Common Problems With File Indexes

The system reports problems with the CDX files

There are many error messages associated with the file indexes.  The  most common are reported in the form  PROxxxx LINE xxx XXXXXX.CDX (19)  Anytime an CDX name is shown, it means that an index has been fouled.

Indexes are pointers that allow the system to find data very quickly.  They are usually kept in memory buffers, with a copy stored  frequently to the hard drive.  If someone turns off the power (by switch, powerfailure, or  CTRL-ALT-DEL), the information in memory is immediately lost. It  cannot be recovered.    The master index is stored on the data server, but maintained by the workstation on which the file has been opened and accessed.  A failure of the workstation to send back the updated index information to the server results in corruption.

If the information included in the index data that had  not been updated on the disk copy, a mismatch will occur between the  index, and its data file.  When you attempt to use the file again,  the error will occur, and the program will abort.

Indexes are easy to recover, because the utilities in the program  will make new ones for all of the data files.  It is, however, a  nuisance to reindex files.  High speed computers will make this work  proceed more quickly.

It is not necessary to reindex on a regular basis.  You will usually  know when the indexes are incorrect.  If you perform a lookup, and  what you get is not what you asked for, then the index is out.  If  you get an .NTX error message, then the index is gone.  You need to reindex.

*** WARNING ***  Do not try to continue processing work with bad  indexes.  If you suspect an index is out, you must rebuild it  immediately.  Do not try to add data or you will have continuing  problems.

Re-indexing files does not solve the problem

If you try to rebuild the indexes, and you still can't find your  data, then you may have a "false end of file marker" in the data file  itself.   This is one of the many useful fix  routines in dSALVAGE, which is the most effective file repair utility  you can purchase.  Run any of these programs on your affected file, and then reindex  again.  This should cure your problem.

If you still can't find your data, its reference marker may be  missing.  For example, you find the vehicle but can't find the  client.  Check the vehicle to be sure the client's account number  (its reference marker) is in the proper place.  

If not, you may need  to re-add the account number.  If problems still exist, you will probably want to talk to Technical  Support.