1 file, 2 computers

[David]

the db file is on computer no 1, office. the file is used here and used on computer no 2. only 1 user. the 2 computers are on a P2P network, both on the same home group. the 2 computers are office and shop.
when I open the db file on computer no 2 (shop), there is a form that has a "Go to last record" event that does not work on computer no 2.
Is there something I need to do to set this up correct? A shadow database I assume. If I set up the Shadow database, will I be able to use the file on both computers? Not at the same time, but can I go back and forth to use on both computers with out a lot of problems?
My office computer has QODBC to connect A5 and Qbks. that is why I need to keep the main file on the office computer. the shop computer I need to print labels and reports. I can print reports and labels through Remote Desktop, but sometimes I am using the office computer and not A5 and someone else needs to print labels/reports from the shop.

[DaveM]

Re: 1 file, 2 computers

There is much already in there about shadowing. I do suggest a look up.

I believe from what you wrote(read it several times) that a file is hard coded like " c:\folder\somename.dbf" instead if "somename.dbf" . If that is the case, when you are on the shop computer, alpha is trying to find the file at "c:\folder" and it does not exist. Creating a shadow will not correct that, if it is that. When you are operating from home with remote desktop, alpha is still operating just like it would on the office computer(which it is) and it finds the file.

I may have read you question wrong, hope not.

This also assumes that all the data is in one folder on the office computer and not spread out.

[Tom Cone Jr]

Re: 1 file, 2 computers

David A:

If your database is physically located on the Office machine the traditional setup would be something like this:

a) the directory holding the database would be "shared" with other machines (especially the Shop computer). This directory is the one holding your data, not the one holding the Alpha Five program files.

b) Alpha five itself would be installed on both Office and Shop machines

c) The Shop user must have permission to read and write to the shared database directory on the Office machine

d) when the Shop machine starts up you should be able to "see" the shared database directory on the Office machine using Windows explorer (i.e. MyComputer)... it may be in the "Network" section of the Explorer list. Optionally, you could "map" this shared database directory as a "drive" on the Shop machine.

e) to access the database from the Shop machine you'd start Alpha Five on the Shop machine, and use the File menu of the Control Panel to "Open" the database on the shared database directory on the Office machine.

Shadowing is not necessary. It can improve performance somewhat, especially if your forms and reports are complex. But I'd try it without shadowing first.

[David]

Re: 1 file, 2 computers

Ok, thanks.
I did do a look up here and in help. Looked at the similar threads at the bottom. I couldn't tell in help if a shadow db was what would correct the event that doesn't work on the shop computer.

I apologize for not being very clear. the file/s open fine using the shop computer accessing the file on office computer.

This is what my question is about for the shop computer:
1) When I open the db file on shop computer from here - \\office\Documents\Alpha\, there is a form that has a "Go to last record" OnInit event that does not work on shop computer, when I open this form it goes to the first record instead of the last record. On the office computer, this works as expected.
there is another event OnFetch on this same form, that works like it should on both computers
should the OnInit event work on the shop computer?

Help says this about Network optimizing

Files Copied by Network Optimization

Network Optimization copies the database container (the .adb, .alb, .alm, and .alx files) and the data dictionaries (the .ddd, .ddm and .ddx files) to your local hard drive. The Network Optimization process also makes shadow tables on your local hard drive. These shadow tables point to the actual database tables that are on the network

when I read this I didn't know if this would correct the problem or if it would cause more problems.

the first thing it says is

Install the Alpha Five application on your server.

:

I'm not smart enough to know if my computer is considered a "server" or not. I know I am using it like a server.

[Tom Cone Jr]

Re: 1 file, 2 computers

Does the onInit event script do any other work?

Is the form based on a set of tables?

If set based, are you trying to navigate to the last parent table record?

If not tell us exactly, and fully, what your form is supposed to be doing.

Thanks.

-- tom

[DaveM]

Re: 1 file, 2 computers

To answer one of the questions. Alph accepts P2P as well as a sever. The data does not know it is not a server.

To answer another, if you have a shadow runtime, you can operate both computers at the same time, you just cannot modify any particular record on both computers at the same time.

[David]

Re: 1 file, 2 computers

Does the onInit event script do any other work?

Is the form based on a set of tables?

If set based, are you trying to navigate to the last parent table record?

If not tell us exactly, and fully, what your form is supposed to be doing.

Thanks.

-- tom

No the OnInit does 1 thing, go to last record. there is an event OnFetch on this same form, that works like it should on both computers
Not a set.

This is a table/record of labels we print. It has a table lookup to fill in the fields. the onfetch creates a starting position for the page of labels.
I open the form, and I want it to go to the last record we printed, so I can look at it to make sure we print the next label in line.
Next I have a button that creates a new record, this is for other workers to use, it is a little easier for them to find.
Next I put in an item number to fill the fields from the table lookup. type in a quantity. I have some calculated fields that determine how many labels need to be printed.
The only reason I want this is because other workers use this label form and are not computer savvy and I am trying to make it a simple as possible. I originally had it go to a new record when the form was opened but the problem with that was when workers tried to use it they would have several empty records every time they would try to print labels.
It has an embedded browse to show a list of the most recent labels printed and it would have all of the empty records showing in the browse, I thought that looked tacky, so I went with the go to last record and that stopped the empty records. I know I could have changed it to not save the record unless I clicked on "Save"
I feel like I am rambling here.

[DaveM]

Re: 1 file, 2 computers

I feel like I am rambling here.

You are doing fine. May I suggest a copy with some data that is maybe not real with complete instructions so we can see what is happening?
If not comfortable with posting it here in zipped format, I am sure either Tom or I would be happy to check it out and could give an email to send it to.

[Tom Cone Jr]

Re: 1 file, 2 computers

David_A,

Try this.

Comment out the oninit event script.

Then put the goto last record script in the onActivate event for the form instead.

If you have not specified an ORDERing expression for your form, open the form in design mode and do so. Set the ordering expression so that it sorts the records as you desire, so that the "last" record is the one you're looking for.

Let us know what happens after you make these changes.

-- tom

[DaveM]

Re: 1 file, 2 computers

when commenting out the oninit event when opening the form, the form opens to the first record and shows 30 labels to print.

when commenting out the onfetch even, form goes to last record and chooses 3 labels to print.

By the way, I am using v11 and a win8.1 machine accessing the file on a win7 machine. No shadows right now.

[David]

Re: 1 file, 2 computers

okay, I removed the OnInit event and added the onActivate, go to last record, and that works fine on both computers.
Thanks!