Topic: Conversion of Version 4.0

[guruuno]

I spoke with Lauren today regarding a customer of mine needing to upgrade (they are on Novell 3.12 and Filepro Version 4, but top right corner of screen says 03.00.00, so I don't really know anything more, as the splash screen says FilePro 4.0).

Anyway, this customer is living in the 80's, mentally and computer wise.

I bailed them out from a Novell 3.12 server crash, but have warned them they need to update the 1990 386 PC's, etc., or face extinction, as well as all associated apps.

So with their approval, I'm packaging a new setup, and am looking at how to get the FilePro data to another application.

Although I as well as the customer have no issue with paying for a new version of FilePro, after searching the web, I see it may not be the 'database of choice', to use, for various reasons.

The client is a small Land Surveyor practice, and the database consists of 35,796 records.  Tiny to say the least.

Converting the Unix database to a Windows version may work if I went that route, but I'd prefer to use MS Access or anything else other than FilePro.....if possible.

Can this be done?

If so, who can do it, how much, when, and how do I have them do it for me?

Otherwise, I can do, but I'd need to enlist in the procedure for a cost, and also need to know that course.

Summary, prefer to use anything else other than FilePro, how do I get it converted and who to do it for how much?

TIA

[Lauren]

I would like to encourage you to take another look at filePro rather than relying on other websites.

filePro is an incredibly powerful and flexible program--regardless of which operating system it is placed on.

Your customers application has been meeting their needs for I'm guessing 15 years or more now.
That should give you some idea of the reliability of filePro.

If they would like to stay with filePro and you are not interested in learning to develop in filePro,
we would be more than glad to put you in touch with a filePro developer.

[guruuno]

Actually, as I may have stated, these customers are entrenched in 1990 or even earlier technology, Novell 3.12, DOS 6.22, and FilePro 4.0.
With a small database, and minimal use, I'd seriously ponder the advantage going forth with what is already in place, and updating to a newer version, of everything......without 1st trying to see how the data looks and can be manipulated in Access, Excel, or another means.....first, before considering "marrying" the customer to technology I have no experience with, nor a  desire to learn (it would be the ONLY one), and then having to depend on a single source 'vertical market' product.
In any event, if possible, can you please provide the direct link/URL to the available manual(s) for me to convert the FilePro 4.0 data to a CSV format, which hopefully explains the process.
Thank you for your time.

Bob

[guruuno]

Sorry for the bother, but Lauren had directed me to 'the forum' and said there were reference manuals explaining the process to export the data from version 4 out to a csv file.
I cannot find this, and was inquiring the assistance of others as to locating it.
Also, before I start digging through it (if I get it), I want to know if it is a straight forward procedure, or is it convoluted?
Thanks

[ernieb]

You can find 'export' procedures in the online manual:
http://www.fptech.com/Products/Docs/fpmanhtm/startfrm.htm
Search for 'export' and click the word 'export' in the left column to see the actual process.
If you have difficulties, this may be a function that filePro support could perform for you.
(You may ask for a quote)

[kenbrody]

Just remember that there is more to moving an application to another program than just copying the data over.

I know nothing about your particular application, so I can't comment on how easy/difficult it would be to move to another database.  However, it is something you need to consider while deciding whether to upgrade filePro or to move to something else.

[guruuno]

After reading the online manual quickly, under export, I see that there are only 2 options, ascii and word/wordstar files.
(exactly says: EXPORT creates spin-off files to be used with other programs. EXPORT can create two types of files, ASCII files or application specific files:)

I was under the assumption it also dis CSV??

OK, no rocket science here, this, once again is the overview summary.:

OLD customer, not long for this earth (10-15 years?), as well as approaching retirement.
OLD equipment, OLD software (FilePro v4, Novell v3.12) + Pentium 1's.

I, as a consultant, support person, was called in to salvage a Novell 3.12 Server that dies.
I did so, and gave him a P4 1.8Ghz PeeCee for "hold me over" purposes, until such time that a new peer to peer network, OS, apps, etc., can be implemented (I'd like to start in the next few weeks).

The Land Surveyor business he is in has a VERY SMALL DATABASE, and I'd prefer to export the data to Access or Excel, etc.

Anyone want to give me a quote, ballpark it 1st please (you can read this thread from the start to get all of the specifics), and if the ballpark is good, we can enter into an arrangement to perform the work.

Takers?

[kenbrody]

CSV is just a type of ASCII export.  Simply use the EXPORT ASCII command and set the field separator to comma, and record separator to newline.  (ie: "f=, r=\n")