Set Up Your USCF, CFC, or FIDE Database

Here are step-by-step instructions for setting up a database from the USCF, CFC, or FIDE for the first time after you have received the database from them in the form of either a single file or (as may happen in the case of the USCF) several files.

USCF Databases

1. Copy the files you received from the parent organization (USCF, CFC, or FIDE) to the folder on your hard drive where you want to keep your database and unzip them.

2. Run the database wizard (Database | Database wizard) and select your parent organization when prompted.

If you choose FIDE or CFC, you will be given the option of downloading the latest player list from their websites.

3. Browse to the folder you saved the database in during step 1 and click OK.

FIDE and CFC Databases

1. Copy the files you received from the parent organization to the folder on your hard drive where you want to keep your database.

If you don’t have the files yet, both FIDE and CFC files may be automatically downloaded using the Wizard, as described below.

2. Run the database wizard (Database | Database wizard) and select your parent organization when prompted.

If you choose FIDE or CFC, you will be given the option of downloading the latest player list from their websites.

3. If you did not elect to do an automatic download, finish by browsing to the folder you saved the database in during step 1 and click OK.

Testing Your Database Setup

You should now be ready to import players from this database at registration time.

Test this by going to the registration dialog and typing in the last name of a player who you know is listed in the database.

Click on the registration dialog’s “Search database” button to load this player from the database. If there is a problem, check over the steps above to be sure you did not omit anything, or consult the topic Database troubleshooting.

Click here to learn more about the USCF database file format and its conventions.