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Sharing and Maintaining the Database
... Sharing, archiving and rebuilding
the closing database
The following questions are addressed here:
See also the following Troubleshooting Tips:
"How do I find the Power Closer database?"
The database file is called CDB.MDB. It is initially installed by default in the program folder, normally C:\P-Closer, but it may be placed elsewhere.
Right click Power Closer (house) shortcut and
select Properties. On the Properties screen, note the "Start In"
location. That is where Power Closer expects to find the database file CDB.MDB.
How do I back up the database?
Set up Power Closer so that the database is located where it can be easily backed up. For example, you might place the database file on a server that is already being backed up automatically at night. Be sure everyone exits Power Closer at the end of the day if you do this. See Choose a location for the closing database file.
If you do not have an automatic way of backing up the database at a time when Power Closer is not in use, you may want to use Power Closer's database backup feature.
To back up the database manually:
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Everyone using the database should exit Power Closer. A good backup cannot be made while the database is in use.
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Locate the database file. See "How do I find the Power Closer database?" above.
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Copy the database file to a backup location such as another hard drive or a CD.
To restore a database:
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Everyone exit Power Closer.
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Rename or backup the database currently in use if desired.
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Copy the backup copy of the database file into the database location.
"Several users want to use the same closing database."
Power Closer Jr. and Standard can share the same closing database one user at a time. Upgrade them to Power Closer 2-User Site to enable two users to access the database at the same time. Add Additional Users as needed for additional simultaneous users.
Always install Power Closer at each workstation as if it is to be run standalone, even if you plan to network it. If networking, share only the closing database file CDB.MDB. In other words, each user should run a separate copy of the program executable file located in its own separate program folder.
See also the following three sections.
"Where should I put the database?"
The Power Closer database may be located where it can be backed up conveniently and accessed by the appropriate users.
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It is preferable to locate a shared database file on a computer that is not overly taxed with intensive tasks, and that is unlikely to be rebooted or switched off by a user while other users are connected to the database.
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If the database it is to be accessed by a Windows Vista/XP/2000/NT workstation, Microsoft recommends that you not place the database file on a Microsoft Windows 95/98/Me computer.
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If "network rights" are involved, all users must have the ability to read, write, create new files, and delete files (other than the database file) within the folder that contains the database file.
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The database can become corrupted if network connections are interrupted. See "What is corrupting the database?"
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Running Power Closer over a Wide Area Network can be problematic. Call tech support for specifications.
"How do I move the database to a new location?"
Always install Power Closer normally on each workstation as if it is to be used standalone, even when sharing the database. Share only the database file.
Decide where the database ought to be located, as described in the preceding section.
Copy the database file CDB.MDB to the desired location. Right click the Power Closer (house) shortcut and select Properties. Change the "Start In" location to the new location of the database. Do this at each workstation which is to use this database.
If the same
database is being used by several workstations, run Power Closer from one workstation. Make a
test data entry. If running a single-user version of Power Closer that
cannot share the database simultaneously, exit
Power Closer. Run Power Closer from the other workstations and verify
that they can see and edit the test data entry.
"How do I consolidate several databases into one?"
Power Closer Standard Single User and Power Closer Network Site have an Archive capability which can consolidate databases by archiving several databases to a single archive and restoring that to a single database. Alternatively, create separate archives for each database, but restore them all into the same database. The Archive capability is a function of the Database Manager program normally at c:\P-Closer\db-mgr.exe. It requires exclusive use of the database.
If you have more than one version of the same closing file in several databases, take care to
determine which is the current version of the closing, and develop a strategy to arrive
at the correct result. The Archive Utility will ask before overwriting an
existing closing, but will not help you decide which is the correct version. For
example, you may choose to copy into the database a batch of closings that
include some old versions first, and then copy in a batch of closings that
contain some newer versions of the same closings, so that newer versions replace
older versions.
"How often should I compact the database?"
Power Closer's Database Manager can compact and repair the database. It is located in the program folder, normally located at C:\P-Closer\db-mgr.exe. All users must exit Power Closer before you compact or repair.
It is a good idea to compact the
database occasionally immediately after backing it up. For example, you might compact it each time you have
created another 100 to 200 new closing files in Power Closer. In the unlikely
event that compacting the database discovers errors, see "What
is corrupting the database?" (Troubleshooting)
See also: