Pervasive SQL 9.X, which includes Btrieve 9.X, marks the end of Btrieve support for the version 5 file format. All of the SunType and Synaptic systems still running workstation based Btrieve (Btrieve.exe) are likely to be using the incompatible file format.

We strongly recommend that all users of Windows 2000 or Windows XP computers who are still running the old Btrieve consider upgrading to Pervasive SQL Workgroup Edition, or in the case of networks with more than 5 users, Pervasive SQL Server.

Pervasive SQL (PVSW) is a completely Windows-based database manager which is far faster and more stable than the original Btrieve.

Because of the incompatible file format, it’s necessary to rebuild the affected files after the PVSW is installed.

With the SunType Classified Advertising System, it’s very simple – all you have to do is run the Rebuild Major Files utility followed by Check Major Files for Data Integrity. These functions can be found on the Maintenance and Error Recovery Menu (G) on the Main SunType Menu.

Synaptic (SMSC) software doesn’t have a built-in conversion function, but you can use the Rebuild utility supplied with PVSW to complete the job.

First, you’ll need to locate the data files in the SMSC system. In most cases, the main folder is called “SMSC”. The data files are arranged by company in folders called “AAA”, “BBB”, “CCC”, etc. Single-company systems will use only AAA. The following process must be repeated for each set of company files.

Not all of the files in the company folder are Btrieve files – in fact, most of them are not. To minimize the chance of errors, the following procedure converts those files that require it and then copies the new files back into the original directory replacing the old versions.

1. First, make a backup of all files.

2. Everybody out.

3.  Make a New Folder NewAAA. This is where we’ll put the new files.

4. Open Start>Pervasive>Pervasive SQL>Other Utilities>Rebuild

5. Next , add  and change “Files of Type” to *.*

6. Browse to SMSC\AAA

7. Select all files with <CTRL>-A or click on the first one and shift-click on the last.

8. Choose Open

9. Next , et Output to SMSC\NewAAA by browsing to it. Nothing else on this screen needs to be changed.

10. After files rebuild, log will indicate errors – these are the files that were skipped because conversion wasn’t necessary. The files that require it should be rebuilt.

11. The new files will be in NewAAA.

12. Now, copy all of the files in NewAAA back to the AAA directory and allow Windows to replace the existing copies. There will be far fewer files replaced than were originally in AAA.

13. Repeat as necessary for additional company files. At this point, the system should be ready to go.

 If you have questions or encounter difficulties, call 800-458-4605 for assistance.