DBase IV HELP!

[enilorac]

I have a new job and they are using dBase iv for an inventory list. I need to increase a field from 8 digit numbers to 10 or 12?

Learned dBase in school a loooong time ago and can't remember how to do that...

I tried to find a book in the super public library in Montreal and they had to order it from an other building that they have... I am waiting for the books since the end of October and can't wait anymore.

So I tried to find at least one book at Chapters and they don't have either.

I went on the dbase.com internet site and the only guide available is for the dbase plus...

I am out of ideas... Can someone help me???

Thank you!!!
Caroline.

 

[1oldfoxman]

Assuming your database is called My_table and is located in c:\Myfolder, open dBaseIV and issue these commands:

SET DEFA TO C:\MYFOLDER
USE MY_TABLE
MODI STRU

This will open the dialog box for modifying table structures, scroll through the fields until you get to the right one, tab over to field length and type in the new length. <ctrl><w> to exit and save (respond to the prompt for saving new structure).

hth

Dennis

 

[enilorac]

First of all, thank you Dennis (1oldfoxman) for your answer!

I tried to find how to open dBaseIV and when I found how, the three command lines were not working, I had to type one line at a time only.

I found the “help” and found that the way to modify the structure was to type “modify structure” and then it tells me “Exclusive use of database is required”.

I went in dbsetup and in the menu Database – Exclusive, I put “on” and it still does not work. I thing I am doing something wrong somewhere. I learned dBase maybe more than 10 years ago and never used it after and I am not used to work in dos or programming anymore... so I am pretty lost!!!

I am sorry to ask all these questions, I would love to have a book in my hands to find all my answers and thanks for the help!!!

I have to say that I am happy to rediscover all those things! I saw that I am not as bad as I tought. Using the computers with Windows that does everything makes us forget and I am going to be proud if I can make that work!

Thanks again!

Caroline.

 

[enilorac]

Ok now I tried a few more things and don’t remember what I did.

I was able again to enter dBase (I could not remeber how I did it before – now I wrote down what I did to remember)and I was able to make the command "modify structure" and enter my database. I was able to change the width to my field from 9 to 15, than “save changes on exit”.

Now I get “system is not configured for current code-page” – I have “quit” and “continue” as a choice. I chose “continue”

After, I tells me “Mismatched language driver for database: xxxxxxx - Okay to use with your current language driver?"
My choices are: Cancel – Use database file – help
I choose “use database file”

It then ask me the same question for what I think to be all the fields (the xxxxxxx I wrote before). When it finally opens, the field that I changed still is at 9 numbers and not 15!

How do I remove all these messages when I open the database and how come the field is not changed – what did i do wrong?

Please note that I am doing all that on an other computer than the one I am using at work so everything I am doing is not on the original files so I can restart over everytime if what I did is not right.

Thanks again!!!

Caroline.

 

[1oldfoxman]

Here's a relevant thread:
thread290-447665
but I'm not sure how to change the codepage in DOS if necessary (which is probably dangerous with regard to breaking other apps).

I tried modifying the structure of a dbaseIV database on my machine running Windows 2000 (DOS codepage 437) and had no problems saving the change and did not encounter the error you're seeing. I'm thinking a reinstall of dBase may be in order if you have it available to do so, in the hopes that will deal with the codepage/language problem. I'm assuming you're running this on a newer machine with Windows.

dennis

 

[ormsk]

The codepage is not a major issue. The ideal way would be to unistall and re-install with the correct codepage setup. However, because the language drivers are slightly out (437 = UK and 85= = USA), the first time you open a .dbf or an associated index .ndx or .mdx, you will be prompted with the question you previously had, but you shouldn't get that from this point on (for the same file). The data will be OK its just that some menu options (graphics) may display differently.

The xxxxxx is probably an index file(s). I still use dbase IV for some applications and could always modify a structure for you, if required.




**********************************
There is more than one way to skin a cat...but who wants a skinned cat?

 

[enilorac]

I wish I can re-install dBase but I am not able right now.

I went in the "reconfigure" menu and did "copy dBase to workstation" to see if it would re-install and il gave me the following message "not all of the files needed to download dBase to your workstation are present on the server. Contact your system administrator for assistance."

Now on my desktop computer at work, I only have a copy of the dBase folder so I guess I don't have everything and that it is the reason why I get all those error messages.

I am not able to find the program in the office (disquettes or cd) and I don't have access to my boss computer where the original program is installed - he is out of town and can't be reached.

So does anyone have other ideas or do I have to wait until he comes back?

Thanks again for all your help!!!!!

Caroline.

 

[1oldfoxman]

I would agree with Ormsk that if you're still getting the messages and are unable to get the field width change to "stick", even after working through each of the messages, your alternative may have to be seeing if someone else can make the change and e-mail your the restructured file back to you. He's volunteered. I'm willing to do it as well.

dennis

 

[enilorac]

It's very very very nice from both of "yous" to offer to restructure my file but unfortunately, I am not authorized to exchange that file - wine inventory file of the fine dinning restaurant where I work... If you know what I mean...

I guess I will have to wait until my boss gets back in town and ask him if he still have the software to be able to re-install it...

Thanks again for all your help!!!!!!!!!

Caroline.

 

[1oldfoxman]

You could try sending and empty copy of the database created with :

USE MyTable
COPY STRU TO c:\anotherpath\MyTable

One could change the strucuture, send it back, and you can populate it with :

USE c:\yetanotherpath\MyTable
APPEND FROM MyTable

Then try opening c:\yetanotherpath\MyTable and see if isn't what you need.

Just a thought. Trying to be helpful, not pushy, or to steal secrets.

dennis

 

[enilorac]

Ok Dennis, I will try that...

It's not like I knew I could do that... I am a bit "rusted" regarding dBase... ("rusted" - I don't know if you can say that in English, but in French we can).

I don't know yet if I will have time to do it today from work or if I will do it tonight from home, but I'll give it a shot.

THANKS again for all your help!!!

Caroline.