PC-File prints question marks when it does not recognize the fieldyou are asking it to print. This is happens when: * a field name is spelled incorrectly in the report or letter * the report or letter was defined for a different database (one which has different field names) * the name of the field has changed since the report or letter was defined If PC-File prints question marks where you asked it to print a system field, check to make sure that the system field name is spelled correctly, that the system field name is followed by an asterisk and that the system field name is entered entirely in uppercase letters. To correct the problem(s), edit the letter or report using the Command option and correct the spelling of the field names and/or system fields. The field names are displayed at the bottom of thescreen, making it easy for you to verify the correct spelling.
Word wrap only works in the memo field edit window. With your cursor on the memo field, press (Ctrl)E. This puts you in the edit window and your memo field data will automatically be wrapped as you type.
When you save a report, you can include the name of the database the report is designed for as part of the report description. For example, if you create a report that prints 3 x 5 cards for records in your CUSTOMER database, you might enterthe following report description: Print a 3 x 5" rolodex card for each record in CUSTOMER Usually a report can only be used with the database it was createdfor, because it refers to the field names in that database. Sinceother databases probably have different field names, a report created for one database may not work with other databases. If your databases have some field names in common, a report that referred only to the common field names could be used with all of these databases.
If PC-File finds the /LAN parameter in your DATABASE.PRO file, it attempts to open the database in a "shared" mode. If your database resides on a local drive, or if the database files are not marked as shareable files, PC-File cannot open the file in shared mode so it displays this message. If your database is stored on a local drive, remove the /LAN parameter from the profile. If your database is stored on a network drive, be sure the database files are marked as shareable.Refer to your network software manuals for more information.
No. PC-File does not recognize or use expanded or extended memory.
If you are using an HP LaserJet+ or LaserJet II that is connected to your computer's serial port (COM1 or COM2), you must first issue a DOS command before starting PC-File. The DOS command to use is: MODE COM1:9600,P This sets your COM1 output to 9600 baud. If you don't do this your printer will give you error #40. This means the printer and computer are communicating at different baud rates. If your printer is connected to COM2, issue the command: MODE COM2:9600,P The command is entered at the DOS prompt. Refer to your DOS manual and printer manual for more information.
You can remove trailing spaces of a relational calculation by including the greater than sign, > , at the end of your relationallookup calculation in the report. The following line in a Command report would print the data in the ANSWER field and remove trailing spaces: (@key1,other,key2,answer)> Note: Do not precede the calculation with a left bracket, < or [.
There are two things to consider when deciding which field(s) to index. First, PC-File can perform searches on indexed fields faster than non-indexed fields. Therefore, you want to index those fields you use when searching. However, you can still search any field, whether or not it is indexed. Second, indexing a field allows you to display your records in order based on the data in that field. For example, if you want to see your records in zip code order, you would index on the zip code field. PC-File allows you to create up to 9 indexes per database. Although you can index up to 9 fields per database, in most cases you will not need to index more than 2 to 4 fields. There are tworeasons you don't want to index more fields than necessary. First, additional disk space is required for each additional index. Second, the more indexes PC-File has to update after you add, modify or delete a record, the longer it takes. At ButtonWare, we search for customers by their zip code, last name or company name. Therefore, we have indexed these fields. However, we rarely, if ever, search for customers by their first name, city or state. Therefore, we have not indexed these fields.
The error message "End of file" may immediately drop you out of PC-File. Do not be alarmed by this, as all of your work will be saved. This message normally indicates an error in one of the database indexes. First, try deleting the index SORT_SEQ. If the problem continues, try rebuilding all of the indexes in the database. If you still have trouble, please contact ButtonWare Technical Support and report the exact conditions under which this error occurs.
The error message "Invalid field number/name" will immediately
drop you out of PC-File. Do not be alarmed by this, as all of
your work will be saved.
One possible cause of this error is that one or more field names
stored in the .HDB file for the database do not match those in the
.DBF file. This can be corrected by cloning the database.
Another possible cause is having one or more invalid field names.
Examples would be fields which include illegal punctuation
characters, field names which begin with numbers or underscores,
etc. Rename the offending fields using the Utilities, Name
command.
Finally, this message can indicate an error in one of the database
indexes. First, try deleting the index SORT_SEQ using the
Utilities, Index Operations, Delete command. If the problem
continues, try rebuilding all of the indexes in the database using
the Utilities, Index Operations, Make command.
If you still have trouble, please contact ButtonWare Technical
Support and report the exact conditions under which this error
occurs.
or in one of the database
indePC-File may show an error message like "Can't create NDX" for a
variety of reasons. First, the disk may be full. When creating
an index file, PC-File may require some work space on the current
drive, as well as building the actual index on the drive which
contains the database file. Be sure there is plenty of room.
Second, the field(s) being indexed may have illegal names. Use
the Utilities/Name command to rename any offending fields.
Third, the field names in the .HDB portion of the database may
differ from the field names in the .DBF portion. Cloning the
database will correct this condition.
Fourth, if you are running on a network, be sure you have "Create
rights" both in the current directory, and in the directory which
contains the database.
You can often bypass the error by building a User-defined index
with an expression of simply: RECNO()
If you continue to have trouble with this, please report the exact
circumstances, including any additional error codes, to ButtonWare
Technical Support.
rectory which
This message indicates that PC-File tried to use an index which
was not opened properly. First, try quitting out of the database,
and then going back in. This will normally correct the problem.
If this message prevents you from loading a database, then the
problem is caused by a corrupted .HDB database file. Follow the
steps in the Error Messages section of the manual under "Invalid
HDB".
When you change the name of a field using the Utilities, Name
command, PC-File does not change the text in the entry screen(s).
This is intentional, and allows you to design a data entry
screen(s) with more meaningful field references, or no field
references.
You can change the text in the data entry screen(s), including
field references, by using the "Alter data entry screen text"
command on the Utilities menu. Refer to pages 207-208 for more
information.
he entry screen(s).
This is intentional, and allows you to design a data entry
screen(s) with more meaningful field references, or no field
references.
You can change the text in the data entry screen(s), including
field references, by using the "AlteRecords are not assigned record numbers. The primary reason why
record numbers are not displayed is that the record number is not
fixed. The record number for a specific record would change,
depending on which index is current.
For example, the record for Abby Able who lives in Anchorage, AK
at zip code 99555 might be record 1 when the last name field index
is current, but might be record 10,000 when the zip code field
index is current.
You can store a number in each record which can be used as a
record number. You can even use the :UNIQUE*: edit mask to
automatically generate the "record number".
le, the record for Abby Able who lives in Anchorage, AK
at zip code 99555 might be record 1 when the last name field index
is current, but might be record 10,0You can the /GREEN parameter when you start PCLABEL, in order to
force PCLABEL to use colors appropriate for a monochrome monitor.
