[Dxbase] Why the DXBUpdater doesn't apparently work

[Wes N7WS]

Neil,

The way I deal with this is to simply create a shortcut on my desktop that 
points to the virtual store folder.

In my case: C:\Users\Wes\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\DXBase 2007

One nice thing about Vista, (there are few) is that it allows for multiple zip 
files.  Before I make any changes to my log database, I always right click on it 
in this folder, select "send to compressed folder" and I have a backup.  Then I 
can import from LoTW, compress the file, etc. and if something hiccups, I just 
unzip the last zipped file and I have my log back.  I usually have several 
generations worth in the folder.

I successfully updated my ref.mdb in this folder with an earlier version of the 
updater, but the new one didn't work.

I guess I fail to understand why the new updater can't work on a previously 
updated ref.mdb.

Wes  N7WS

On 12/12/2010 11:59 AM, Neal Campbell wrote:
> Hi guys
>
> I have seen 5 of these incidents from this round of the DXBUpdater and its
> time you all know whats happening!
>
> Since Vista (and now Windows 7), Microsoft has implemented a safety feature
> against bad software posing as legitimate programs by corrupting or
> surplanting programs inside your c:\Program Files directory (and, if you are
> running a 64 bit version, C:\Program Files (x86)). It does not allow ANY
> program, under its default configuration (ie the thing installed when you
> bought your new computer) from writing into any folder in those locations.
> As you know, DXBase keeps its refdata.mdb file in its program folder so this
> is particularly relevent).
>
> Under normal Vista/Win7 settings, any program (eg, DXBase or DXBUpdater)
> that updates a file in the C:\Program Files\Scientific Solutions\DXBase 2007
> folder is prohibited from doing so. Instead of terminating the program
> (hence making all programs unusable) it fakes out the program by writing the
> new file/changes in a hidden folder. This folder if reachable if you type
> C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\ (or type
> $APPDATA\Local\VirtualStore in the run command under the Start orb). So,
> DXBase or DXBUpdater's changes are actually in this hidden folder, not in
> the C:\Program Files\Scientific Solutions\DXBase 2007 folder. So, next time
> you start DXBase, it reads the refdata.mdb file thats in its program
> directory as normal, but  the changes you applied are not in there, they are
> in the copy refdata.mdb located in
> C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\ .  Then you run the
> Initialize Tables command and things do not look correct. You don't see any
> PJ changes, you might see errors about countries not present in the
> statistics table, etc.
>
> This is why I strongly recommend not installing DXBase in the Programs Files
> directory (which is the default) when installing under Vista or Win7. If you
> do install in another location, THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN! If you persist in
> installing in the Program Files directory, be very familiar with the
> VirtualStore directory as you will need to copy the refdata file from there
> back into your DXBase 2007 program directory after every change to it.
>
> The best solution, I repeat, is to not install DXBase in the Program Files
> directory. If you do, I really cannot support you, its just a mess.
>
> However, you can turn off this feature by turning off User Account Control
> (UAC) from the User Accounts control panel applet. I honestly have no
> hestidations saying you should do it, but only you are responsible for your
> computer so if  you do turn it off and something bad happens, its your
> responsibility.I personally turned it off.
>
> 73
> Neal Campbell
> Abroham Neal Software
> www.abrohamnealsoftware.com
> (540) 645 5394
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