PT problem

[Invigilator]

Thought I'd ask here first, in case this has happened to others.

I got a message tonight that a file Ptrack.mdb needs to be repaired. I tried the repair database function but it did not work. Should I...

a) Export hand histories (is that the meat and bones of the db?) and reinstall
b) Contact the company b/c you've never seen this before.
c) Weep b/c I am screwed
d) insert "decoder" level wisdom here:_____________________

side note: took a shot at 50 max tonight without PT or the HUD and ended up $70. As they say, "running good is awesome"

[PShabi]

I'd probably just do a search on the PT forums.

[de-coder]

first a couple of tips...

1) don't use the access database files. Install postgres and run from that - it's better, faster, and can hold more hands. The access db will quickly become overwhelmed particularly if you're storing observed hands.

2) use a separate db for observed hands

3) back up your db frequently - I do mine once a week at least. And I keep the original HH's for at least a month after that.

4) run the db maintenance - I never wait to be told I usually run it just after I do the backup

Now to your problem. If you can open the db first back it up (just copy the mdb file) and perform an extract of the hh's. If you don't store the whole hh for observed hands you'll lose your observed hands - hopefully that isn't the case. You can also try running the DB backup utility - I'm not sure if that works for the access db or not.

You do not need to reinstall, simply create a new db (after installing postres!) and import the hh's into the new db (in fact create 1 db's, one for your observed hands). If you were able to run the backup utility then you may be able to restore the data in to the new db - I haven't tried this.

Worst case - if the file is readable - you should be able to make an jdbc connection to it (with a free tool like ). With that connection you can extract the raw data into a sql file and dump it into the postgres db. If you don't know what I'm talking about shoot me an email and we'll work something out - worst case you can send me your files or let me d/l them or something...

[Talking Poker]

That's great advice from de-coder.

I generally go to the PT forums to address specific problems (and would advise everyone do the same), but those general suggestions he listed are VERY important to running a well maintained db.

[Invigilator]

Invig: What is, "C"?
Alex: That's correct for $300. It's your board
Invig: I'll take "Listening to De-coder so I don't screw it up this time" for $500.

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The DB is messed up beyond recovery. I checked out the forum, but to no avail. I can't get it to show me any hand history or export it.

I am not too upset though. It's biggest use for me is looking at my own stats and tendencies. A lot of players at 25 max move up or bust out for good before I have 200 hands on them.

Starting over won't be so big of a headache. I'll follow DC's advice fo-sho.

[Talking Poker]

That sucks.

If you still have your HH files (or at least some of them), you can reimport them, of course.

[de-coder]

Shoot me an email and I'll see if I can't help recover some of it for you. Of course if it really doesn't matter to you then don't bother, but if you have a lot of your own history in there... I think you have an email address for me right?

[Invigilator]

I should have one. I'll try to make some time tonight. (It's martial arts night though)