You cannot actually change the colors PCLABEL uses for a color
monitor.
To start PCLABEL with the /GREEN parameter for monochrome
monitors, type:
PCLABEL /GREEN
You must include a space between PCLABEL and /GREEN. The / must
be a forward slash, and not a backslash, \.
To start PCLABEL with the /GREEN parameter for monochrome
monitors, type:
To tell PCLABEL which index to use (which controls the order your records are printed), press (Enter) with the highlight bar on the "Define Search" option of the Define/Modify setup screen. If the database selected in the "Label Source Location" option has more than one index or has a sort sequence index, PCLABEL displays a list of indexes for that database. The indexes are listed by the actual index file name -- the index file name may be different from the indexed field name. If you have sorted your database, option S, which will have the name of your database and the NDS extension is the sort sequence index. If yousorted selected records and select the sort sequence index, only those records selected during the sort process will be printed.
The graphing module is the only module in PC-File 5.0 that supports a Postscript printer. Reports, letters and snapshot labels do not support the Postscript printer. If you require a report or letter to be printed using a Postscriptprinter, you can print the report or letter to disk. You can thenload this disk file into a word processing program and format the report or letter for Postscript output.
ut.
raphing module is the only module in PC-File 5.0 that
supports a Postscript printer. Reports, letters and snapshot
labels do not support the Postscript printer.
If you require a report or letter to be printed using a Postscript
printer, you can print the report or letter to disk. You can then
load this disk file into a word processing program and format the
report or letter for Postscript outpIf a field has a constant or automatic edit mask that has not been
defined as add-only or blank-only, the constant or automatic edit
mask data is entered into the field as soon as you press M to
modify the record.
Generally, constants and automatic edit masks should be add-only.
This allows you to have PC-File automatically supply default data
when you add records, but prevents PC-File from changing the data
that was saved. For example, if you are entering records in your
address book database, and a lot of the people live in Washington
state, you can have PC-File automatically insert WA in the State
field. However, if you enter a record for someone who lives in
Oregon, you can type OR in the State field. If the constant is
not add-only, when you modify the record for the person in Oregon,
OR is changed back to WA.
To make a constant or automatic edit mask add-only, you must
include *A at the end of the constant or automatic edit mask.
automatically insert WA in the State
field. However, if you enter a record for someone who lives in
Oregon, you can type OR in the State field. If the constant is
not add-only, when you modify the record for the person in Oregon,
OR is changed back to WA.
To add additional entry screens to an existing database, you must
clone the database using the Paint option.
If you want to move fields from one screen to another, you can
block the lines (fields) to move, move the cursor to the correct
spot on the appropriate screen, then press (Ctrl)M to move.
0To rebuild an index, you must use the Utilities, Index Operations,Make command. From the main menu, press U or F8 for Utilities. From the Utilities menu, press X for Index Operations. When shown a list of options, press M to make a new index. PC-File displays the field names on the screen. An arrow is displayed next to each field which is currently indexed. To rebuild an index, select thefield whose index you want to rebuild. Do this by moving the cursor to the field or typing the field name at the top of the screen, then pressing F10. Enter a name for the index file. Makesure you enter a name which is not used for any other index. If PC-File says that index already exists and you are sure no other index uses the same name, answer Yes to continue building the index.
There are several possibilities: 1. The database contains deleted records. To remove deleted records from the database, you must run PCPACK. Refer to pages 117 and 295-297 for more information. 2. The current index is damaged. Use the Utilities, Index Operations, Make command to rebuild the indexes for the database. 3. The sort index is current, and you only sorted selected records. Switch to a field index or sort the database again, sorting all records. 4. The data file is damaged. This is unlikely. To repair a damaged data file, follow the instructions on pages 303-304.
Memo fields can hold up to 5000 characters each. You can define up to 127 memo fields per database, however one or two memo fieldsis usually sufficient. Memo fields cannot be indexed. See pages 83 of the PC-File User's Manual for more information on the memo file and recommendations on when to use memo fields. THE MEMO FIELD WIDTH Memo fields in PC-File version 5.0 can display up to 132 characters per line. The default memo field width is 66 characters. See pages 252-253 of your PC-File User's Manual for more information on the MEMOW parameter. ENTERING DATA IN MEMO FIELDS There are two methods for entering data in memo fields. PC-File displays the first line of the memo field on the screen at all times. You can enter data in this one line. As you move on this line, PC-File will scroll the data. PC-File displays the << character instead of [ at the beginning of the line to let you know there is data to the left of what is currently displayed on the screen. You can move the cursor to theleft to scroll the data. Likewise, PC-File displays the >> character instead of ] at the end of the line to let you know there is data to the right of what is currently displayed on the screen. You can move the cursor to the right to scroll the data. If you want to see several lines of the memo field, press (Ctrl)E with the cursor in the memo field. When you press (Ctrl)E, PC-File displays an editing window. This is the same editing window you use when defining or cloning a database using the Paintoption, creating or editing a report using the Free Form or Command option, and creating or editing a letter. VIEWING THE MEMO FIELD DATA When PC-File displays a record on the screen, the first line of the memo field is displayed. In order to view several lines of a memo field on the screen at one time press (Ctrl)V. PC-File will display information from the first memo field on the screen being viewed. If you have more than one memo field on a screen and wishto view a subsequent memo field, you must modify the record and use (Ctrl)E to edit the memo field. SEARCHING MEMO FIELDS Unlike dBASE III and some other dBASE compatible products, PC-File does allow you to search your memo fields. PC-File allows all types of searches (generic, wildcard, sounds-like and scan-across) in memo fields. Memo fields can also be included in complex searches. MEMO FIELD COMPATIBILITY WITH dBASE IV Unfortunately, dBASE IV uses a different file format for memo fields. While dBASE IV can read PC-File memo fields, PC-File cannot read memo fields created or modified with dBASE IV. PC-File is fully compatible with dBASE III and dBASE III PLUS memo fields.
