How do I force CARAT to repair its data files?

For the most part, CARAT takes good care of its data files. However, if CARAT is shut down abnormally, there may be a possibility that one or more of its data files will be damaged. If you are unable to open a module and an error box appears saying that a table cannot be opened, there is possibility that the table needs to be repaired. Before you attempt to repair the data files, check with technical support first to see if this is a necessary step. If you are advised to do so, do the following:-

1. Ensure that no one is using CARAT
2. From your computer, drop to the command prompt (Click Start, select Run and enter CMD in the box and click OK)
3. Go to the directory where the data and program files are located
4. Type the program's name followed by the parameter of /fr and press the ENTER key (Example: CTADV /fr)
5. The program will display a status message indicating the progress of repair for each table
6. Depending on the size and number of tables being repaired, this could take a while to complete
7. When the repair process is completed and if all goes well, the program's main window will be displayed normally

      Can I make a backup of CARAT's files from outside the program?

Yes, you can. CARAT's data and program files are completely stored in a single directory. When you make a copy of that directory, the entire set of files for CARAT are copied. First, ensure that no one is using CARAT except yourself. Then, using Windows Explorer, navigate to the directory and right click on it. Select the Copy menu. Go to another location, typically an external removable drive and right click on an empty area.

Select the Paste menu. If the directory already exists, you will be prompted for an overwrite confirmation. The copy process will then start. Make sure that the copy process is completed in full so that all files are copied. When the copy dialogue window closes, the copy process is completed.

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      DBISAM 9480: "The database '<databasename>' is full and cannot contain any more tables"

CARAT programs use a lock table to handle the creation of temporary files. Over time, this table fills up. When the limit is reached, you will get the above message and you will not be able to start the program, print reports, open modules and so on. To solve the problem, do the following:-

1. Ensure that no one is using CARAT
2. Use the Windows Explorer and navigate to the directory where your data files are located
3. Set the directory display to show all files including those with hidden attributes
4. Find the file by the name of DBISAM.LCK and delete it
5. Close Windows Explorer and restart CARAT
6. You should no longer see the error message

      When an error box appears, should I continue or close the program?

If an error box is displayed, the program is in an unstable state. The error could be caused by the inability to open tables, a logic error or data corruption. If you continue the program's execution, you will get incorrect displays and results. That is why, the default focus when an error box appears is on the Close Application option. Follow this default selection and close the program. After you have closed the program, email the file with the name of ERROR.LST in the data directory to technical support together with a short description on how the error happened.

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      Can CARAT programs run in Windows 7 and Windows 8?

We are committed in ensuring that our programs run in the latest versions of Windows. Our tests show that CARAT programs can run in both Windows 7 and 8 without problems. If you encounter a problem, please let us know.

      Should I use the 32 bit or 64 bit version of Windows 7 or Windows 8?

When using 64 bit versions of Windows, they allow the installation and use of larger memory sizes and run native 64 bit programs faster. You can also run more programs at the same time because you can now have more memory. The downside is that if your hardware device does not have a 64 bit version, you will not be able to use the hardware. Even the CPU of the computer must be able to support 64 bit computing. It is the same situation for any program that requires access to the internal code of Windows. This include anti-virus programs and DOS programs. Our advice is that if you have a substantial investment in hardware that are not recent, keep to the 32 bit version to reduce delays in transition.

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