtml(iconsDir,translate,None, \
@@ -2395,12 +2435,16 @@ def htmlRemoveSharedItem(translate: {},baseDir: str,actor: str,shareName: str) -
     if not os.path.isfile(sharesFile):
         return None
     sharesJson=None
-
-    try:
-        with open(sharesFile, 'r') as fp:
-            sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(sharesFile, 'r') as fp:
+                sharesJson=commentjson.load(fp)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1
     
     if not sharesJson:
         return None
@@ -2458,11 +2502,16 @@ def htmlDeletePost(translate,pageNumber: int, \
         return None
 
     postJsonObject=None
-    try:
-        with open(postFilename, 'r') as fp:
-            postJsonObject=commentjson.load(fp)
-    except Exception as e:
-        print(e)
+    tries=0
+    while tries<5:
+        try:
+            with open(postFilename, 'r') as fp:
+                postJsonObject=commentjson.load(fp)
+                break
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(e)
+            time.sleep(1)
+            tries+=1            
     if not postJsonObject:
         return None
 
@@ -2776,7 +2825,7 @@ def getCalendarEvents(baseDir: str,nickname: str,domain: str,year: int,monthNumb
                             break
                     except Exception as e:
                         print(e)
-                        time.sleep(2)
+                        time.sleep(1)
                         tries+=1
                 if postJsonObject:
                     if postJsonObject.get('object'):