Depending on which method you use to create a report, PC-File prints either the first line or the entire contents of a memo field. You can tell PC-File to only print a certain number of lines of a memo field, if you want. PC-File formats Page and Row reports to print only the first line of the memo field. You can modify the report using the Command option, as shown below, in order to print the entire contents of the memo field. When defining a Free Form report, we recommend you enter one line of at signs (@) where you want the memo field to print. This willcreate a report which prints only the first line of the memo field. You can then modify the report using the Command option, as shown below, in order to print the entire contents of the memo field. To modify a report to print the entire contents of a memo field, you must save the report when you define it. You must then edit your report using the Command option. To do this, from the main menu, press R for Reports, F10 with your cursor on the blank line,C for Commands, then E for Edit. Then select the report you want to edit. Move the cursor to the line which has the memo field name inside of square brackets. You should see something like oneof the following: [MEMO,1,64] [MEMO],1,64 [MEMO]:@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@: Change the line so it reads simply: [MEMO] Substitute the name of your memo field for the word MEMO in the above examples. Then save the report by pressing F10. PC-File normally prints a memo field the way it is displayed when you press (Ctrl)E in the memo field. If you want a memo field to print a different number of characters per line than it currently does, you need to add the MEMOW parameter to your profile with the appropriate length, and then reformat the data ineach memo field in each record to the new line length before printing. Alternatively, you may want to use the :wwwwwwwwww: print mask to print a memo field at a width other than the actual width of the memo field. Please refer to page 141 in your PC-File manual for more information on this feature. MEMO FIELDS IN LETTERS You can print memo fields in mail-merge letters in PC-File. To tell PC-File to print the memo field, include the memo field name inside of pointed brackets, < and >, with a period in front of the left bracket (or greater than sign). PC-File prints the memo field the way it is displayed when you press (Ctrl)E in the memo field. Below is an example showing how to format a letter toprint a memo field: .<DATE*> .<FIRST> .<LAST> COMMENTS: .<MEMO>
There are several reasons why a report might "creep" up or down the page, so that the first line of each page doesn't start at thesame place on the paper. 1. The printer may not have been set to the top of form before you starting printing the report. If you suspect this may be the problem, position the paper in the printer, then turn the printer off for a few seconds, then turn the printer back on, before you begin printing the report. You should never manually move the paper in the printer. Instead, use the buttons on the printer to move the paper. On laser printers, make sure the Formfeed light is not on before you start printing. 2. The page length on the Report menu may be incorrect for your printer. Generally, if the report is creeping up the page, you should increase the page length on the Report menu. If the report is creeping down the page, you should decrease the page length. Normally, the page length is set to 66 lines per page. This is correct for most printers when printing on 11 inch paper, printing 6 lines per inch. However, on most laser printers and some printers with sheet feeders, you must set the page length on the Report menu and on the printer panel to 60 instead of 66. 3. The printer may be wrapping information from one line to the next. This happens when the report is too wide for your printer to print. To correct this problem, you must edit the report usingthe Command option, and insert a new line containing /1 after the command to print the last field that fits on the line. Alternatively, you may be able to print the report in condensed print to fit on one line. 4. The report may not have a /1 at the end of each section. Generally, every section should end with at least one /1. The only exceptions to this rule are when the section contains only a .FF command, or if you are absolutely sure you do not want to start a new line after the last item of the section. 5. The report may not have a :FOOTING section. Generally, every report must have a :FOOTING section with at least one /1 at the end of the section. The only time a report does not need a :FOOTING section is when the report contains only a :DETAIL section and the report is designed to print on continuous form labels or cards.
There are several reasons why PC-File might print on the perforation. 1. The report does not have a :FOOTING section, or the :FOOTING section is not defined to print a bottom margin (blank lines). The number of blank lines at the end of the :FOOTING section determine the bottom margin of each page. Edit the report using the Command option and add the following lines: :FOOTING /6 Note: If the report already has a :FOOTING section, add /6 at the end of the section. A /6 as the last item of the :FOOTING sectiongives you a one inch bottom margin. You can increase 6 to increase the bottom margin, or decrease 6 to decrease the bottom margin. Do not use the .CP command in the :DETAIL section to determine thebottom margin. The .CP command is used only to prevent data from being split between two pages. 2. The page length is not correct. Refer to answer to the question "My report is printing on the perforation. Why?" 3. The initial page alignment is not correct. Refer to answer tothe question "My report is printing on the perforation. Why?"
There are several reasons why numeric data may not be right justified on a report. 1. The field is not actually a numeric field. PC-File only rightjustifies data in numeric fields. To change a field to numeric type, you must clone the database. 2. You answered Y to the question "Remove blank lines and spaces"on the Report menu. Refer to the answer to the question "When I print a report, data is not lined up in columns" for more information. 3. The report uses the pointed brackets, < >, around the field name instead of square brackets, [ ]. Refer to the answer to the question "When I print a report, data is not lined up in columns" for more information.
more information.
and spaces"
on the Report menu. Refer to the answer to the question "When
I print a report, data is not lined up in columns" for more
information.
3. The report uses the pointed brackets, < >, around the field
name instead of square brackets, [ ]. Refer to the answer to the
question "When I print a report, data is not lined up in columns"
for PC-File doesn't translate any characters when printing. If you have entered characters with accents or umlauts or graphics characters, PC-File sends these characters to the printer. If your printer isn't capable of printing these characters, it will print different characters. Your database can include any character, including characters withan ASCII decimal values greater than 127. If you want to print these characters, your printer must support the Extended CharacterSet. If characters with an ASCII value greater than 127 don't print properly on your printer, refer to your printer manual to see if it can be configured to support the Extended Character Set.Early models of the IBM Graphics Printer, and printers that emulate it, do not necessarily support the IBM Extended Character Set. Refer to your printer manual, or dealer, if you have any additional questions.
You can include boxes on the data entry screen when you define or
clone the database using the Paint option, and when you use the
Utilities, Alter Data Entry Screen Text command. You can also
"draw" boxes when creating or editing a Free Form report or
letter.
In order to draw boxes you have to key in some of the special
characters that aren't on the keyboard. These characters are
referred to as the IBM Extended Character Set (which includes
ASCII decimal values greater than 127). You can key in any member
of the Extended Character Set from the keyboard using the
following procedure: Hold down the (Alt) key, type in the ASCII
decimal value of the character desired using the numeric keypad,
then release the (Alt) key. You must use the numeric keypad when
entering the ASCII decimal value, the number keys on the top row
of the keyboard will not work.
For example, the upper left corner of a single line box is ASCII
decimal value 218. To key this character onto the screen move the
cursor to the position you want to place the corner, then hold
down the (Alt) key and using the numeric keypad at the right side
of the keyboard, strike the keys 2 1 8. Then, release the (Alt)
key. The corner character should appear.
An easy way to draw a box is to first key in the characters for
the four corners of the box. After you have placed the four
corner characters at the appropriate place on the screen, mark the
spaces on the line between two of the corners using (Ctrl)B. Then
press (Ctrl)F to fill the marked area. When PC-File asks you to
select the fill character, using the (Alt) key and numeric keypad,
key in the ASCII decimal value of the character for the line
between the two corners. For example, this would be ASCII decimal
value 179 for a single vertical line, or ASCII 196 for a single
horizontal line. Repeat this process until you have created the
four sides of the box.
If you are drawing lines within the box, you can enter the
intersection characters when you are placing the corner
characters. Then use (Ctrl)B to mark the line segment between
each pair of intersections and/or corners, one at a time, using
(Ctrl)F as above to fill each segment. Alternatively, you could
first draw a simple box (four corners and connecting lines), then
enter the intersection characters using the Alt method above,
making sure that the overstrike cursor is active. This will cause
the intersection character to replace the portion of the line
where your cursor is. Then fill the remaining segments using the
(Ctrl)B/(Ctrl)F method described above. In all cases you will
only be able to highlight one segment to be filled at a time, and
you should not include any of the characters already placed within
the (Ctrl)B highlighting.
