Downloading FIDE Database
Download the FIDE database to get access to international player ratings from around the world.
Downloading FIDE Database
Use the Database Wizard for automatic download and setup.
Open Database Wizard
Go to Database > Database wizard…
Select FIDE
Click the FIDE button.
Choose to Download
When prompted “Do you want to download the latest database?”, click Yes.
Choose Install Location
Select where to save the database. Default location:
C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\SwissSys 11\Databases\Download and Install
Click Download and install. The wizard will:
- Download the zip file from FIDE
- Extract
players_list_foa.txt - Clean up the zip file automatically
- Configure SwissSys
Wait for Completion
When finished, you’ll see: “Your database is ready to use.”
Loading an Existing Database File
If you already have a FIDE database file (players_list_foa.txt), load it with the wizard.
Open Database Wizard
Go to Database > Database wizard…
Select FIDE
Click the FIDE button.
Decline Download
Click No when asked to download.
Select Folder
Navigate to the folder containing players_list_foa.txt and click OK.
The wizard automatically finds the file and loads it.
File Name Required: The FIDE database file must be named exactly players_list_foa.txt.
Troubleshooting
Download Fails
Solutions:
- Check your internet connection
- Ensure firewall allows SwissSys internet access
- Wait a few minutes and try again
- Contact support if problem persists
Database Won’t Load
Solutions:
- Verify the file is named
players_list_foa.txt(exact name required) - Ensure the file is in the selected folder
- Download a fresh copy using the wizard
See Also
- Database Overview - Complete database guide
- Database Wizard - Wizard walkthrough
- Downloading USCF Database - USCF setup
- Downloading CFC Database - CFC setup