Here are the key things to remember in networking the Borland Database Engine (BDE) for Windows Fair Management.

The following assumptions are being made to allow this document to be standardized and simple to follow.

The shared network folder will be given a share name of WINFAIR.

The mapped network drive designation in this sample will be M:.

The below information is the same, whether you have a peer to peer networking environment, or a client server environment.

The machine name of the desktop or server that is providing the share is \\FAIRSERVER

The folder/directory structure should be defined on the server as indicated:

M:\WINFAIR

M:\WINFAIR\DATA

M:\WINFAIR\LOCKS

The will be no programs or stored data in the M:\WINFAIR folder.

Only program data should be stored in the M:\WINFAIR\DATA folder.

End users should not store any information in the M:\WINFAIR\LOCKS folder.

The BDE Engine will use this for networking information.

Important things to remember!

All users must have full control/administrative access of the M:\WINFAIR folder, and all subdirectories contained in it.

If you are using a desktop system as your server, and the application will be executed on this desktop, you must also map drive M: like any other desktop in the network.

There should be no files that reside in the M:WINFAIR directory.  Only the DATA and LOCKS folder.

Drive M: must be mapped to the same share on all desktops that use the application.  Do not map drive F: to \\FAIRSERVER\WINFAIR on one desktop, and then map drive M: to \\FAIRSERVER\WINFAIR on another desktop.  This will cause major problems in the BDE engine.

The same drive letter, as in this example, M:, must be used on all desktops.  This drive should be automatically mapped when the desktop system is started.

The BDE Administrator must be configured in the following fashion:

Run the BDE Administrator program located on the Control Panel.  (In Windows XP, you must be using the Classic View in the control panel to see the BDE Administrator program).

Click on the Database tab in the BDE Administrator.

Select the Alias name of Winfair.

The path must be M:\WINFAIR\DATA

Click on the Configuration tab in the BDE Administrator.

Click on the Plus Sign next to Configuration.

Click on the Plus Sign next to Drivers.

Click on the Plus Sign next to Native.

Select the Paradox database.

The Net-Dir must be M:\WINFAIR\LOCKS

Click on the Plus Sign next to System

Select the INIT entry

The Local Share must be set to True

Special tips to insure the BDE engine will function properly on a network, and remain functioning properly.

After your system has been properly configured, complete the following steps:

With no one using the application, search for and delete the following files, if they exist, from M:\WINFAIR and all subdirectories.

Note:  This same set of commands can and should be used if a MarTech Systems, Inc. application is not starting properly, and is just displaying the program splash screen, then returning to Microsoft Windows.

paradox.lck

This file is created in the same path as the database path when a user is accessing a record in the database.  A normal release or closing of the open record will delete this record.

pdoxusrs.lck

This file is created in the same path as the database path when a user is accessing a record in the database.  A normal release or closing of the open record will delete this record.

br*.naf

These types of files are created in the same path as the database path when a user opens the software.

pdoxusrs.net

This file is created in the same path as the net-dir path when a user opens the software.

Then, on each respective workstation that is accessing Windows Fair Management, search for and delete the following files, if they exist, from all local hard drive(s).

paradox.lck

pdoxusrs.lck

br*.naf

pdoxusrs.net

Note:  This same set of commands can and should be used if a MarTech Systems, Inc. application is not starting properly, and is just displaying the program splash screen, then returning to Microsoft Windows.

The workstation users must also have full-control/administrative access to C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINDOWS FAIR MANAGEMENT, C:\TEMP, C:\LOGOS, and all sub directories in them.

MarTech Systems, Inc. understands, but does recommend the use of the SUBST command.  It is not suggested as a reliable command from Microsoft.  Instead, all workstations should map the drive to M: on system boot.

Last update: 02:00 PM Friday, November 9, 2007