Refer to the ASCII table on pages 324-325 for the ASCII decimal
values of the desired characters.
where your cPC-File version 5.0 provides full dBASE III PLUS index support. This allows users to create many varieties of multi-level indexes for use in finding records in your database as well as producing reports. This information will give some basic examples on how touse the User-defined option under the Utilities, Index operations,make an index function of PC-File version 5.0. The database definition for the following examples will be: [1] Date [6] Address [2] Client_num [7] City [3] Last_name [8] State [4] First_name [9] Zip [5] Company [10] Sales THE BASICS Many of the index functions listed in the Index Operations sectionof the PC-File version 5.0 manual are listed only because they aresupported the subroutines used by PC-File, not because they will do anything productive when building indexes. Additionally, some of these functions will only be of benefit when triggering subtotal breaks in reports and again have little or no bearing on indexing. There are a few rules to keep in mind when creating User-defined indexes. 1) You must use the entire field name in the index expression up to 10 characters. If the field name is longer than 10 characters,you can only use the first 10 characters of the field name. 2) Make certain that you have the same number of open (left) parentheses as close (right) parentheses. 3) The combined length of the data used in the expression can not exceed 100 characters. 4) Field types can not be mixed in index expressions. 5) The key expression reads left to right and inside out of the parentheses. 6) Use the UPPER command when you want a case-insensitive index. If you want to search without the search being case-sensitive you must include the UPPER(char expr) function as described in the next section. If you use case-sensitive searches you should NOT use the UPPER(char expr) function in your index expressions. MULTI-LEVEL ORDERING To create an index which orders records according to First_name within Last_name groups, select the Utilities, Index operations menu and choose the Make an index option. When prompted for Whichfield to index, select Last_name since it will be the outer most sort level. PC-File will then ask you to provide the name for theNDX file. Respond according to the rules outlined on page 265. At the next prompt, select the User-defined option. A window will be displayed, asking for the dBase Key Expression. This window will display UPPER(Last_name). You have two options to create an index which is ordered on First_name within Last_name. The more complex of the expressions would be: (UPPER(Last_name) + UPPER(First_name) ) This expression arranges the index by UPPER (case insensitive) of Last_name, then by UPPER of First_name. Alternatively, you could use this expression: (UPPER(Last_name + First_name)) For more information on User-defined indexing, please contact ButtonWare Techincal Support at the phone number listed in your manual.
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J2kPC-File version 5.0 requires 512K of available RAM memory on your machine. This amount of memory will allow you to perform any operation in PC-File version 5.0 at least once. However the closer you are to this limit, the more likely you are to get an "Insufficient memory" message for the reasons described below. It is possible for PC-File version 5.0 to display an "Insufficientmemory" message when performing an operation which worked earlier in the current session. Because the C programming language does not reorganize memory when it becomes fragmented, PC-File may request a larger block of memory than is currently available. Forexample, if there are ten 3K blocks of memory available, a requestfor 20K of memory would be denied. Although there is a total of 30K of available memory, there is no contiguous block of 20K available. There are two things you can do to work around this problem. First, quit all the way out PC-File version 5.0, then restart PC-File version 5.0 and immediately go to the area of the program you were in when you received the "Insufficient memory" message. Quitting to DOS frees all memory, so that the next time you start PC-File version 5.0, all available memory is contiguous. Second, make more memory available by either installing more memory in your machine or by disabling memory resident programs. Note: PC-File version 5.0 does not take advantage of extended or expanded memory. Another, less common cause of the "Insufficient memory" message isan invalid calculation, complex search criteria or .IF statement in a report or letter. Examples of errors include angle brackets around field names in calculations, complex searches or .IF statements, misplaced angle brackets, equal signs, etc. Also, using <> as "Not equal to..." can cause this error message. You must use != for "Not equal to". Refer to the section in your manual regarding complex searches for information regarding propersyntax. Using square brackets ([]) around field names in calculations in a report can also cause the message. To determine how much RAM memory is available on your machine, youcan run the DOS CHKDSK program. The last two lines displayed willgive information about the RAM memory on your system. If the "bytes total memory" does not exceed 524000 you will need to install more RAM memory on your machine before running PC-File version 5.0. The "bytes free" display must be over 524000 in order for PC-File version 5.0 to work properly, since this is the amount of space available in the computer's RAM memory. To increase the amount of available memory on your computer it maybe necessary to unload some memory resident programs (TSRs) from RAM memory on your machine. Keyboard enhancers, print buffers andother "pop-up" programs all require space in your RAM memory. Another way to increase the available memory on your machine is toinstall your memory resident programs to expanded or extended memory, if the TSR allows it. This will free up more of the 640K that DOS and PC-File recognize. Please follow the instructions given in the manuals for the TSRs for information on how to install them to extended or expanded memory.
Yes. We have a version of PC-File specifically for network use. This version is called the PC-File 5.0 LAN Pack. For more information on the PC-File 5.0 LAN Pack, please contact us at 206-454-0479.
PC-File allows you to link multiple databases together using relational calculations. Relational calculations can be used to retrieve data from other databases into the current database and to include data from other databases in reports and letters. The relational calculation features of PC-File do not allow you to update other databases. You can only update data in the current database. Relational calculations work by using a "key" field to link two databases together. A "key" field is a field that contains the same data in both databases. For example, if you have two databases, a master client database and an invoice database, you might use the account number field as the "key" field to link the two databases together. The relational lookup field can be any field in the database other than the "key" field. The format of the relational calculation is: (@KEY_FIELD_1,LOOKUP_DATABASE,KEY_FIELD_2,FIELD_TO_RETRIEVE) Each relational calculation must be surrounded by parentheses. Totell PC-File the calculation is a relational calculation, you mustinclude the at sign, @ , immediately after the left parenthesis. KEY_FIELD_1 is the name of the key field in the current database which contains the same data as the key field in the lookup database. The lookup database is the name of the database to retrieve data from. You can include a drive and path specification if the lookup database is stored on a different drive and/or subdirectory. Do not include an extension. KEY_FIELD_2 is the name of the key field in the lookup database which contains the same data as the KEY_FIELD_1 field in the current database. The FIELD_TO_RETRIEVE is the name of the field in the lookup database containing the data you want to retrieve. In the example below, the "key" field in the current database is ACCT_NO, and the "key" field in the lookup database is called ACCT. Notice that the "key" field names don't have to match. However, the data stored in the "key" fields for records you want to link must match exactly in order for PC-File to perform the lookup correctly. In addition, the field types and lengths of thekey fields must be the same. By entering the relational lookup calculations using the Utilities, Name commands in the fields COMPANY, STREET, CITY, STATE, ZIP, and PHONE you would only need to enter the ACCT_NO for a particular company. When you press F10to save a record in the invoice database, PC-File retrieves the company name, address and phone number from the master CLIENT database. The CLIENT database should only have one record per account number in order for the lookups to work properly. INVOICE DATABASE Field name Field calculation ---------- --------------------------------- ACCT_NO COMPANY (@ACCT_NO,CLIENT,ACCT,COMPANY) STREET (@ACCT_NO,CLIENT,ACCT,STREET) CITY (@ACCT_NO,CLIENT,ACCT,CITY) STATE (@ACCT_NO,CLIENT,ACCT,STATE) ZIP (@ACCT_NO,CLIENT,ACCT,ZIP) PHONE (@ACCT_NO,CLIENT,ACCT,PHONE) Another example of a relational lookup would be a PARTS database and an INVOICE database. A relational calculation could be used in a report to retrieve information about a part from the PARTS database. This would be done by matching the records that containthe same part number in both databases. This allows you to type just the part number in the INVOICE database, but print the description and price of the part on the invoice. To retrieve thedescription of the part from the PARTS database, you would use a relational calculation that looked like: (@PART1,PARTS,PART_NO,DESCRIPTION) You can update relational lookups (and other calculations) in a database using the Utilities, Global, Modify feature in PC-File. To perform the update, choose All or Selected records to suit yourneeds. When prompted to "Supply the replacement data..." simply press F10 without entering anything.
