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Import application?

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    #1

    Import application?

    Greetings,
    I'm having a problem getting an answer to my question.... perhaps my question doesn't make any sense? I'm going to try once more.

    I friend has A4V6 which it appears he upgraded from V3. There is also an A4V8 folder, but no apparent customer files copied there from the upgrade, and when the program opens, it says A4V6, so I assume that's what it is.

    He has the perfect application for running a home cleaning service database with all the necessary forms, fields, applications or whatever they are called to perform all necessary operations. I wanted to buy the same program, A4V6 and hopefully import / copy all necessary files so that I could use the same processes. Is this possible? How can I find out exactly what files to import / copy? Should I actually buy A4V6 as I have read about many problems trying to upgrade and keep things in working order when upgrading to V8. I am not a programmer and have given up on trying to figure out how to use A5V7. I cannot write scripts or understand how to use the program for design, except as an end-user. I can't find another program that duplicates it as great as it is set up now.

    SAles tells me it is possible, but I might have to re-write some things, which means I'll have to end up paying someone else to do it.

    Any ideas here?
    Many thanks in advance... I'm exhausted over this after attempting for 6 days to learn how to use the program.

    Tim T
    OKC
    Tags: None
    #2
    Re: Import application?

    Tim,

    I am not sure I can answer all. First I don't know if Alpha is still selling V6.
    If you can buy a copy and you are using W98 and you have a printer compatible with W98 then it should be easy.

    I use W98 without a problem. I use XP to view the files but using XP to pack a database has cleared out my notes, although I am not sure if someone has found a way around this.

    Assuming your friend is your friend there are at least two ways of proceding.

    Ask him to zip the A4 directory(s) and give it you. He is risking all his data with you. Once you get it, you will have to select each dbf file, verify that it contains no "system" like data (ie have a file that I need that contains the date of the first month of each month that I need to run a script properly) and zap each file, which empties all your friends data.

    You should then be ready to start. (NB see my comment at the end)

    If your friend doesn't trust you with his data, he should duplicate each set and dbf file into a new directory and include inherited files. Actually can't remember if this brings across the indexes which you will need. Thinking about this, I might be leading you into trouble as if a SET has a path name it might cause you a problem if you are not too familiar with things.

    I create a new directory each financial year and copy across or duplicate. about 20 DBFs or SETs but then I have to edit the files at the disk level to change the path from TRYCOM05 to TRYCOM06 (TRYCOM06 being the new directory). It takes me about 4 hours and I use ZTREE for disk editing and I think I know what I am doing. It sort of is like what you want. ie Copying all the files and forms from one place to another. However, if you friend has his address on a report to send out, then obviously you will need to change it.
    I also copy across the SCRIPTS and modify where necessary.

    Does this help or have I confused you.

    Steve

    Comment

      #3
      Re: Import application?

      Tim;
      Alpha Software no longer sells A4v6. You will have to purchase A4v8, but your friend's v6 database/application will work perfectly with v8. There should be no need to recreate or fiddle with any forms, browses or reports. V8 is really v6 with some "fixes" so that it will work properly with Windows versions after W98.

      However, having said that there are a couple of things to watch out for (that I can think of at the moment, but there are likly others as well), as V8 is still a DOS product and WinXp is not too forgiving. First of all, you should set up the same folder structure as your friend has Alpha stored in on his computer. Ask him to create an Alpha "backup" of his data including indices. With A4v8 you will "restore" this backup.

      Another issue may be in printing. Alpha 4 "prefers" a non-USB printing setup, and this is especially true for "Typeset" printing (the "good looking printing with shading, boxes, different sized type etc.). For non-Typeset printing, A4v8 will allow you to set up and access any printer through Windows.

      So, in summary, as long as you set up the same directory structure, use a printer on an LPT port (ideally also a laser that is compatible with HP lasers), you should have no issues at all. If those conditions do/will not apply, it is still very doable ... there just may be some complications.

      Good luck!
      Duncan

      Comment

        #4
        Re: Import application?

        Thanks gentleman & scholars, that helps a lot... I think. At least I think it may be worth buying the A4V8 Software and give it a shot. At the worst I might be able to find someone knowledgeable and local who could assist with any problems.

        I assume there is a menu option somewhere within the program to do an Alpha back up... he uses Nero or something and backs up a lot of misc. data at once. As I mentioned, I think, there is three sub folders in his directory under A4V6 Directory... V3, V6 & V8 sub folders. V3 folder, which was the original I'm sure, contains many more files than the other two. It's the only one that has a file with a .DBF extension in it. Seems kind of strange since he's using V6, but I guess it's working from the V3 folder.

        I would very much prefer to buy the A5 software, but I believe it's too complicated for me... and, the one he is using seems to work very well for what I want.

        THanks again
        Tim

        Comment

          #5
          Re: Import application?

          Ok, we performed the Alpha Backup and I'm attempting the Restore. I just can't find exactly which files to restore anywhere in the HELP files or TUTORIALS. I'm sure I woulnd't want to overwrite the .ico and .exe files and such.
          Is this documented anywhere?
          Thanks
          Tim T

          Comment

            #6
            Re: Import application?

            Tim;
            The restoration of the "backup" should be pretty automatic i.e. you don't have to decide which files to restore. It automatically restores all backed up files once you decide which folder to put the files. I am assuming you used the Alpha 4v6 backup utility (see my previous post).

            Duncan

            Comment

              #7
              Re: Import application?

              Actually, it did require a bit of concentration as I did not need the .exe program file, the icon files etc. But it works! That's the good thing. Now I can start learning how to make changes, and hopefully someday move up to A5. It's too bad it wouldn't have been that simple to restore into V5.
              Anyway, I'm happy for now and I appreciate the help. I'm sure I'll be back. ;-)
              Tim T

              Comment

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