Table of Contents
Pedigree Database Utility
A Database Utility program is available that has three functions:-
- Database reorganization, to remove the unused space that accumulates in Pedigree Sofware's databases after a lot of data entry and editing.
- Creating a copy of a database as one of a different size-type, for example, name.ped to name.pdg.
- Database repair, when PediTree cannot open a database, or experiences difficulties in Check DB or GEDCOM export.
The Database Utility is available for download here, as an installer (version 2.4.5, 860Kb). Once downloaded, double-click on the file to install the utility program and its help-file. Entries for the program and its on-line help are added to your Start menu under Start > Programs > Pedigree. See the on-line help for further information.
Reorganization
To reorganize a database, proceed as follows:-
- Close PediTree.
- Make a back-up copy of the database.
- Use the Database Utility to check and reorganize the database.
- Open the database in PediTree.
- Run File > CheckDB to check that all is well.
- Close PediTree.
- Re-run the Database Utility and remove the pre-reorganize version of the database that it retains.
Repair Process
The steps to be taken in repairing a database are documented in the on-line help. They are:-
- Make a back-up copy of the faulty database.
- Use the Database Utility to inspect the database and erase any faulty records reported. Then use Reorganize on the error-free database to correct its un-used space records.
- Open the database in PediTree. Confirm PediTree's request to fix any indexes.
- In Update mode, run File > CheckDB to report and correct any errors.
- If you have used the Database Utility Reorganize process, then
- You can now add any missing records and delete any blank records corresponding to deleted records in the old database. (These will appear at the beginning of standard indexes.)
- Re-run the Database Utility and remove the pre-reorganize version of the database that it retains.
- If, however, you have not used the reorganize process, then do not add back any missing records at this stage, but proceed as follows:-
- Use File > Save As GEDCOM > GEDCOM 4 Pedigree to export the whole database. Say 'Yes' to preserving RINs, so that you can easily identify links in the deleted record(s) to ease replacement later.
- Use File > NewDB to create a new empty database, opting to keep the Indexes
- Switch to Update mode, then use File > Import > GEDCOM to import the GEDCOM file exported above.
- You can now add any missing records and delete any blank records corresponding to deleted records in the old database. (These will appear at the beginning of standard indexes.)
- When satisfied with the new database, you can delete the old one.
Feedback
If you have need to use this tool to repair a database, please let Murray Kennedy and/or Colin Liebenrood know that you have done so. We need to gauge its usefulness and how frequently it is needed.
Changes in New Version
Version 2.4.5: one warning changed to error (for Pedigree users); layout tolerant of text-size changes in Win 7 and later; fixed a bug when processing more than one database in a single session.
Version 2.4.4 fixed an issue with a massively-corrupt database.
Version 2.4.3 fixes issues with installation and use under Win 7 64-bit.
The following changes were made between versions 2.3.0 and 2.4.2.
- Display of stored data, as a percentage of maximum capacity. This may appear as a single figure, such as 49%, or a dual figure such as 55%/49%. This latter form shows both the current value, with unused space, and the value that would apply if the database was reorganised.
- The ability to process databases that have one or more space-files missing. These missing files can be re-created by using the Reorganise process.
- Additional hints of the actions that need to be taken to repair a faulty database.
- On the Maintenance sheet, a display of both the number of records and data occupancy, as a percentage of the total allowed. These figures can be displayed for other size-types (1,3,4,6 or 9 Mb) that can accomodate the data present.
- The ability to create a copy of the database, but having a different size-type.
- A number of improvements and fixes affecting the displays and other functions.