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Unable to create Sets

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    Unable to create Sets

    When I try to create a new set at the Control Panel using "New" and selecting the Primary Table, I get a dialog box saying "! Expected Value" and it will not go to the Set Editor.

    I have reinstalled Version 5 (suspecting a corruption of some kind), the most recent patches, and run A5V5.exe. Then I compacted the database and packed the table. No matter what table I select, cannot get to Set Editor. Just get the "Expected Value" message.

    Any ideas?

    #2
    RE: Unable to create Sets

    Maybe something is wrong with the table you have selected. Try creating a set with another table as the parent. If that works, then check the indexes in the table that failed. Maybe one of the indexes has a bad expression.

    Comment


      #3
      RE: Unable to create Sets

      Do you have any data in the table? If not, enter one record and then try to create the set.

      kenn
      TYVM :) kenn

      Knowing what you can achieve will not become reality until you imagine and explore.

      Comment


        #4
        RE: Unable to create Sets

        I tried this initially and it did not change anything, but thanks for the suggestion.
        Pam Hamilton

        Comment


          #5
          RE: Unable to create Sets

          Thanks for the suggestion, Bill, but I am unable to create a set for any table, existing or new. Empty, or filled with data.

          I have noticed that my database is now "read only" due to sharing files with coworkers, as we work in different locations. When I download to my CDRW drive (which is the only option the email offers me), then copy to my harddrive, I am able to edit forms, tables, etc. But the database itself is marked "read only" and I cannot change this. When I select "properties" to uncheck this status, it will not uncheck. I am wondering if this would block the set creation aspect but not the editing of layouts and tables.

          Pam Hamilton

          Comment


            #6
            RE: Unable to create Sets

            Pamela,

            Yes, if the files are marked read only, this could be the issue.

            Generally, when Windows copies files to a CD-ROM it automatically marks them Read Only.

            Unfortunately, they remain Read Only when copied to a new location back on your hard disk.

            Maybe someone in your shop can show you a faster way to re-set the files to read write status. This is done by manipulating the read write attribute of each file.

            You can do this via Windows Explorer, too. Select the file, right click, check it's properties, and change from read only to read write, by removing the checkmark that's in the read only box.

            -- tom

            Comment


              #7
              RE: Unable to create Sets

              When you say you cannot uncheck the read-only box do you mean the file on the CD or on the hard drive? You won't be allowed on the CD but should be able to on the hard drive. Furthermore, if you select all the files in a folder you should be able to reset the readonly attribute for all of them in a single operation.

              Bill
              Bill Hanigsberg

              Comment


                #8
                RE: Unable to create Sets

                Yes, I have been able to do this for individual files...layouts, tables, etc., and can edit these. However, the DATABASE itself remains "read only" and yet another co-workerer's database is NOT so marked. So I'm wondering if this prevents certain functions, such as creation of sets. The database WILL NOT allow the "read only" to be changed. And I tried re-installing, but same thing happened.
                Thanks for the response.
                Pam

                Comment


                  #9
                  RE: Unable to create Sets

                  Just to be sure we are on the same page, exactly which file to you refer to when you say "database", "layouts", etc.?

                  Bill
                  Bill Hanigsberg

                  Comment


                    #10
                    RE: Unable to create Sets

                    Layouts to me are forms, reports, browses, letters, labels. I can also edit tables. Thanks.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      RE: Unable to create Sets

                      Reread my question. In in A5 layouts are not individual files. So you seem to be saying that you can in control panel edit a layout but not the database. I confess I do not know what you mean by database. What exactly do you mean by edit the database?

                      Are all your tables and the database files themselves (databasename.alb,.alm, .alx) in a single folder. If not this may be the problem but confirm this.

                      Finally, what version and build of Alpha5 are you using. Are your coworkers all using the same version and build?

                      Bill
                      Bill Hanigsberg

                      Comment


                        #12
                        RE: Unable to create Sets

                        Sorry if I am confusing you, and perhaps not thinking of the various parts of A5 databases correctly. It is how I think of them, I guess.

                        When I said "edit the database" I was referring to a task such as creating a set which is using more than one table. When I say "file" I am thinking of each named layout in the Control Panel - or table for that matter. I do realize they each draw on multiple parts of the entire database, but I access each individually to work with it, and therefore think of it as a "file". My error. As I am new to working with databases, and have previously only worked with spreadsheet and word processing software, it is my habit of mentally organizing what I am working with.

                        All I know is my coworker is working with same version/patches I am: Version 5. His database, when he selects it in "My Computer" does not say "read Only" in properties. Mine does. He can create sets, I get that "Expected Value" message.

                        He does not have a CDRW drive, but a zip drive while I do have a CDRW and not a zip drive. We have had problems before when I copy data to take to him in it being "read only", but we have always been able to change it.

                        I have been operating under the mistaken impression that the "write" in CDRW meant files would be writable when copied from this drive. Now I understand it only means the disk is reusable...rewriteable, and has nothing to do with the files. But OCCASIONALLY, I cannot even erase the files from a CDRW disk and I can't figure out why sometimes I can and sometimes I can't. So I suspect it has something to do with my drive.

                        But it appears that no one else using A5 is getting this "Expected Value" message in regards to creating sets.

                        Thanks for your time. It is appreciated!
                        Pam Hamilton

                        Comment


                          #13
                          RE: Unable to create Sets

                          Pamela,

                          Let's start over, and take it one step at a time.

                          Here's how to create a set:

                          1) open Alpha Five Version 5
                          2) open your database, if a form is loaded on startup, close the form
                          3) the control panel should now be displayed
                          4) select the Tables / Sets tab
                          5) right click in the 'white' open space, without selecting any particular icon
                          6) choose "New Set"
                          7) choose the table to serve as the parent or primary table for the set
                          8) add links to child tables
                          9) save using a unique name for the set

                          If you try this sequence and fail, describe where it breaks down and furnish as much detail as you can muster explaining what happened.

                          -- tom

                          Comment


                            #14
                            RE: Unable to create Sets

                            Pamela,

                            Most of us use CD-ROM and CDRW drives only for backup.

                            Because of the relative slow performance of these devices most of us would avoid using the CD platter as the location for our active databases. If this is what you're trying, you may find the headache goes away when you stop pounding your head against that CD platter !

                            -- tom

                            Comment


                              #15
                              RE: Unable to create Sets

                              It will not go past step 7. It lets me select the primary table (and doesn't matter which table I select...one of the new ones I am trying to link, or previously long-time existing tables). When I click "OK", I get the dialog box stating "! Expected Value".

                              No set is created.

                              Comment

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