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J2kIf you search on a non-indexed field, or if you perform a complex
search containing | (OR), PC-File displays the records in the
order they exist in the .DBF file.
You can, however, force PC-File to use a particular index by
pressing (Alt)X before you start the search. This will cause
PC-File to display the records in order by current index.
You can press (Alt)X any time to force PC-File to use the current
index. Once you have pressed (Alt)X, you can change to a
different index, if necessary, by pressing (Alt)I.
To turn the "index forcing" off, just press (Alt)X again.
you start the search. This will cause
PC-File to display the records in order by current index.
There are several reasons why PC-File does not print reports in
condensed print, even when you answer C for Type Size on the
Report menu.
1. PC-File has not been configured for your printer.
2. PC-File is configured for a different printer.
3. The report contains printer codes for non-condensed print.
PC-File can print basic reports on most printers without being
configured. However, until you configure PC-File for your
printer, selecting C for condensed print on the Report menu has
no effect.
To configure PC-File for your printer, use the Utilities,
Profile command or start PC-File by typing PCF SETUP. We
recommend you store the printer information in your PCFILE.PRO.
This way, all databases will use the same printer information and
you will not have to configure each database profile for your
printer. When you are shown the menu of options to change, move
to the Printer Defaults option and type Y. You can change other
options if you want. After you press F10, PC-File displays a
menu of different printers. Select the appropriate printer, or
select the option to enter your own printer control codes. (NOTE:
When you modify the printer information, PC-File defaults to
the I option for IBM/Epson printers. If you are using a different
printer, you must reselect the appropriate printer or select the
option to enter your own printer control codes.) Next, PC-File
asks for the page length. The page length is 66 for most dot
matrix printers and 60 for most laser printers. Next, PC-File
asks for the printer port. This is usually LPT1.
When printing a report or letter, PC-File sends the normal or
condensed printer control codes in the current profile(s) at the
beginning of the report or first letter. The only other printer
control codes which are sent to the printer are those you have
included in your report or letter using the A (ASCII command).
Refer to your printer manual for a list of printer control codes.
s is usually LPT1.
r to the last field if the last
field is displayed on the screen
With the cursor in the field to tag, press any key. The key you press
is included in the tag definition, and is appended to the end of the
field you tag. When you tag a field, dB<P18BJ248>.<P255DJ0>Crayons
highlights the field to let you know the field is included in the
current tag definition. You can use any letter, number or character
to tag a field. You can also use the space bar, <B>(Enter)<D> and
<B>(Tab)<D>.
The <B>spacPC-File displays graphs in color on most EGA and VGA monitors, and
in high-resolution black and white on all CGA monitors, and on
some EGA and VGA monitors.
PC-File selects the color set which will produce the best
resolution. While you can force PC-File to displays graphs in
high-resolution black and white on EGA and VGA monitors, you
cannot force PC-File to display graphs in color on CGA monitors.
or on most EGA and VGA monitors, and
in high-resolution black and white on all CGA monitors, and on
some EGA and VGA monitors.
PC-File selects the color set which will produce the best
resolution. While you can force PC-File to displays graphs in
high-resolution black and white on EGA and VGA monitors, you
cannot force PC-File to display grapIn order to produce graphs on a monochrome monitor which is not
connected to a CGA card (non-graphics monochrome monitors), you
must have a Hercules compatible graphics card installed in your
machine, and you must run the program MSHERC before starting
PC-File. If you do not run MSHERC before producing a graph, you
will not see your graph.
Note: If you have a monochrome card which does not support
Hercules graphics, you will not be able to produce graphs on your
monitor, even if you run MSHERC.
MSHERC is supplied with PC-File. The INSTALL program copies the
file MSHERC.COM to the same drive and subdirectory as the other
PC-File program files.
DO NOT drop to DOS inside of PC-File to run MSHERC. You must be
at a DOS prompt to run MSHERC. At the DOS prompt, type MSHERC and
press Enter. After running MSHERC, the next time you produce a
graph, it will be displayed on your monochrome monitor.
th PC-File. The INSTALL program copies the
file MSHERC.COM to the same drive and subdirectory as the other
PC-File program files.
DO NNo. PC-File displays a legend on the right side of the screen
when viewing a horizontal or vertical bar graph or a pie chart.
The legend displays the pattern and the value for the different
points on the graph.
It is not possible to delete the legend when viewing a horizontal
or vertical bar graph. When viewing a pie chart, you can use the
(D)isplay option to control whether or not the legend is
displayed, and whether or not the values for slices are included
on the legend.
PC-File displays the first 20 to 25 items on the legend, depending
on which type of graph is displayed and whether or not the menu is
displayed. It is not possible to display more items on the
legend, nor is it possible to control which items are displayed on
the legend.
A legend is not displayed when viewing a line or scatter diagram.
PC-File displays the first 20 to 25 items on the legend, depending
on which type of graph is displayed and whether or not the menu is
displayed. It is not possible to display more items on the
legend, nor is it possible to control which items are displayed on
the Yes. To change the scale of a graph, you must edit the GRAPH.ME
file using a text editor or word processing program that saves
standard ASCII files (non-formatted files). Insert a one line
BOUND command before the first TITLE line of the GRAPH.ME file.
