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Data file and damaged index

1688  Computer and network settings, Troubleshooting

The data you enter with Office Maker or BiblioMaker is stored in a data file independent of the software. So if you update or reinstall the program, there's no risk of your data being deleted.

A data file (also called a database) is represented by three files on disk:

File with the .4DD extension

File containing the records from the tables : addresses, invoices, entries, employees, loans, etc.

File with the .4DIndx extension

File containing indexes used to speed up searches and sorting.

File with the .Match extension

File for internal use, especially when repairing a data file.

All three files have the same name  and are located in the same folder.

The .4DD file is the most important, and should be saved first. The other two files, if missing, are automatically recreated by the software on start-up. Nevertheless, it is always preferable to keep all three files together when transferring your database (e.g. to your trustee or to Micro Consulting technicians for examination or repair).

Database damage

It can happen that a file is damaged during operation, for example in the event of a crash or power cut while the program was writing to the data file. In such cases, strange behavior may occur later on:

  • Software crash when trying to access the damaged part of the data file.
  • Software startup alert.
  • Incorrect acceptance during input of a double value in a field accepting only distinct values .
  • A search for a specific value does not find the record, even though it is present in the data file.
  • A search for a specific value will find a record that does not contain the desired value.

The programs include a Maintenance and Security Center  capable of checking the integrity of a data file and, if necessary, repairing it.

If the data file check reveals a damaged index, the simplest solution is to delete the index file and force the program to recreate it anew.

If, on the other hand, records or record headers are corrupted, this concerns the .4DD file, which you can attempt to repair. If repair fails, the best solution is to restore the most recent full backup of your data file.

Micro Consulting's technicians are on hand to help you check or repair your data file, or restore a backup . Don't hesitate to call on their expertise - your data security is at stake.

 
Data file and damaged index