• Novell
• Getting to the Progress Server
• Starting the Progress Server
• Shutting Down the Progress Server
• NT
• Getting to the Progress Server
• Starting and Stopping the Progress Server

1. Backups and Data Plus
2. Trouble Shooting

• Maximum Number of Users
• In Use By:
• Lock File Error
• Error Reading Socket
• Invalid Handle
• File Structure

The Progress Database Server is an NLM (Network Loadable Module) file that runs on the File Server. Not to be confused with the Novell Network File Server, the Progress Server allows our customers to run Data Plus in multi-user mode. There are a few reasons to start and shutdown the Progress Server. The main reason is to do backups. The Progress Server should be shutdown at night to do the backup, and started each morning. Most versions of Netware do not have the ability to schedule console commands so that the starting and stopping of the Progress server task could be aoutomated. An exception to this is version 3.2. There are third party utilities which can be purchased to perform these tasks.

The Progress server can be accessed directly from the Novell Server Console or if "rconsole" is loaded on the network, you can connect to the server from any workstation.

You may access the Novell Server Console prompt directly from the Server Monitor or from any workstation PC that is attached to the network. If you are connecting to the server using a workstation, open up a DOS session (any prompt will do) or simply click on "Start" and "Run." In either case, type in the command "RCONSOLE", (all one word).

If you are asked which type of connection this is, select "IPX."

This will bring you to a screen with all the available servers listed. Highlight the server with Data Plus loaded and press: <ENTER>. Then type in the password. This will attach you to the server monitor.

Novell 3.x: You can move through the screens in two ways.

1. If you are working at the file server console press

<ALT>+<ESC> to scroll through the available screens for modules that are currently running.

<CTRL>+<ESC> to list modules currently loaded on the server. Look for the "Progress …" service.

2. If you are attaching to the file server from any remote workstation using RCONSOLE press

Novell 4.x and 5.x: You can move through the screens in two ways.

1. If you are working at the file server console press

<ALT>+<ESC> to scroll through the available screens for modules that are currently running.

<CTRL>+<ESC> to list modules currently loaded on the server. Look for the "System Console" screen.

2. If you are attaching to the file server from any remote workstation using RCONSOLE press

The system console prompt ends with a colon (:) and it is preceded by the file server name. In our example the file server is called "DPI_2:"

From the Novell Server system console prompt, type in: DPISTART

A screen similar to the following will appear:

Once you have the message that the system is ready to service SPX clients, you are ready to use Data Plus in multi-user mode. For Novell installations, Data Plus uses only the SPX protocol. You can safely ignor any error messages which refer to the etc\hosts or etc\services files. These are used only for the TCP/IP protocol.

You should change the screen on the console so that the Console Monitor is showing. This screen has a screen saver feature that will protect your monitor.

To exit from "RCONSOLE" (if you are connected remotely):

Novell 3.x: Press the asterisk "*" key on the number pad. Choose "End Remote Session."

Novell 4.x: Press <ALT>+<F1> and choose "End Remote Session.

The system will ask you if you want to leave. Say "YES." On the next screen where the servers are listed press the <ESC> button. It will ask you again if you want to exit. Say "YES".

To shutdown the Progress server you will have to go either to the server itself or you can go to a DOS prompt, and type: RCONSOLE

Follow the procedures given above. You will see an option to "DISPLAY USERS". This will show who is still logged into Data Plus. All users should be logged off Data Plus before you shutdown. At this point you can use the option shown above, "SHUT DOWN DATABASE".

The Progress server can be shut down by executing the Unload command at the console prompt, but this is not recommended.

Why shutdown Data Plus every night? You must shutdown the Progress Server each night before running the backup. If you do not shutdown, the backup will skip over those open files, namely yours!

The Progress Database Server runs on the File Server. Not to be confused with the NT Server, the Progress Server allows our customers to run Data Plus in multi-user mode. There are a few reasons to start and shutdown the Progress Server. The main reason is to do backups. The Progress Server should be shutdown at night to do the backup, and started each morning.

You can access the Progress server directly from the server desktop. If you have an icon labeled "ProControl" simply double click on this. If not, click on:

When ProControl is open you will see a screen similar to the following:

If the gears are turning and the comment box reads "ProService is active" then the Progress server is running. If it is not running, to start the Progress server click the "Start" button, which will be where the "Stop" button appears in the picture above.

Likewise, to stop the Progress server, click on the "Stop" button. This will shutdown all databases running on your Progress server.

To view your individual databases, click on the "Detail" button. A screen similar to the following will appear:

There will be a list of all the databases installed on your Progress server with either a green checkmark indicating they are running or a red "X" indicating they are not running.

To start a database, select the database from the list and click on the "Start" button. If you receive any errors when trying to start the database service, make note of the error message and call Data Plus support.

To stop the database, select the database from the list and click the "Stop" button.

A backup is a copy of the information on your computer system. If it is not already included in your standard operating procedures, the following document may be useful in incorporating this routine task into your daily procedures.

Having up-to-date backup copies of your program and data files is the easiest and least expensive defense against loss due to power failure, system anomalies, head crashes, damaged diskettes, viruses or user errors. Most of us will need to restore from a backup at one time or another.

Besides providing a safeguard against loss, backups are also useful for recreating a point in time, (such as before a month close). Since many reports generated at the close of a month or year cannot be recreated, you are dependent on having hard copy printouts. By making and saving a backup before each month close, this data can be restored and reports regenerated if necessary.

Two primary types of files are associated with your Data Plus system: Program Files and Data Files.

Program files contain procedures that govern how the DPHS system operates, and in most cases these files are changed only by Data Plus, (through updates or changes made via modem).