The format of the BOUND command is:
BOUND:Xh,Xl,Yh,Yl,0,Ch
where Xh is the maximum X axis value
Xl is the minimum X axis value
Yh is the maximum Y axis value
Yl is the minimum Y axis value
0 is required
Ch is the maximum Cumulative value
For example, to set the scale on the Y axis so that the maximum
value is 500 and the minimum value is 1, and the maximum
cumulative value is 5000, use the command:
BOUND:0,0,500,1,0,5000
After saving the GRAPH.ME file, you must run PCG2 in stand-alone
mode, from the DOS prompt. Be sure you are logged on the drive
and directory containing the correct GRAPH.ME file. Then, at the
DOS prompt, type:
PCG2
and press Enter. When the graph is displayed, the old scale will
be in effect. Press M to display the menu, then select the
(B)ound option by pressing B. Your graph is displayed with the
new scale.
E file. Then, at the
DOS prompt, type:
PCG2
and press Enter. When the graph is displayed, the old scale will
be in effect. Press M to display the menu, then select the
(B)ound PC-File can print graphs on IBM dot matrix printers, Epson dot matrix printers, Okidata dot matrix printers and HP Laserjet printers. PC-File is designed to be compatible with 9 pin dot matrix printers, and may not be compatible with 18 and 24 pin dot matrix printers. If your printer cannot emulate one of the these types of printers, or if your printer is not a 9 pin dot matrix printer, you may not be able to print graphs with PC-File. Some versions of DOS other than IBM or PC-DOS include GRAPHICS programs for non-Epson printers. These GRAPHICS programs should allow you to print graphs on any printer which your DOS supports. Refer to your DOS manual for more information on the printers supported by your version of the GRAPHICS program. If you have problems printing on an IBM or Epson compatible dot matrix printer, or if the GRAPHICS program supplied with your DOS program supports your printer and PC-File does not, follow these steps to print a graph: 1. Before running PC-File, run the DOS GRAPHICS command. To do this, place your DOS diskette in drive A and type: A:GRAPHICS and press Enter. Refer to your DOS manual for more information onthe GRAPHICS command. 2. With the graph displayed on the screen, use the Print Screen key (Shift PrtSc on some keyboards) to print the graph. To prevent the menu at the bottom of the screen from printing, press Shift F1 with the menu displayed before pressing the Print Screen key. Note: The GRAPHICS program can only print graphs when your monitoris in a CGA mode. If you have an EGA or VGA monitor, you will need to run PCG2 in a stand-alone mode with the /F option to forceyour monitor into a CGA mode. Refer to pages 187-188 for more information. If your graph is printed with blank lines in the middle of the graph, make sure you are selecting the appropriate printer from PC-File. If you select the wrong printer option, your printer mayprint blank lines. Blank lines can also be printed on non-9 pin dot matrix printers. If you your graph is printed with blank lines on a dot matrix printer, try both the IBM and Epson printer options (as well as Okidata, if appropriate). If the blank lines still appear, try the steps above to print your graph. If blank lines still appear when using the GRAPHICS program and doing a print screen, you will not be able to print graphs on your printer.
PC-File calculations can include "conditionals" which act like
mini IF, THEN statements. This allows a calculation to make
decisions based on the contents of a field.
When you include a comparison in a calculation, PC-File determines
whether the comparison is true or false. If true, PC-File assigns
a value of one to the comparison part of the calculation. If
false, PC-File assigns a value of zero. You can multiply the
comparison by a field or calculation, with the result that if the
comparison is true, the calculation is performed, but if the
comparison is false, the result of the calculation is zero used.
The following examples should help to make this clear:
An invoice database includes a TAXABLE field, a SUBTOTAL field and
a TAXAMOUNT field. The TAXAMOUNT should be computed as the
SUBTOTAL field times tax if the item is TAXABLE. In other words,
if the TAXABLE field contains a Y, then a 7.9% tax must be
computed. If the TAXABLE field contains anything else (like N)
then TAXAMOUNT should be zero. This calculation would be written
as:
((TAXABLE="Y")*(SUBTOTAL*.079))
The (TAXABLE="Y") comparison is either true or false; that is,
either the TAXABLE field contains a Y or it doesn't. If it is
true, then the conditional's value is 1. If it is false, the
conditional's value is 0. Based on this, if TAXABLE contains Y
then the calculation is treated as if it read:
(1*(SUBTOTAL*.079))
Multiplying anything by one leaves it unchanged, so the tax is
computed. However, if TAXABLE does not contain Y, PC-File sees
the calculation as:
(0*(SUBTOTAL*.079))
Multiplying anything by zero gives zero as the result, so
TAXAMOUNT is zero.
Any comparison can be used, as long as it is surrounded by
parentheses. See the section in the manual on complex searches
(pages 111 - 113) for explanations of the different comparisons
you can use.
Below is a sample calculation that results in the value of the
AMT1 or AMT2 field, whichever is greater:
(((AMT1 > AMT2) * AMT1) + ((AMT1 < AMT2) * AMT2))
If AMT1 is greater than AMT2, the first comparison (AMT1 > AMT2)
is true or 1. AMT1 is then multiplied by 1 to equal AMT1. The
second comparison (AMT1 < AMT2) would then be false or 0. AMT2 is
then multiplied by 0 to equal 0. AMT1 plus 0 equals AMT1. If
AMT1 is greater than AMT2, the calculation would be performed as
if it were written:
((1 * AMT1) + (0 * AMT2))
which equals AMT1. If AMT1 is less than AMT2, the calculation
would be performed as if it were written:
((0 * AMT1) + (1 * AMT2)) = (0 + AMT2) = AMT2
which equals AMT2.
Additional information is available on this topic and includes
numerous examples. To receive this information, send a
self-addressed, stamped envelope to ButtonWare, and request the
form "Simulating IF Statements in Calculations".
+ (1 * AMT2)) = (0 + AMT2) = AMT2
which equals AMT2.
Additional information is available on this topic anNo. The Global Modify feature is used to replace data in a field
or in certain positions of a field.
However, you can use a recursive smart key to insert data in a
field without overwriting existing data, or delete specific data
in a field on a global basis. The smart key would modify the
record, make the changes and then save the record. The smart key
would then go to the next record to be modified and repeat itself.
