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changing computers

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    #1

    changing computers

    I haved been using Alpha 5 for about 10 years. It has not been upgraded and I have been running it on an old 385 PC. I want to transfer the program and files to a new computer. What do I do?
    Tags: None
    #2
    RE: changing computers

    A5v1 will run on Win2000 and WinXP, but it does have some "issues". It works fine on Win98. First, because it is a Windows 3.0 program, it doesn't recognize long file names. Therefore, the install directory should be from the root directory and only use 8 character names. For example

    c:\a5v1\files

    will work fine, but

    c:\My documents\data files

    will not work and the program won't find any tables. Also, if you read some of the posts, certain operations may result in not being able to edit some structures. I don't remember the exact scenarios, but I still have one A5V1 program running on Win2000 Pro and it works ok. However, I keep a full backup made before moving off Win98. I have had to copy files from that backup on more than one occasion when the program stopped working. Usually, I only need to copy the data dictionary files (ddd, ddm, ddx) or set files (set, sem, sex). I have never lost any data files (dbf), but have run into situations where a form design is lost or won't open. Restoring the data dictionary files fixes that problem.

    Jerry

    Comment

      #3
      RE: changing computers

      My new computer is running Windows ME. Okay, it's not that new a computer. My other option is to go to my IMAC but I figured the PC would be easier. I am using it as a database to track a videotape library. I'm wondering if I should buy a different program that is more suited to my needs. But then I don't know how to convert the data.

      Comment

        #4
        RE: changing computers

        Marika,

        Perhaps your best option is to upgrade to the latest version of Alpha Five (version 6 at this posting).

        For the most part, the code is upward compatible, with the exception of calling applications and resetting primary tables.

        You will eventually need to do this anyway, as sooner or later you will have a version of windows that will no longer execute A5v1 properly.

        It's best to invest a little time now adjusting the code where needed. From the description of your application, it doesn't sound that complicated and may even run without changes.

        Comment

          #5
          RE: changing computers

          If you are running ME, A5V1 should work fine with no changes. Just observe the 8 character rule for all directories.

          You could ungrade, and Melvin is correct, eventually you will be forced to upgrade as new operating systems obsolete existing systems. Usually, A5V1 does upgrade ok to A5V5 and newer. However, sometimes it requires a number of changes to get it to work. In some cases, it is easier to start over in the new version.

          As long as you are using ME or Win98 and are comfortable with the existing program, just install it and go. You may want to purchase the A5V5 home version (or A5V6 home version when it is available) and experiment with the new versions. There are a huge number of improvements that could be incorporated into a database and that would get you a head start on the eventual need to replace V1.

          Jerry

          Comment

            #6
            RE: changing computers

            I'm having the problem that jerry brightbill mentioned; data files can be created, deleted, etc, but NOT edited.

            We had win 98 boxes for two users that use a consultant developed drug court system for us....like 10 years ago and though new software will replace this within 8 months, they need a fix NOW.

            What I did was set up win xp boxes and since we don't have the diskettes anymore to do an install onto the XP (the program/data is on a 5.x Novell server)I just copied the shortcut and from the win98 desktop and i was surprised, but it does work.....like I said, all except when editing records.

            Can this be fixed simply? I have no program diskettes to run an install on the local box, since we can't find the originals. Help!

            Comment

              #7
              RE: changing computers

              I'm having the problem that jerry brightbill mentioned; data files can be created, deleted, etc, but NOT edited.

              We had win 98 boxes for two users that use a consultant developed drug court system for us....like 10 years ago and though new software will replace this within 8 months, they need a fix NOW.

              What I did was set up win xp boxes and since we don't have the diskettes anymore to do an install onto the XP (the program/data is on a 5.x Novell server)I just copied the shortcut and from the win98 desktop and i was surprised, but it does work.....like I said, all except when editing records.

              Can this be fixed simply? I have no program diskettes to run an install on the local box, since we can't find the originals. Help!

              Comment

                #8
                RE: changing computers

                If you've installed that program on an XP box, you can try right clicking on the shortcut and the clicking on properties.
                Select the compatability tab, then check
                "Run this program in compatability mode for:"

                and choose Windows 95, the Apply.

                See if that resolves the edit problem.

                Comment

                  #9
                  RE: changing computers

                  Yeah, we did try that.. I should have mentioned it, but thanks for even thinking of my problem!

                  Comment

                    #10
                    RE: changing computers

                    Please elaborate on what exactly occurs when you try to edit records.

                    I have A5v1 on XP with no problem editing/deleting data.

                    Comment

                      #11
                      RE: changing computers

                      really, the data/apps are on a novell server and on the desktop is nothing more than a shortcut to the program (if im not mistaken).......and when the users 92) go to edit, it just does not keep the edited info. They make edits in a comment box per record....it is text entering in a comment line and whenever they click to 'save' it just disappears as if an 'auto erase' button was clicked on.

                      I would try installing alpha 5 on the local box, but we cannot find the original diskettes....

                      I hope this explains more; im no expert on A5.

                      Comment

                        #12
                        RE: changing computers

                        Dave,

                        The symtoms you describe sound like you problem might actually be more of a Novell Permission problem.

                        The way it works is that the user is entering data into a buffer, and the record is not written to disk until the
                        'Save' or F9 is chosen. If they do not have permission, it
                        will seem like nothing has been saved.

                        I would check that the directory the data is in has Write permission for World or All (my novell memory is a bit weak.

                        If it is not a permit problem, I will zip up the disks and send later today.

                        Comment

                          #13
                          RE: changing computers

                          Cool. I can appreciate that.

                          Yes, I verified that all novell rights as needed are provided for this group. They can do anything except edit. I am going to go down there again and see what if I can gleen more info.....but again, I appreciate your sending me the program so that I can go ahead and run the install program on the local box and then see if that makes a difference....if there is a trick to follow, please do not hestitate to throw that at me, too.

                          I appreciate every and all responses, guys.....

                          Comment

                            #14
                            RE: changing computers

                            Dave,

                            If I remember (or don't) correctly, programs have rights also,
                            so perhaps the A5 application is missing the Write permisson?

                            Comment

                              #15
                              RE: changing computers

                              Dave,

                              4 zip files have been sent to your direct email.

                              Disk1, Disk2 & Disk3 can all be unzipped to same directory
                              to install.

                              Put Update in separate directory.

                              Good luck,
                              Melvin

                              Comment

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