Copying structure for new database

[Albert Frank]

I need to be able to copy the structure of a database, including the layout of various forms, reports, etc., but NOT the data. I want a new database with a new name in a new location that is INDEPENDENT of the database from which I am copying the structure.

When I try, I find that any alteration of data or structure to the new database alters the old one, and this is UNACCEPTABLE.

[JerryBrightbill]

RE: Copying structure for new database

Albert

Are you talking about copying a database or copying a table that is connected to a databse? Terminology is very important in this case. All forms, etc are attached to tables. Copying a table is very simple. From the Controlpanel, highlight the table you want to copy. Right click and scroll down the menu to duplicate. Select duplicate. Click all of the options except data. Select a new name or location and click ok. The program will attach this table to the current database, but you can just highlight it, right click, and select "drop table from database"

Copying a database which holds the scripts, functions, menus, toolbars etc is a little more difficult. If this is what you want to do, someone can easily walk you though the process.

Jerry

[Robert Adler]

RE: Copying structure for new database

Albert:

use the copy file operation. specify that you want to copy the data dictionary, etc. and the indexes, but not the records. Give the new file the name you want.

I hope this helps.

bob adler

[Albert Frank]

RE: Copying structure for new database

I'm not sure of the terminology, being new to Alpha. Basically what I want is everything but the data.

Thanks for your suggestion. What I've started doing, and it seems to work, is:

1) In the directory where I want the new database, create a new, empty database. Totally empty: no tables, forms, data, etc.;

2) Switch to the old database that is being used as the model;

3) In the old database, go to Tables/Sets area, and highlight the table (or I suppose set)to be copied;

4) Select Table, Duplicate. Check off the Dictionary choice;

5) Go back to the NEW(blank)database;

6) Under File pick +Add Table/Set and add the NEW (duplicate) set that was created in the old database in step 4 above;

7) Go back to the old (model) database, and in the Tables/Sets area highlight the duplicate table (or set)that was created in step 4 above;

8) In the Table menu item (or using a right-click), pick Drop Table From Database.

This all seems to result in a new database with the same structure, an old database restored to the way it was, and information can be entered into the 2 databases without affecting the information in the other database. While this seems to work, one would think that there would be a simpler way to achieve the result.

[Albert Frank]

RE: Copying structure for new database

Thanks for your suggestion. What I've started doing, and it seems to work, is:

1) In the directory where I want the new database, create a new, empty database. Totally empty: no tables, forms, data, etc.;

2) Switch to the old database that is being used as the model;

3) In the old database, go to Tables/Sets area, and highlight the table (or I suppose set)to be copied;

4) Select Table, Duplicate. Check off the Dictionary choice;

5) Go back to the NEW(blank)database;

6) Under File pick +Add Table/Set and add the NEW (duplicate) set that was created in the old database in step 4 above;

7) Go back to the old (model) database, and in the Tables/Sets area highlight the duplicate table (or set)that was created in step 4 above;

8) In the Table menu item (or using a right-click), pick Drop Table From Database.

This all seems to result in a new database with the same structure, an old database restored to the way it was, and information can be entered into the 2 databases without affecting the information in the other database. While this seems to work, one would think that there would be a simpler way to achieve the result.

[martinwcole]

RE: Copying structure for new database

in your new database, check the tables tab, view the full path, abd BE SURE the path is for the NEW database and NOT the old one.