For examples and information on defining and using a recursive
smart key to modify all or selected records, refer to pages 260 -
key to insert data in a
field without overwriting existing data, or delete specific data
in a field on a global basis. The smart key would modify the
record, make the changes and then save the record. The smart key
would then go to the next record to The most important thing you can do to avoid problems with index files is to ensure that each index you build has a unique name. If you use the same index file name for more than one index, you have multiple databases or fields competing for the same index file. The index will be "bad" for all but one. You can store each database in a separate subdirectory to help avoid duplicate index file names. Other reasons for index error messages are: the data disk is full the area of the disk where the index file is stored has been damaged the index file or data file has been corrupted If you suspect a problem with your index or if you receive an index error message, you should rebuild your indexes immediately. If you continue working in the database without rebuilding the indexes, PC-File may not be able to find records that exist, may show you duplicate records which don't really exist, or may give you error messages when you add, modify or delete records. To rebuild an index for the current database, press F8 or U from the main menu. From the Utilities menu, press X for Index operations, then press M to make a new index. PC-File displays the names of all of the fields in the database, and displays an arrow next to each field which is currently indexed. You should rebuild all current indexes and any additional indexes you need. If you continue to receive index error messages, check to make sure you have enough disk space to contain all index files, and that none of the files are damaged. To check for logical damage to the files, run the DOS CHKDSK /F command on the data disk. Youcan also copy the files to another disk or subdirectory, to ensurethe files do not reside on a bad spot on the data disk.
Page and Row reports print the number of characters equal to the window field's display length, starting at position 1. The display length is the number of characters you see on the screen at one time. For example, if a window field is 200 characters long with a display length of 50, the first 50 characters of the field are printed in Page and Row reports. By editing the report using the Command option, you can tell PC-File to print the entire window field's contents. You can also tell PC-File the width of the column in which you want to the print the window field. To edit an existing report format using the Command option, from the main menu, press R for Reports, press F10 with your cursor on the blank line, press C for commands, press E for edit. Then select the report format you want to edit. To print the entire contents of the memo field and specify the column width, your report would include a line like: [WINDOW]:WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW: You would replace "WINDOW" with the name of your window field. The number of W's between the colons indicate the column width. Refer to page 141 for information on formatting the Command reportto print window fields using a column width you specify.
If you use more than one printer, you can create different
profiles, one for each printer.
For example, you might have a profile called EPSON for use with
your Epson printer, and one called HP for use with your HP
Laserjet printer. You can use the Utilities, Profile, Load
command to load other profiles once you are in a database. If you
create different profiles for different printers, we recommend you
only include the printer information in the profile, and not
screen colors, passwords, snapshot mailing label definitions, etc.
To create a profile for your printer, use the Utilities, Profile,
Create command. Move the cursor to the "Printer Defaults" option
and press Y. Then press F10. Answer the questions appropriately
for your printer.
tabase. If you
create different profiles for differYes. You can search on any field, including memo fields, whether or not the field is indexed. There are two reasons why you would index a field. First, PC-Filecan perform searches on indexed fields faster than non-indexed fields. Therefore, you want to index those fields you use when searching. Second, indexing a field allows you to display your records in order based on the data in that field. For example, ifyou want to see your records in last name order, you would index on the last name field. PC-File allows you to create up to 9 indexes per database. Although you can index up to 9 fields per database, in most cases you will not need to index more than 2 to 4 fields. There are tworeasons you don't want to index more fields than necessary. First, additional disk space is required for each additional index. Second, the more indexes PC-File has to update after you add, modify or delete a record, the longer it takes. At ButtonWare, we search for customers by their zip code, last name or company name. Therefore, we have indexed these fields. However, we rarely search for customers by their first name or city. Therefore, we have not indexed these fields. We can still search these fields when necessary, even though they are not indexed.
Listed below are several reasons why PC-File returns incorrect data or no data (spaces in character fields, 0 in numeric fields) when performing a relational calculation: 1. The lookup database does not contain the lookup data. Select the lookup database and perform a search for the lookup data to make sure it exists. 2. The relational calculation is incorrect. You must reference the correct fields, using the correct spelling of the field names and lookup database. Use the DBRPT program to verify the correct spelling of the field names. If the calculation is incorrect, youusually get an error message, like those listed on page 313 of thePC-File User's Manual. Relational calculations in numeric fields display 0 instead of an error message. 3. The field types of the related and lookup fields don't match. PC-File requires that the related and lookup field types be the same. 4. The field lengths of the related and lookup fields don't match. PC-File requires that the related and lookup field lengthsbe the same. 5. The field containing the relational calculation is accessed before the related field. A field containing a calculation must come after all fields referenced in the calculation. Use the DBRPT program to verify the sequence or access order of the fieldsin both the database containing the calculation and the lookup database. 6. The index for the lookup field is damaged. To correct this, select the lookup database. From the main menu, press U for Utilities, then X for Index Operations, then M for Make a new index. Rebuild all of the existing indexes in the lookup database. 7. The .HDB file doesn't match the header portion of the .DBF file. To correct this, clone both the database containing the calculation and lookup database. You don't have to actually change the database structure. Cloning creates a new .HDB file and .DBF file, which will match. LIMITATIONS OF RELATIONAL CALCULATIONS Listed below are limitations of the use of relational calculations: 1. A memo field can't be used as the Related field, Lookup field or Lookup data -- a memo field can't be one of the fields referenced in the calculation. If you use a memo field in a relational calculation, PC-File returns the message "MEMO N/A". Amemo field can contain a relational calculation, but can't be one of the fields in the calculation. 2. You cannot use a relational calculation as a "field" in a complex search. 3. In reports, total buckets and other calculations can't be usedin a relational calculation. The relational calculation (@[`a],db2,x,y) is not valid in a report.
is not valid in a report.
fields in the calculation.
2. You cannot use a relational calculation as a "field" in a
complex search.
3. In reports, total buckets and other calculations can't be used
in a relational calculation. The relational calculation
(@[`a],db2,x,y) There are two reasons why data may not line up in columns. 1. You answered Y to the question "Remove blank lines and spaces"on the Report menu. If you tell PC-File to remove blank lines andspaces, all leading and trailing spaces in a field are removed. PC-File prints one space between fields. If you want your data toline up in columns, you cannot answer Y to the question "Remove blank lines and spaces". If you need to remove blank lines, use the .GROUP and .EGROUP commands. 2. The report uses the pointed brackets, < >, around field names instead of square brackets, [ ]. Pointed brackets are used to tell PC-File to remove leading and trailing spaces from a field. If you want data to line up in columns, you must either use squarebrackets around field names in the report, or use the =xx (tab) command before each command to print a field.
There are several reasons why PC-File may not print any data on the report. 1. You told PC-File not to print the detail information. To print the data from individual records, you must answer 1 for "Line spacing" on the Report menu. If you answer 0 for "Line spacing", data from individual records is not printed, and only the :COVER, :HEADING, :SUBTOTAL, :FOOTING and :TOTAL sections are printed. 2. The report is not defined correctly. Make sure the commands to print data from individual records are below the :DETAIL line. When defining a Free Form or Command report, if you deleted the section lines (:COVER, :HEADING, :DETAIL, etc.) or place the commands above these lines, the report is not defined correctly and will not print correctly. The commands to print data from individual records must below the :DETAIL line of the report. 3. No records match the selection criteria used. Try printing the report selecting all records. If nothing prints, then investigate the other possible reasons. 4. The index or data file is damaged. If you see your records while browsing, this is not the reason. To browse your database, press F2 at the main menu, then + to begin browsing.
