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Precision Software Appli…tions Silver Collection 4
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Precision Software Applications Silver Collection Volume 4 (1993).iso
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bk51fp2.arj
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CONVERT4.DOC
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1989-08-12
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CONVERTING DATA FILES
Due to the major changes in this version, you will have to convert the
FAMILY3 data files which you currently have. The program called CONVERT4
will do the conversion for you. When it is done, you will have new data
files. (The old data files are not erased, but the new BROTHER program will
only read and write to the new files.)
FAMILY3 had one extra date and place field. BROTHER has three extra date
and place fields. You are given the option to move the extra date and place
to any of the 3 new places. You may decide whether to put it between born and
died, or in one of the two places after died. If you never used the extra
date and place field for anyone in FAMILY3, just choose any of the 3 new
locations. While the conversion process is progressing, the names of the
people being converted will display on the screen.
In order to run the CONVERT4 program the computer has to open several
files at the same time. If the CONVERT4 program does not work for you, you
will have to add this line to your CONFIG.SYS file on the disk you boot from.
FILES=12
Then when you re-boot the computer, it will be able to run the CONVERT4
program. If you don't know how to put that line in your CONFIG.SYS file try
doing this. FORMAT a blank disk with the /S option (see your DOS manual). You
will then have a "bootable" disk. Then put that disk in the A: drive and
reboot. You should then have the A> prompt. Then type in the following lines
and push the Enter key where it says <Enter> and push the F6 (function 6) key
where it says <F6>.
COPY CON CONFIG.SYS <Enter>
FILES=12 <Enter>
<F6> <Enter>
You should then see a message saying 1 file was copied. Now re-boot
again with the same diskette in the A: drive. In other words, push reset or
hold down CTRL-ALT-DEL or turn the computer off then back on. If you do not
re-boot, the computer will not read the new CONFIG.SYS file.
Then remove the disk you just booted with and put in the CONVERT4 disk
and start CONVERT4 again and it should work.
If you still have trouble, here are some more detailed directions:
If you have a 2 floppy drive computer, put CONVERT4 in the A: drive and start
the program. As soon as the first screen comes up, remove the CONVERT4 disk
and insert in the A: drive a copy of your FAMILY3 data files. Put a blank
formated disk in the B: drive. The path for the version 3 data files should
be entered as A: and the path for the version 4 data files should be entered
as B: and the "other" date field can be moved to wherever you wish. If you
still have trouble, please call me while at your computer. My number is at
the end of these directions.
If you have a hard disk computer, create a subdirectory called BROTHER. This
is done by typing in the command:
MD \BROTHER
Then start the CONVERT4 program. When asked for the path of the version 3
data files, enter the path, such as C:\FAMILY3\ or wherever they are. When
asked for the path for the version 4 files enter C:\BROTHER\ or wherever you
what the files to be. If you still have trouble, please call me while at your
computer. My number is at the end of these directions.
Because there is more information stored for each person in version 4,
the data files will be larger than before. If your data files currently fill
about 3/4 of a diskette, then the new files should fit on one new diskette.
However, if your current data files nearly fill a diskette, the converted
files may not all fit on one diskette. If the new files will total over
360,000 characters, then this is a good time to talk your spouse into letting
you buy a hard disk drive (mail order price for 30 megabytes is $269).
Actually, if you can't fit your files on one diskette, let me know and maybe I
can think of a solution.
After converting the files, use the disk with the new files for your
data disk. The names of the new files end with the .DT4 extention. Save the
old data files for a while (just in case).
You may wonder why the name has changed from FAMILY to BROTHER'S KEEPER.
It is because I know of several other IBM programs with names like FAMILY
HISTORY or FAMILY TIES or FAMILY ROOTS or FAMILY EDGE or FAMILY TREE ETC or
just plain FAMILY. I decided to change the name to avoid confusion.
IF YOU CAN NOT GET CONVERT4 TO WORK, CALL ME. (But first read all of the
above directions one more time.) My number is (616) 866-9422. Please call
while you are at your computer. Also, please call between 8pm and 10pm
Eastern time. (Or you could try during the day on a Saturday.) If I am not
available, leave your name and number and I will call you back.