Update the Structure of a Database

This function allows you to update the structure of the selected database to match the structure of another database. You can select the fields to be updated by using a comparison table.

Before starting the function, you must have a source database that serves as a reference, the format of which will be used when editing your own database. You can use, for example, the databases included with the program installation package as such a source database, based on which you update new and/or changed fields in your own databases.

1. Select System | Databases | Maintenance > Update Structure.

   The program asks for the source database, i.e. the database that acts as a reference.

2. Browse and select the source database and click Open.

   The program asks for the target database whose format will be updated.

3. Select the target database, and click Open.

   The program opens the dialog box Archive Format Update.

   

   • The name, type, length and index of the reference database fields are shown on the left.
   • The type, length and index of the field with the matching name are shown on the right.
   • The lines on the right mean that the updated target database does not have the field.
4. Select the check box of the field (row) to be updated if you want to update the field to the target database.
5. If necessary, change the length and type of the field.

   Pay particular attention to the field whose length in the target database (on the right) is greater than the length of the field in the reference database (on the left) so that any long strings in the fields are not lost.

   It is recommended to update the type to Unicode type if you are still using old types that were in old installations.

   • It is recommended to update type A to T.
   • It is recommended to update type B to M.
6. Click OK to accept the database format update.