Yes. Unlike dBASE III PLUS and some other dBASE compatible
products, PC-File does allow you to search your memo fields.
PC-File allows all types of searches (generic, wildcard,
sounds-like and scan-across) in memo fields. Memo fields can
also be included in complex searches.
However, when you perform a global search, PC-File does not
search memo fields.
There are several reasons why the heading information only prints on the first page. 1. The heading information may actually be defined in the :COVER section instead of the :HEADING section. The :COVER section is only printed once at the beginning of the report. 2. The report does not contain a :FOOTING section with at least one /1 at the end of the section. Generally, every report must have a :FOOTING section with at least one /1 at the end of the section. The only time a report does not need a :FOOTING section is when the report contains only a :DETAIL section and the report is designed to print on continuous form labels or cards.
PC-File switches to the index that allows for the fastest search.
This is intentional, so that you don't have to remember to switch
to the appropriate index before you start a search.
For example, if the current index is ZIPCODE, but you perform a
simple search on LASTNAME, you would want PC-File to use the
LASTNAME index. So if you don't switch to the LASTNAME index
before you start the search, PC-File.
You can suppress this automatic index switching by using (Alt)X.
When you press (Alt)X to force PC-File to use the current index,
it won't switch, even if another index would allow for a faster
search.
ODE, but you perform a
simple search on LASTNAME, you would want PC-File to use the
LASTNAME index. So if you don't switch to the LASTNAME index
before you start the search, PC-FileYes. PC-File stores data in the dBASE III PLUS file format. You use programming tools and languages that are designed for use with dBASE III PLUS files to access PC-File data. We have some brief information on the dBASE III PLUS file format. If you would like to receive this information, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to ButtonWare and request the "Writing Programs to Access PC-File Data" form. Many books have been written about the dBASE III PLUS file format, and writing programs to access dBASE data. Refer to your local computer store or book store.
Yes. Our Product Support Department has written additional information on various topics and applications for PC-File. Belowis a list of the current topics: Using PC-File to Maintain a Checkbook Creating Multi-column Phone Directories With PC-File Time Calculations in PC-File Tracking Inventory with PC-File Printing Multi-Page Invoices & Resetting the Page Number If you would like to receive information on any of these topics, send a self-address, stamped envelope to us and indicate which forms you would like. On the average, each form requires postage for one ounce.
The most important thing you can do to avoid problems with index files is to ensure that each index you build has a unique name. If you use the same index file name for more than one index, you have multiple databases or fields competing for the same index file. The index will be "bad" for all but one. You can store each database in a separate subdirectory to help avoid duplicate index file names. Other reasons for index error messages are: the data disk is full the area of the disk where the index file is stored has been damaged the index file or data file has been corrupted If you suspect a problem with your index or if you receive an index error message, PC-File will prompt you to rebuild your indexes immediately. If you continue working in the database without rebuilding the indexes, PC-File may not be able to find records that exist, may show you duplicate records which don't really exist, or may give you error messages when you add, modify or delete records. To save time, PC-File does a very quick check to see that the indexes are okay. While in most cases this check is sufficient todetect a damaged index, if you experience some of the above symptoms, rebuild your indexes according to the following instructions. To rebuild an index for the current database, press F8 or U from the main menu. From the Utilities menu, press X for Index operations, then press M to make a new index. PC-File displays the names of all of the fields in the database, and displays an arrow next to each field which is currently indexed. You should rebuild all current indexes and any additional indexes you need. If you continue to receive index error messages, check to make sure you have enough disk space to contain all index files, and that none of the files are damaged. To check for logical damage to the files, run the DOS CHKDSK /F command on the data disk. Youcan also copy the files to another disk or subdirectory, to ensurethe files do not reside on a bad spot on the data disk.
Both of these errors usually indicate that one or more of the indexes, or the Sort Sequence, is damaged. First, use the Utilities/Index Operations/Delete command (F8 X D from the Master Menu) to delete the SORT_SEQ indeex (this is the Sort Sequence). Then, use the Utilities/Index Operations/Make command (F8 X M from the Master Menu) to rebuild each of the existing indexes. See pages 123-124 and 265 for information on rebuilding indexes. If you want to rebuild the Sort Sequence, use the Utilities/Sort command as described on pages 120-123. If you continue to have trouble, follow the steps on page 303 of the PC-File 5.0 manual.
Some modems dial using pulse dialing unless you tell the modem to use tone dialing. To tell the modem to use tone dialing, include a capital T as the first item of your phone access code. For example, if you must dial 9 before dialing a phone number, you candefine your phone access code to be: T,9 When dialing a phone number, PC-File uses the command ATD which tells your modem to dial. The T as the first item in the phone access code causes PC-File to use the command ATDT which tells your modem to dial using tones.
The only characters allowed in field names are letters, numbers and the underscore character, _ . Spaces, # characters, $ characters, and any other characters are not allowed in field names. Field names must start with a letter. You cannot begin a field name with a number. If PC-File encounters an illegal character in a field name, or if the field name begins with a number, PC-File will replace the illegal character or number with an underscore. In addition, the first ten characters of each field's name must beunique. This is a limitation imposed by the dBASE file format. Therefore, you cannot have a database with field names of TOTAL_AMT_1 and TOTAL_AMT_2, because the first ten characters of each field are TOTAL_AMT_.
The only characters allowed in field names are letters, numbers and the underscore character, _ . Spaces, # characters, $ characters, and any other characters are not allowed in field names. Field names must start with a letter. You cannot begin a field name with a number. If PC-File encounters an illegal character in a field name, or if the field name begins with a number, PC-File will replace the illegal character or number with an underscore. In addition, the first ten characters of each field's name must beunique. This is a limitation imposed by the dBASE file format. Therefore, you cannot have a database with field names of TOTAL_AMT_1 and TOTAL_AMT_2, because the first ten characters of each field are TOTAL_AMT_. To change field names, you must use the Utilities, Name command.
Some modems dial using pulse dialing unless you tell the modem to use tone dialing. To tell any Hayes-compatible modem to use tone dialing, include a capital T as the first item of your phone access code. For example, if you must dial 9 before dialing a phone number, you can define your phone access code to be: T,9 When dialing a phone number, PC-File automatically uses the command ATD which tells your modem to dial. The T as the first item in the phone access code causes PC-File to use the command ATDT which tells your modem to dial using tones. If you want tone dialing and don't need any prefix, your phone access code would be: T
The first ten characters of each field's name must be unique. This is a limitation imposed by the dBASE file format. Therefore,you cannot have a database with field names of TOTAL_AMT_1 and TOTAL_AMT_2, because the first ten characters of each field are TOTAL_AMT_. To change field names, you must use the Utilities, Name command.
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