Error Messages
Most error messages SwissSys reports are self-explanatory. Here are a few for your reference which may need some clarification.
Database Error Messages
”Database file not found” or “Database corruption detected”
This error occurs when SwissSys cannot locate your database file (such as a USCF database in .dbf format) or when the file has been corrupted somehow.
This will occur if you have not properly used the Database setup and Index database commands (on the Players | Database/Club list menu).
Most commonly you will get this message if you have declared a database file in the database setup dialog which does not exist, or is not where you told SwissSys it was.
To remedy this, either enter the correct database filename, or leave it blank if you don’t have one.
You may also get this message if you attempt to index your database before creating it with the Create/Update database function.
See those topics for a detailed explanation of setting up and using your player database.
”No match found” during player search
This typically occurs when:
- Searching for a player with incorrect spelling (e.g., asking for “Smith, Bob” when the database knows him as “Smith, Robert”)
- Specifying a search form that is not consistent with the database (using the wrong number of spaces between parts of a name)
- Using an improperly indexed database
In this last case, use the Players | Database setup to make sure you have set up your database properly, and also make sure you have indexed the file with the Database | Index database command.
File Version Compatibility
”Incompatible file version” or “Cannot read file”
This error occurs when trying to open a tournament file created with a newer version of the program. You can read older files with newer versions, but not vice-versa.
If you are sharing files with another TD who does not have the latest SwissSys version yet, be sure to save your sections using a “Save as” command and selecting the older SwissSys file format as the “type” for the file you want to save.
System Errors
”Internal program error” or “Unexpected data encountered”
This generic error message occurs when SwissSys encounters unexpected data, unusual settings, or other information it cannot interpret.
Resolution steps:
- Try reloading the file
- Exit and reload the program
- Reboot and reload SwissSys
Pairing Errors
”Cannot complete pairing” or “Pairing restrictions prevent proper pairing”
This occurs when pairing restrictions make it impossible to create a valid round.
Common causes:
- Players have already played each other
- Pairing restrictions forbid certain matchups
- Attempting to assign a player too many consecutive colors
- Team pairing restrictions conflict with available pairings
This warning indicates that current pairing restrictions may need to be relaxed for the round to proceed.