As a rule, databases require maintenance, and so may these databases. With the Database maintenance sub menu some functions are available for repairing and compressing the current database. Depending on the selected database format some of these functions may not be available. The function always operate on the current selected database, if you have more then one database open, make sure the select the proper database.

Information on the current database

Each database has some comment text describing its contents. This text and the amount of games/positions saved and deleted can be viewed. The records marked as deleted can be permanently removed by compressing the database, with the result that the files take less disk space.

Re-indexing the database

Sometimes it may be necessary to re-index the database. An interrupted compression or abnormal program exit (Alt+Ctrl+Del ?) are just examples. In case you experience problems retrieving or saving games, you may also wish to re-index the database.

It is possible to interrupt the re-index process but it is definitely not recommended. If you still wish to interrupt, use ONLY the button in the progress dialogue.

PS.        During the re-index, you can still play games, waiting for completion is not needed!

 

Compressing the database

Whenever a database has a lot of deleted games, it is recommended that you compress the database. This will not only save disk space, but also increases speed searching games. In case you have a game open that has not yet been saved, do so before starting compression. After compression you will not be able to save the game over the previous version!

Hint: When disk space is scarce, always use the compressed format to save games. Refer to the normal format for a list of differences.