Migrate layers from non-working XMap database

[compasst]

My previous version of XMap SQL database will not function and I have been unable to get it to work. Now that I have upgraded to XMap 7(on a new installation, new computer) I need to get those previous layers into the new program. The projects know about the layers, but of course don't see them in the current database. I tried to import a backup copy, but that process errored out.

Any suggestions?

I downloaded 2008 SQL studio as a helping tool, but the installation says my setup is not current with patches. I don't want to mess things up on this install - frankly, SQL and DeLorme seem to be a bit unstable and troublesome - I have installed the program on several computers and on several attempts and often end up with a broken GIS layer situation.

[foxtrot_xray]

Could you explain what 'SQL Database' won't function means? (I mean, will SQL Server not mount the database? Or does it mount and XMap says it's not recognized, etc?)

[compasst]

Sorry to be less than clear about the issue - the database does not mount because the server is not running. I cannot get the server to run one one of the computers - thus I opted to buy the new version and do a clean install on a new computer I just purchased. On this one, the server is running and has mounted the default DeLormeSampleDB database, but of course that db does not contain my custom-made layers. I do have the older db and all the files from the old computer, including at least one backup, but I cannot get that backup to mount on the new computer (I start DB Manager and try to restore the file, but receive the error

"A database exception occurred while restoring the specified database. Directory lookup for the file "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\DATA\BalloonMaps2.mfl" failed with the operating system error 3(the system cannot find the path specified.)."

I'm betting that this is related to the fact that this is a new installation without any prior history of this backup or the original db file. Trouble is, the file location structure on this Windows 7 x64 computer are much different than the structure on the preceeding Windows 7 non-x64 installation. I do have a full disk backup of that pc, but no longer have that pc to resort to.

One of the other times I tried to get this resolved, I think I used the Microsoft Studio to somehow migrate the real DB or restore a backup. Trouble is, I no longer have a working version of XMap with a working database engine to make a new backup - just the older backups and the actula DB files in the SQL subdirectories.

[foxtrot_xray]

Sorry to be less than clear about the issue - the database does not mount because the server is not running. I cannot get the server to run one one of the computers - thus I opted to buy the new version and do a clean install on a new computer I just purchased. On this one, the server is running and has mounted the default DeLormeSampleDB database, but of course that db does not contain my custom-made layers. I do have the older db and all the files from the old computer, including at least one backup, but I cannot get that backup to mount on the new computer (I start DB Manager and try to restore the file, but receive the error

"A database exception occurred while restoring the specified database. Directory lookup for the file "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\DATA\BalloonMaps2.mfl" failed with the operating system error 3(the system cannot find the path specified.)."

I'm betting that this is related to the fact that this is a new installation without any prior history of this backup or the original db file. Trouble is, the file location structure on this Windows 7 x64 computer are much different than the structure on the preceeding Windows 7 non-x64 installation. I do have a full disk backup of that pc, but no longer have that pc to resort to.

One of the other times I tried to get this resolved, I think I used the Microsoft Studio to somehow migrate the real DB or restore a backup. Trouble is, I no longer have a working version of XMap with a working database engine to make a new backup - just the older backups and the actula DB files in the SQL subdirectories.

Ah, okay - good. See, this means then we got more options than is XMap was saying a layer was corrupted. What extension is the backup you have where you get the 'cannot find path' error for? On top of that, I think you indicate you do but want to verify - do you have the .MDF and .LDF files of your original database handy?

--Mike.

[compasst]

The file name is Balloonmaps2_06-07-2009_06-03-53.delorme_db_backup_meta with no extension. I do have the .mdf and .ldf files.

[foxtrot_xray]

The file name is Balloonmaps2_06-07-2009_06-03-53.delorme_db_backup_meta with no extension. I do have the .mdf and .ldf files.

Ah - great. So, we can forget about your backup then.

In that case, copy your .MDF and .LDF files to a directory you want them to be stored (dosen't matter where, the default SQL Data directory is fine).
Then run the SQL Server Management Studio and log onto your server.
On the main tree on the left, right-click on the "Databases" folder and select "Attach..." from the menu.
In the dialog that opens up, click the 'Add...' button and select the .MDF file.
It should then list the two files - data and log - in the bottom half on the window. Click the 'OK' button.
My take a little bit of time, but once it's finished, the database should appear in the 'Databases' folder.

After that, you can rename it if you need, but you should be good to go.

Cheers -
Mike.

[compasst]

Thanks for your helpful suggestions - and I understand what you tell me to do... but I cannot find 'SQL Management Studio' on the PC nor can I find a download for it other than the file SQLManagementStudio_x64_ENU.exe which starts the SQL Installation Center which does not give me a tree to choose from ... I recall the Studio being significantly different than this program. I've thoroughly searched each item in SQL Installation Center and do not find anything about Management Studio.

The Installation Center that comes up with the downloaded file above is the same as what I can open already on the PC in the All Programs list under MS SQL Server.

Help.... Until I get the layers into XMap, I cannot do any work!

Your additional help is appreciated.

[foxtrot_xray]

Since I don't now what installation you have, grab this:
Management Tools. Select the second one from the left ("Management Tools"), download the 32bit or 64bit version that matches your system. Don't worry if you don't have 2008 R2 SQL Server installed or not, we're just installing the management studio.

Run the install.
Click 'New Installation or add features' option.
A new setup will appear. It'll do a bunch of odd checking and copying files.
It'll take you to a page where the top option is, again, 'New installation or add features'. Make sure that's checked, click Next.
Go through the rest of the pages until you get to the "Feature Selection" page. It should have two options, 'Management Tools - Basic' and 'SQl Client Connectivity SDK'. Both should be checked.
Go through the rest of the pages, and once finished, the management studio will be installed in your Start Menu.

Cheers -
Mike.