Database Troubleshooting

This guide provides solutions to common problems when using external databases with SwissSys.

Before troubleshooting, try working through the database step-by-step instructions to ensure proper setup.

Some problems are unique to customized databases that have been converted to dBase format from other software, such as Excel. Be sure to read your other software’s help documentation regarding converting to dBase format, as each program has its own quirks and limitations.

Player Search Issues

”No match found” Error for Existing Player

Problem: SwissSys gives the error “No match found” on a player who is definitely in the database.

Solution:

Check name spelling and formatting - Ensure you have typed the name correctly. If the database uses extra spaces or irregular capitalization (especially for names like “Mc Dougal”), your search must match exactly.
Use partial searches - Try limiting your search to just the first few letters if you are in doubt about exact formatting.
Rebuild the index - The problem could be an improperly indexed file. Run the Players | Database | Index database command to ensure the index is up-to-date.
Check case sensitivity settings - If the database was not created using the default name format, SwissSys may have trouble with case sensitivity. Try turning on this setting in Environment Options and inspect the database to ensure formats match.
Verify ID number format - This problem may occur if you search on a partial ID number with an improperly formatted database. Ensure your database saves ID numbers in text format (see next section).

Data Format Issues

Ratings Show as Zero

Problem: The database shows a rating of 0 for all players.

Solution: SwissSys requires all database fields to be in text format. If your database file uses numeric format for the rating, SwissSys cannot interpret the data.

In your database software, specify “Text” as the cell format for the rating column
Some software may require you to enclose the rating (or ID number) in quotes to identify it as text
Review your database software documentation for specific formatting requirements

Team Code Search Fails

Problem: SwissSys gives the error “No match found” when searching the database by team code.

Solution:

Limit your database team field to the SwissSys standard of 8 characters
Use only uppercase letters in the team code (no lowercase letters)

File Format Issues

Truncated Fields in dBase Format

Problem: Some fields are truncated after saving the database in dBase format.

Solution: Widen the columns before converting to dBase format. Even if all text appears to fit in your columns, they may not carry over in the conversion unless there is extra room.

Configuration Issues

Missing or Invalid Database File Error

Problem: SwissSys gives the error message “Missing or invalid database file.”

Solution:

Use the Players | Database command to configure your database
Ensure the path to your database is correctly listed
For dBase format databases, specify at least one index file
Perform the indexing operation on dBase format files after setup (available from the Players | Database menu)

Character Encoding Issues

Non-English Characters in Field Names

Problem: SwissSys will not recognize fields established using non-English characters and accent marks.

Solution:

For dBase format: Use only standard English letters in field names (no workaround available)
Data content can still use non-English letters and accents, but field names cannot
Access and Excel formats do not have this limitation