Database wont Synchronize

[powella]

The database is refusing to synchronize. Now after many successfully syncs PDS gives me a warning that I should try rebooting and compacting both databases. I have done that multiple times now.

I have also tried a variation of the email and USB key methods by making a local copy of the database.

Curious to see if my copy is somehow corrupt, I copied the remote database (our master copy) and used it locally. When I tried to sync with the master, even without making any changes, I still got the same error.

Suggestions?
I have Version 2006 Build 448

-Thank you

[Technical Support]

You can try to run the Compact utility from within MS Access. If you don't have Access then you can send your data file to us for repair.

If you have Access, start it up:
1. Click on Tools, Database Utilities, Compact & Repair.
2. Select your connectdata.mdb file. Then select it again when prompted.

If it doesn't successfully compact you will get a more specific error message. And you may need to send it to us for repair. You need to have a current support subscription.

FYI - I'm glad you started the poll because it raises a good issue. If you are doing synchronization with PDS then we HIGHLY recommend that you sync it weekly. The longer you wait to sync your data the more chances there are for conflicts.

[powella]

I have compacted the databases from within Access 2003 successfully but they still wont synchronize.

I also took this opportunity to upgrade PDS to version 2006 build 453 using the internet upgrade. I also switched around the databases to make sure they both open in the upgraded PDS

Switching PDS to use the full version of Access instead of the runtime version also did not give results.

Also I notice that PDS will not make a back up file and leaves an ldb file behind after closing.

-aP

[Technical Support]

You can delete the LDB file. This is a file the PDS creates to handle locking and multiuser info. It normally deletes itself when PDS closes.

You may need to send us your two database files for review. Chances are we can fix them. But if not we can at least give you a better idea as to why they are not sync'ing.

I assume you are not trying to sync a brand new file with an older one? You can't do this. If you want to setup a new user with an existing database then just give them a copy of the data file and link to it.

[powella]

On our master database computer (ie the one in the church office), I closed PDS, copied the connectdata db. After reopening PDS I try to sync the db with this identical copy and I am still getting this error. We are a small church and I don't believe our support contract is current anymore.

Repeating these steps with updated software gives the same results.

What can we do?
--Thank you

[Technical Support]

There could be several reasons why the two files won't sync:

1. You can't sync a brand new empty file with another one that has a lot of data in it. You need to copy the file with a lot of data and start with it on the second computer. Then you can sync the files.

2. One of the files is corrupted. The only way to fix this is to send to us for possible repair.

3. You have waited too long to sync the files. There is a limit to the amount of time you can let pass before syncing. I believe it is 1 year, but I'm not sure. Your only option is to throw one away and keep the file that has the most and/or best data. Or you can send the two files to us for possible data migration. Charges will apply.