file paths

[Mary ellen decker]

I'm converting from alph4 to alpha 5 and just started setting up new tables. the first one was saved in "my documents" and the next in "program files".which path should they be in or doesn't it matter.

Also, should I copy the databases in to alpha 5 before creating the new tables

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: file paths

I believe the recommended strategy is to bunch all your tables together in a single, separate, folder. This is where you should create and save the database, too. (Remember, the terms tables and databases mean different things in alpha Five than you are accustomed to...)

If I were you I'd copy my alpha four tables (all the files that end in a DBF extension) to a new folder and dedicate it to a new Alpha Five database. This leaves your original files intact.

Once copied there, I'd create a new database in the same folder, and 'add' the tables to it using the Alpha Five control panel.

If your Alpha Four app uses memo fields, other arrangements will be needed to supplement what I've described.

I think it's important to keep your alpha five databases separate. I put each in its own directory (folder).

-- tom

[Mary ellen decker]

RE: file paths

thanks, tom - and yes, I do have memo fields.

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: file paths

Alpha Four stores the memo field data in separate files that end with a .DBT extension. These files would need to be copied to your new folder, as well.

Alpha Five stores memo field data using a different file format, and the resulting file has a different extension, .FPT

I understand that Alpha Five will convert your DBT files into the newer FPT file format automatically, when you next restructure your table (from within Alpha Five). Once converted the memo field files will not be readable by Alpha Four. This is another good reason to do this conversion in a separate folder, and not in your original Alpha Four folder.

Do a search of the messages in this forum for "convert dbt selwyn" to obtain additional details.

Good luck.

-- tom

[Mary ellen decker]

RE: file paths

I added the alpha tables to a new alph5 database, but I can't open them - message says can't find file. perhaps I'm not copying them over correctly?

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: file paths

Couldn't say.

Here's an outline of the steps I'd take if I were doing it.

1. Create a new folder on my C: drive. This will be where I will create my new alpha Five database.

2. Using Windows Explorer I'd open the folder where my Alpha Four tables are stored and I'd select the DBF and DBT file. I'd hold down the CTRL key and click on each DBF and DBT file with the mouse (one click only for each).

3. When they're all highlighted, I'd right click one of the selected DBF files and pick COPY off the drop down list.

4. Then I'd move to the new folder (created in step 1 above), open it by clicking its name in the folder tree in the left panel of the Explorer screen.

5. Then I'd right click in the white space in right panel of the Explorer screen, and pick PASTE off the drop down menu which appears.

Steps 1 through 5 will copy the DBF and DBT files to the new folder, leaving your original files intact.

6. Close Windows Explorer, start Alpha Five.

7. Then I'd create a new database in the folder created in step 1.

8. Then I'd 'add' the tables to the new database.


By doing it this way Alpha Five works with the tables in a different folder than that used originally for my Alpha Four files. This leaves the Alpha Four files intact.

I would *not* try to 'add' tables from the original Alpha Four database folder to a new database in a different folder. Alpha Five will attempt to do this for you but it leads to lots of problems, not the least of which is that Alpha Five would be working with your original tables, instead of copies of your original tables.

-- tom