Converting tables between versions

[Stretchwickster]

Hi,

I would like to convert some tables that were created in Paradox 5, into Paradox 7 tables. How easy is this to do? What are the steps needed to undertake this conversion?

Your help would be much appreciated

 

[Guest_imported]

Restructure the table and insert an additional field (at the end) with a type which only became available in version 7 (e.g. autoincrement ??). Save the table - it should be automatically upgraded. Then restructure the table a second time and remove the new, unrequired field.

 

[Bystander]

I think Tools --> Table Repair ---> File format might also work.

Regards

Bystander

 

[footpad]

Stretchwickster,

Um, you know you don't need to convert Paradox 5 tables to use them in Paradox 7, right? Unlike some database Products, Paradox for Windows fully supports tables created in most older versions (OK, it won't open tables from Paradox v1.1 or 2.0, but it will open anything created with software released in the last 12 years.)

Also, do *not* use Table Repair to upgrade a table level unless you know what you're doing. If you wish to experiement, please do so with a copy of the original data table. It's very easy to mess things up inadvertantly.

The safest way to upgrade a table to a new level, if tyhat's what you really need to do, is to follow OGriofa's advice and add a field (or secondary index) that's only supported by Paradox Level 7 tables.

One caveat, though. Depending on your BDE settings, it's possible that removing that new field/secondary index may result in your table being saved at the older Level. More clearly, Paradox (BDE, actually) automatically triesd to create tables using the most compatible formats. If your table can be expressed as a Paradox 4 type table, BDE ususally creates it as such.

In general, you don't need to worry about upgrading the table level. Most of the time, you need to downgrade it and the easiest way to do that is to use a query to create a copy.

Hope this helps...

-- Lance