The Database!! Help!!

Subject: The Database!! Help!!
From:
Date: 16 Jan 98 - 02:31 AM

My system: Windoze 95b/P233mmx/64mRam...

That being said, I have tried to execute the DigiTrad database in Win95 and MSDOS. Either way, I get to cold reboot (and yes, ScanDisk) EVERYTIME!

Anyone been able to get the db to work on their box? Anyone with a workaround (other than "change to OS2/Unix/linux/etc...") I haven't yet talked to anyone at DigiTrad about this, thought I'd talk to the users first...

Thanks in Advance... Gary

Subject: RE: The Database!! Help!!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Jan 98 - 02:48 AM

Gee, it should work pretty well in Windows 95, Gary. There is one little thing that might give you fits - there's a cute little graphic that's supposed to show when you open the database. Unfortunately, Win95 doesn't like it, or the viewer it works with.

Here's what you do: open the batch file "folksong.bat" in an editor like notepad, and edit out the line that operates the graphic. Your batch file should then look like this

cls
rt5 oct97
exit

Then save the batch file, and it should work ok- I think.

Now, you can get really cool and do this:
Right-click on that filename, "folksong.bat." A menu will pop up. Choose "Create Shortcut," and a shortcut should appear on your desktop, all set up for pretty-good operation. You can right-click the shortcut and tweak the properties if you dare.

And, of course the real addicts (such as myself, perhaps) drag that shortcut onto our "Start" buttons, so we can get to the database in a flash. And then we get fancy and substitute a cute little icon, or something.

Hope that helps. If it doesn't, we'll call in the Big guns.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: The Database!! Help!!
From: Gary
Date: 16 Jan 98 - 09:46 PM

I was looking for the needle when it may in fact be the whole haystack I was looking for! I am going to try that as soon as I thank you, Joe for your quick response!

Subject: RE: The Database!! Help!!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Jan 98 - 04:34 AM

Hmmm. While we're talking database, here's another trick:
On the main menu for the DOS version of the database, you can scroll down to a selection called "Disk Show" (It's down below "quick list, full search, etc.") That selection creates a file on your hard drive called show.txt - it's in the directory where your database is.
Drag that show.txt file onto your "Start" button, and then you have easy access to view or manipulate or copy the contents of that file. Just push your start button and the letter "s" until "show.txt" is highlighted, and [enter]. It's also a very easy way to open a text editor when you want to harvest a song or a tune from the Web. Open that show.txt file, and then select "new" under the "file" menu.

Any other ideas for tweaking the performance of the database?

Subject: RE: The Database!! Help!!
From: BK
Date: 30 Jan 98 - 11:06 PM

I couldn't even get it to unzip. "Go" did nothing.. I gave up; just use it on the mudcat. Sent an e-mail asking abt it, but havn't heard back.

Cheers, BK

Subject: RE: The Database!! Help!!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 31 Jan 98 - 02:29 AM

You have to have all five disks copied onto the same directory on your hard drive, BK (or the whole shebang, if you select the single-piece download). In DOS, you just put yourself in that particular directory, type "go" and [enter], and the program sets itself quite nicely. In WIN 95, you just click on the "go.bat" filename, and it will set itself up, and I think it's more-or-less the same in Win 3.1. The graphic does cause some problems in Windows, but that's relatively easy to fix. Let us know what's happening, and we can talk you through it. it's certainly nice to have your own copy.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: The Database!! Help!!
From: Steve in Wisconsin
Date: 31 Jan 98 - 11:19 PM

As long as we're asking....

I tried twice a bit ago to download the database to my Mac with no luck. Any tips?

Thanks

Subject: RE: The Database!! Help!!
From: Susan of DT
Date: 01 Feb 98 - 09:03 AM

Another tip when Win 95 doesn't like the first screen when you open the DT - just hit enter to get the second screen, which is the one you search from. All you will miss is the logo page that thanks askSam, SongWright, and Phila Folk Song Society.

Subject: RE: The Database!! Help!!
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 01 Feb 98 - 10:50 AM

If anyone is haveing a problem with the disks, please E-mail me a list of the files that you've downloaded; I'l try to guide you from there. If anyon'e E-mailed me already and not received an answer, please try again--E-mail isn't 100% reliable.

dick greenhaus [e-mail]

Subject: RE: The Database!! Help!!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Feb 98 - 11:35 PM

While it's wonderful to have access to the database here on the Web, there's nothing better than having your very own copy of the Digital Tradition, the best darn songbook in the entire world. Once you get it working, it's really easy to use. And usually, it isn't very hard to install. Don't give up on it!
-Joe Offer-