Alternative location for Bank Genie data files

[ianmcb]

Important message

The issue of location of data files was resolved with the introduction of Bank Genie 3
For more information, please read this document:
http://www.ideasgenie.com/bankgenie/AboutVersion3/aboutversion3.html

This thread is therefore no longer relevant, and is retained for historical reference only.


Not directly asssociated with registering, but concerns Bill's worries about his data files. I have mentioned this before, but could the data files be in a separate specifed folder other than the program folder. The main data file could then be specified as a preference.

It also makes it easier to manage both the data and the program.

This is for those of us who have programs only in one partition and data in another, so that reloads of OS's are easier.

[ideasguy]

I dont want to change the present simple arrangement. Too many things built around that structure.

However:
With the new program BS026, you can do this yourself, Ian
BS026 allows you to switch to an alternative set of database files, either on your computer, or on Flash, or external drive.

Just use BG to backup your data files to a folder.
Presently, you will have to use BG to change Data source, to point to them each time you start up.

For advanced users, I can provide an option in Preferences to allow you to point to that folder on startup.
BG will then look for those files, rather than the files in Installation folder.

Any other BG users feel strongly about this?

[ianmcb]

True. In fact I had thought of using BS026. I had hesitated as realised I had to be careful which files I was using if on the same drive. Hence I think the reasoning behind my request for the folder name to be specified on the input screen. (see my document)

However, your idea to make it a switch folder a start up preference is excellent. When can I have it?

[ideasguy]

Ive had a think about this, and its actually very easy.

Use BS026 to switch to another database - anywhere, including a network drive.
Get very familiar with that to begin with.

I will make a change to BS026, so that when you choose an alternative database, you can check a new Checkbox (thats the change I'll make), to make that the permanent file location, as stored in the Bank Genie system files.

Please note that Bank Genie is single user- no record locking - this means 2 users using the same database on a network need to work with care. Can discuss that in another topic if anyone want to do that.


 

[Bill]

George/Ian

I accept Ian's point, I myself thought it strange that the data files are held within the program files section.

I think what you are now suggesting would be an inprovement.

Please make sure that any modifications carry compresensive instructions as if users are like myself "not to knowledgeable" about programs and file storage. Then it must be foolproof when inselecting an area where the data files are to be kept and that the program points correctly at that data.
I would hate to get into a situation where some data is being stored in one location i.e. where it is now and some getting stored in a remote location. We would end up with data that is not factual.

Regards
Bill

[ideasguy]

Please read the following threads which I have added today in Bank Genie board:

1.
Whats new
Using BS026 to Switch to an alternative Database on Hard Disc

2.
Requests and suggestions for additional features
Change the Default folder for Bank Genie data files

Please get familiar with the process in 1) above
Once you feel comfortable with using this procedure, and fully understand how to use it, then the implementation of 2) will allow you to change your default.

[ideasguy]

Heres a summary,and what I propse to do.

By default, all files and programs are installed in a flat folder structure in:
c:\program files\Bank Genie
i.e. The Default Folder is the installation folder.

You can use Program BS026 to Switch databases, and access files in an alternative folder (see other threads on BS026 on this forum). You can create as many alternative folders containing sets of Bank Genie files as you wish.

Presently, this Switch only lasts for the duration of the session.
When you close Bank Genie, the system again looks for the default folder.

As discussed in this topic, you have effectievly requested an option to change the default folder.
A change to BS026 will achieve this objective.

Development notes (To do - to make the above workable):
1) Provide an option in Preferences to allow the user to select Advanced Mode
This will indicate that the user will accept the responsibility for any changes they make to the default configuration.
The Advanced option will allow the user to change the Default location of their Bank Genie files
2) In BS026 - (when a user switches to an alternative folder), to provide a check box to allow the user to set this alternative folder as the Default folder
This Check box will be enabled in Advanced mode only.
Note: The default folder can be changed at will, by re-running BS026
3) Provide "Where am I" messages to be made visible in normal operation, to make the user aware of the location of the Database files in use.

How does that sound?

[ideasguy]

Job  done!

BS198 - Preferences allows the user to select Advanced mode
BS026 -  In Advanced mode, a checkbox becomes visible. When you select another folder and check the new check box, the folder you switch to will become the default.

Ive updated the important screens with a message to indicate which data source is in use.

Its quite a simple thing. I do this all the time in our Garden software programs.
Thats how I work on multiple databases, all on one computer.

Heres the risks:
1. If you change the default to a removable disk e.g. a Flash Disc, then it stands to reason that Bank Genie will give errors if the Flash is not in the drive on startup.
2. The same thing will happen if you delete any files in the new default folder.

Suggestion:
Before changing the default, keep a copy of these files in a "safe" folder.
syspaths.dbf
syspaths/fpt
They can be used to overwrite the files you modify in the above action, so you can revert to original setup in the event of emergency.

[Bill]

Relocation of the data files looks good. Any idea when it will be available and will I be able to download on to flash for transfer to the laptop.

Bill

[ideasguy]

Any idea when it will be available and will I be able to download on to flash for transfer to the laptop.
Bill

The January upgrade brought Bank Genie to Version 2. Its in that version.
The advanced user feature has been implemented and you can download (as a backup) , then switch for a) a single session or b) permanently - onto any drive - Local, Network, Flash or External.
Theres also a few new things - to make it a little more user friendly (I hope!)
I'll do a write up in "Whats New" to announce it, with Screen shots.

I have to work out the final details on how to distribute the upgrade from Version 1 to Version 2.

[Bill]

George

Having purchased Bank Genie in January I thought I had version two complete with full screen options.
I dont seem to have it as I can't access the "Advanced" tab in preferences.

can you confirm that this is the case and inform me how I get version 2 so that I can stor my data in another place.

Bill.

[ideasguy]

I can confirm that you do have Version 2.

However, as you know, Ive done some more work on BG, over and above the Advanced item above.

I havent published these on the web yet. I'll let you know as soon as I have done so.

[greenfinger]

George

Having purchased Bank Genie in January I thought I had version two complete with full screen options.
I dont seem to have it as I can't access the "Advanced" tab in preferences.

can you confirm that this is the case and inform me how I get version 2 so that I can stor my data in another place.

Bill.

Aha, a message with a face!

[ideasguy]

Yes! Nice touch, and well done Bill - 1300 messages so far on the forum, and thats the first time we can actually see who we are talking to.
I think thats a good idea.

[Bill]

George,

I Keep looking for the version 2 update so that I can use the advanced feature but can't find it. Have you published it yet. If so can you tell me how to access it.

Bill