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Archiver > TMG > 2002-01 > 1009921183


From: "Caroline Gurney" <>
Subject: [TMG] A cautionary tale
Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2002 21:39:43 -0000
References: <14d.69318f7.29632763@aol.com> <3C31FAB8.DD8FD913@infoave.net>


I recently got an error which crashed TMG when I tried to optimize my main
dataset. Unfortunately, the error also affected all 5 backups of that
dataset, although not any other datasets.

After failing to repair the problem I decided to e-mail the file to Wholly
Genes. It was then I discovered that the dataset and all 5 backup SQZ files
were around 16MB in size - far too large to send as an attachment.

I realised that this was because I had added a large number of photographs
as internal exhibits. So I went through the dataset & deleted them all.
However, in order to compact the file to a manageable size following the
deletions, I needed to optimize. Catch 22!

I was miserably contemplating the prospect of burning the file onto a CD and
snail mailing it from the UK to Maryland (what would I do without my main
dataset for the weeks this process would take) when I remembered Dorothy
Turner's tip about copying a dataset to recreate the damaged files.
Thankfully that worked, the dataset was repaired, I optimized, and the
backup was reduced to a manageable size.

I have learned a number of lessons from this scare. If you want to be able
to take advantage of Wholly Genes' legendary speedy customer support:

a) keep several small datasets rather than one huge one so that they will be
small enough to attach to an e-mail (see separate debate about splitting v.
merging);

b) for the same reason, attach exhibits externally rather than internally;

c) optimize before backing up;

d) don't rely on a cyclical process of, say, 5 backups. It often takes a
long time before you discover an error (as Cheri has just found to her cost)
by which time the damage may well have affected a complete cycle of backups.
The only safe solution is to maintain a series of dated backups and, with
CDs now so cheap, I have no excuse not to do this.

Caroline Gurney
Portsmouth, UK



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