All About Tune-up Database
This article applies only to MS Access database version of Research Tracker II The "Tune-up Database" procedure can remedy a variety of problems you may encounter using Research Tracker® II.
"Tune-up Database" is a set of MS Access procedures that repair and compact the Research Tracker® II database. Specifically, the repair action restores indices in the database that are used to quickly locate, sort, and display records. It can also detect and correct certain errors in the database structure. It does NOT change information, so it can be used safely at any time. The compact action removes all unused space in the database that may have been created by running large queries or loading large outside lists. When to run MDSS recommends running the "Tune-up Database" procedure
1. If you observe anything unusual when using the system (e.g. information does not display properly or is distorted on data screens, performance is significantly slower than usual, system freezes or locks up) 2. As a routine database maintenance procedure (once per month is usually sufficient) 3. If you are unable to restart Research Tracker® II after closing it 4. When preparing to transmit or copy the Research Tracker® II database
How to run The "Tune-up Database" button resides next to the Research Tracker startup button in the Research Tracker program group. To find it, from the Windows desktop, click Start, Programs, Research Tracker II, then click Tune-up Database. While the "Tune-up Database" procedure is running, you may observe its progress on the meter at the bottom of the screen. Periodically the meter's progress will stop then restart after a minute or two. This is normal. Do not interrupt the procedure. It is caused by the extra time required to compact large tables in the database. When the procedure is complete, the Windows desktop will reappear. Problems The "Tune-up Database" procedure must be run with Research Tracker® II closed. Be certain that you, as well as all other users have Research Tracker® II closed prior to running "Tune-up Database". If Research Tracker® II is in use, the following error message will appear: "You attempted to open a database that is already opened exclusively by user name . . . Try again when the database is available." One of the most common problems with running "Tune-up Database" is that the shortcut isn't pointing to the correct database location. The shortcut is the path pointing to the location of the Research Tracker® II database. In many cases, the shortcut should be edited at the time the system is installed. Refer to the Research Tracker® II Installation/Technical Manual (shipped with the system or available in as a printable pdf document in the Research Tracker Customer Support area) for detailed instructions. If you get the following error message when attempting to "Tune-up Database", you will need to edit the shortcut. "Can't find the database drive\folder\RT2.DB.MDB. Check the database name (and path, if specified) to make sure you entered it correctly." In rare cases, the drive where the database resides may not have sufficient space to perform a Tune-up. The compacting procedure actually creates a separate, compacted version of the database, then deletes the uncompacted version. You will need to remove other files or programs to free up the needed space on the drive.