indexing dbaseIV gives false error 2

[Center]

Using dbaseIV in a Win95 box. When indexing a
field to a new index, or reindexing the database, I
get "file already open" about the first four times I
type the command. Then about the fifth time or so
the command executes fine. What is causing the false
error message?

 

[MCEVOY]

This problem has been discussed before in this forum. In a nutshell, your machine is too fast (!). DB/4 uses a naming algorithm based on the current time for the temporary files it needs in such operations. With a fast machine, it creates files so quickly that the file names come out the same.
It is an absolute nuisance. The only way I have been able to deal with the problem is to keep my slow old machine and transfer the data to it when I need to do certain operations.

 

[Center]

Just an observation.
I plan to get an even faster computer and wondered
if the problem had been fixed in later dos dbase versions.
Couldn't find a 5.0, but today did find a 4.2 and a quick
test on my computer indicates it may not have the
problem. It has a fair learning curve though, and perhaps
some features I won't like.
I have a nice late windows database, but prefer dos
dbase in a windows box, as can write and run programs of my own if a dot prompt is available.

 

[JaneC]

You can get a utility called IDXFIX that will slow down your PC when installed. This is how I have solved the problem. go to google and search for IDXFIX , should be in the first 3 or 4 entries

JC

 

[MCEVOY]

I tried IDXFIX but couldn't get the blessed thing to overcome the problem for me. I concluded that either my machine was still too fast or I wasn't using it properly, so gave up. What parameter value do you use Jane?

 

[dbMark]

I use dBase 5.0 for DOS on a 2.4GHz Win2K server, and similarly fast workstations using WinXP, Win2K, Win98se, WinMe. No indexing errors of that sort.

 

[JaneC]

MCEVOY,

I use 100, have to be careful not to slow the machine too much otherwise dbase takes forever to load !

 

[Center]

The best solution is find a later version such as 4.2.