Troubleshoot Database Location
Calibration Control (our Calibration Management Software) creates a general configuration file to auto-connect to the last successful database connection, and stores a Connection Log spreadsheet file storing a history of the computer's previous path connections. Below are simple troubleshooting steps if you are not connected to the correct database.
Connection Log
The auto-populated Connection Log in the Settings Folder records a short history of the previous database paths used for Calibration Control on the computer where the program runs. Therefore, when you are accidentally disconnected from your true database or lost the path, you can review the Connection Log spreadsheet to determine where the last location of the true database was stored. The Connecton Log lists the connection history by the date. Below are tips for how to use the data in the Connection Log:
The Connection Log (.csv file) is always found in the Calibration Control Settings folder located at this path on the computer where the application is installed:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Ape Software\Calibration Control
More than one .csv file may exist when historically more than one major version has been installed on the client. Refer to the CC version number within the file name.
Within the Connection Log (excel file), refer to the Column Headers of the fields for the most recent date to the correct database name, and it will show a local or network path of where the database was located at that time of connection.
CNN Log Data Columns:
- A) Date
- B) Type is the Database Format / Type. (Ole = MS Access. Sql = SQL Server)
- C) DBName is the Database Name
- D) Ace refers to whether database connectivity drivers are installed
- E) DbPath/Server lists the folder path or the server name
- F) FilesPath refers to the common Files Folder path (Attachments / Reports / Labels / Emails folders)
Review the log and when scrolling down. . .
- Analyze whether the Database Path clearly changed at any recent time.
- Once the most recent connection to the correct DBName (Column C) has been found, navigate to that folder path in a separate window.
- Confirm the data file still exists in that location. Verify your true data file name is present!
- If present, your next step is to reconnect to that database path, after you reset the configuration.
Reset Configuration
Next, to manually reset the configuraton, you can delete the general.config file located in the Settings folder and then restart the Calibration Control application. Another shortcut is holding CTRL down as you click on the program icon, (see Reset Configuration).
"Choose Database Type" Dialog
Deleting the config file will result in a fresh start of connection with the "[Choose Database Format: MS Access or SQL Server]" dialog that will appear again.
Follow the start-up dialog for 'MS Access' database files and 'BROWSE to Existing Database.' Navigate to the misplaced MS Access database you have now located by referring to the Connection Log for the path. . . Select the [BROWSE to Existing Database] option and click [Continue] to navigate to the true database file location.
Also refer to Simple Troubleshooting.
The Configuration File
When Calibration Control runs for the first time, it always looks directly in the Settings Folder for the general.config file, which tells Calibration Control where the current database is located. This can be reset. If the general.config file is missing (deleted), has been moved, or renamed, then starting Calibration Control prompts the user with the "Choose Database Format" dialog.
The very last successful database connection path stays defined in the general.config file. In order to reset the configuraton to point Calibration Control to the correct database, you must first know where your true database has been moved to. Note: This is a question that Ape Software does not know, but once an existing database has been located by you, then the Calibration Control software will remember the current location. And the Connection Log will record the database location paths.
But Still Auto-Connecting to Wrong Database?
If there is a blank or sample apecal.mdb database file located in the default Settings and Data Folder, sharing the same location until moved, then Calibration Control will automatically connect to that (wrong) database again. It is an easy fix.
Open up a new folder (File Explorer) and navigate to this path:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Ape Software\Calibration Control
In order to get around the auto-connection issue to the wrong database, keep that folder path, but close out of the Calibration Control program. Rename the (wrong) default database file (e.g., add a DATE at the end) so it no longer uses the default DB file name, "apecal.mdb" stored in the default Data Folder location.
Rename or delete the general.config file stored in the same folder, and then restart Calibration Control to truly start up fresh with the aforementioned "Database Type" (MS Access vs SQL Server) and (if MS Access), the ability to"Browse to Existing Database".
Last Updated: 29 August 2022