Program files reside in three directories. (Four, if you are running DPHS as a network loadable module [NLM] on a LAN.) Their subdirectories are:

Dphs
Xpo3
Dlcv8
Dlcv7nlm

NT Systems
Dphs
Xpo3
Dlcv8

The Data files that need to be backed up are :

These files usually reside in the "dbs" directory. If you have multiple databases, you will have additional files in this directory. Backup all files in this directory.

Program files need to be backed up on a routine basis, (we recommend quarterly), as well as after any changes or updates have been made. If you are performing a full system backup on at least a quarterly basis, program files will be adequately saved.

Data files should be backed up each day that work is performed in Data Plus. If you have to restore files, any entries made since the most recent backup need to be recreated and re-entered manually. "How often?" then becomes a question of how much time you can afford to spend re-entering lost data? For most companies, any more than one day's worth of work is too much.

For maximum recovery and minimum data loss, Data Plus recommends backing up data files daily and program files quarterly.

Depending on your system's configuration, your backup may be to tape, diskettes or onto other media. Backups can be done manually or can be set up to run automatically. Consult with your hardware support person or hardware vendor about your system's backup options.

To perform a valid backup of the data files, all users must be logged off and the database shut down. (Shutdown commands vary based on your installation. Call Data Plus Support if you have any questions about how to shut down your database.)

Label your backups with the date and time they were created and any other pertinent data.

Example: "Last backup before year end", etc.

Backing up onto different sets of media and rotating backup copies on and off site, provides protection against media failure and loss due to fire, flood or other extreme circumstances that may occur on-site.

If you need to restore DPHS data or program files from a backup copy (for any reason), call Data Plus Support BEFORE beginning the restore process. This allows us to help you through the restore process (if needed), and to keep our support records up to date.

Backups are the single most important action you can take to protect your company against data or program loss. They are also the least expensive. If you do not have a backup system currently in place, you are in danger of losing vital information. If you have any further questions about DPHS files or the backup process, please call Data Plus Support (978) 897-3700.

Most systems have a license allowing 8 users to log into Data Plus at once (the number of licensed users may vary). If users crash out of the system due to power failures, network disconnects, escaping instead of logging out or hitting the <CTRL>+<ALT>+<DEL> buttons, they leave behind a record of their login. After enough of these ‘ghost users’ you will receive the error "Maximum number of users already logged in." This means you have reached the maximum number of users based on your license. There are two ways to solve this problem.

A user may receive this error when trying to access a data record in Data Plus that is locked by another user.

The message tells you which table the record is in (file-name), the user who has locked the record (user) and the host name of the workstation on which the user is working (tty). Either choose CANCEL to terminate your operation, or wait until the locked record is released.

For example, perhaps a user tries to edit an open invoice batch and gets the error "ainvoice2 is in use by 20 on AP." This error indicates one of two things: either two users are trying to access the same invoice batch at the same time or there is a ‘ghost’ Progress user record (usually the result of improper client shutdown ).

What is a ‘ghost’ Progress user? When a user logs into Data Plus there are two user records created: one in Progress and one in Xponent (a software program that is used as a programming tool in Progress). If the system crashes or the user logs out improperly there may be a ‘ghost’ record left behind, in which case the system behaves as if that user were still logged in. Too many ghost Xponent users results in the "Maximum Number of Users," discussed in the previous section.

If two users are trying to access the same record, one user simply must wait until the other user escapes from that record.

To delete a ghost Progress user you must stop and restart the Progress Service. See the section on "Stopping and Starting the Progress Service" in this document. If you are running Data Plus on a Novell system, you have the added option of deleting the user. From the following screen:

Select Display User. Make note of the User Num for the user you wish to delete. Press <ESC>.

Select Disconnect User. Toggle down to the user you want to delete and press <ENTER>.

• The database is in use by another user.
• The last session terminated abnormally.

When a Data Plus session is abnormally terminated, (i.e.: power loss or pressing <ESC> while certain procedures are being run), the preceding message appears when trying to restart or reload Data Plus:

(The [drive] and [directory] indicate the drive and directory where the .lk file resides.)

Although there is a message on the screen saying to erase the Data Plus dphs.lk file, it is strongly recommended that this file be renamed and not erased.

This error indicates a network problem. The client machine timed out while sending or receiving data transmissions from the server or the client progress session was abnormally terminated. This error is a reaction of the server when a client has suddenly disappeared. This error does not indicate corruption but could contribute to data corruption.

The following list contains steps you can take to adjust the network so that the error does not occur:

1. Check the status of the workstation, what was the client doing?
2. Did the end user simply shut off the machine without exiting Progress properly?
3. Check all the cables.
4. This error is usually caused by an error on the client. Verify the clients are not shutting down incorrectly or hanging.

The Data Plus files are located in a directory named "Dataplus." On most sites this folder is located at the root of the O: drive. Consult your network administrator or Data Plus support to verify in which directory Data Plus resides.

The setup differs for Novell and NT systems. Both systems will have the following directories located in the "dataplus" folder:

Dbs – Contains the database files. This directory should be backed up on a nightly basis.
Dphs – Contains the program files and utilities specifically designed for Data Plus applications.
Xpo3 – Contains Xponent program files. Xponent is a software application that is used as a programming tool in Progress.

Data Plus is a database written in the program Progress. The Progress files differ for Novell and NT.

Novell Systems:
Dlcv8 – Progress client code.
Dlcv7nlm – Progress network code.

NT Systems:
Dlcv8 – Progress client and network code.

In addition, your system may have one or more directories such as:
Dataplus – Start-in directory, also may contain print files that are not deleted when printing.
Work_dir – Working directory for Progress.
Wstation – Contains icons and files necessary to set up a workstation.