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3.57. Error: Invalid Filename?

I am getting an invalid filename error when I try to run EstiMate. I OK the error message and I get another one that says ' EstiMate cannot perform this operation on a closed data set' I cant view my estimates or jobs. What do I do?

Cause: EstiMate cannot see the data folder on your network.

Solution: There are several possibilities for resolution to this error.

1. Make sure your network is up and running properly. Double-click on your Network Neighborhood icon in Win 95/98 or your My Network Places icon in Win 2000 and see if you can view the icon for the computer where the estimate data resides. Chances are if you can't see the computer then EstiMate can't either. Troubleshoot the network to resolve the issue.

2. In versions 1.61 and previous, open EstiMate and OK the error messages when they come up in order to get to the main screen. Click File > Network Setup. View the path name and make sure it is correct. It should be using the UNC naming convention which starts with the double backslash '\' and the path should be in the form of \computer nameshare namedirectorydata folder. If it is not in this format, the data folder has moved, or the path looks OK but you are still getting the error then click on the select hyperlink to select the data folder. Click OK once you have found it and OK once again on the network setup screen. If you still cannot use EstiMate proceed to step 2a.

2a. Versions 1.71 and later will not be able to directly access the network setup due to being blocked out by a password prompt. You will need to check the path name directly in the BDE (Borland Database Engine) that EstiMate uses to store its data. To access the BDE click Start > Settings > Control Panel. Look for the BDE icon. It looks like a gear and wrench with a striped background. If you do not see the BDE icon, maximize your control panel window and review the list of icons again if on second inspection it still cannot be located, you will need to install the BDE before proceeding. Obtain your EstiMate CD-rom and proceed to install the software. When you get to the screen that asks you what you want to install indicate 'Install BDE only' and proceed with the remainder of the installation.

2b. In control panel double-click on the BDE icon. Under the databases tab on the left look for the word EstiMate. Click once on the word EstiMate itself. DO NOT click on the plus sign to the left of the word EstiMate. On the right you will see a screen appear with three entries. The third entry is labeled PATH and here you will find the path where the BDE believes the data is stored. If the path name is obselete or incorrect erase the entry and carefully type in the correct path name and be sure to hit the enter key on your keyboard. X out of the BDE and click the 'yes' option when it asks you if you want to save. Re-Open EstiMate and try to use EstiMate again, it should function without error.

Troubleshooting Questions and Answers:

Q: I still cannot access my data after restoring the data folder from a backup CD-rom and doing the above procedures.

A: EstiMate may be blocked from accessing the data. In Windows Explorer find the EstiMate data folder and double-click on it. You will see a large amount of files appear on the right. Click Edit > Select All from the Windows Explorer menu bar. All the folders will now be highlighted. Right-Click on any one of the highlighted files and choose properties. Uncheck the Read Only box and press OK. Close the data file and Windows Explorer. You should now be able to open EstiMate and use it without error. In the future backup your data from within EstiMate itself by clicking Management > Backup/Restore Data Files.

Q: I still cant access my data even after trying all the steps listed above. What do I do now?

A: 1.Review the path name again making sure it is not incomplete. Again, the path should be in the form of \computer nameshare namedirectorydata folder. This means the whole drive where the data resides must be shared. If only the directory or data folder is shared then you still may not be able to access your data.

2. Review permissions on the drive and folder where the EstiMate data folder lives. Make sure that it is fully shared. If it is not fully shared or if EstiMate is blocked by a password dialog when trying to access the data then EstiMate will return an error.