Legacy Database Formats
SwissSys maintains full backwards compatibility with all legacy database formats. Any database file that worked before will continue to work. For new setups, use the new binary format (.rbin.gz) for significantly faster performance.
Recommendation: The new binary format (.rbin.gz) available through the Database Wizard provides the fastest performance while maintaining full compatibility with existing files. See Downloading USCF Database, Downloading CFC Database, or Downloading FIDE Database.
Supported Legacy Formats
| Format | Extension | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| dBase | .dbf | Older USCF databases (TARSFLE, TARatSup) |
| Text | .txt, .tsv | USCF joint lists, exports |
| CSV | .csv | CFC databases, custom exports |
| Access | .mdb, .mde | CFC databases, custom databases |
| Excel | .xls, .xlsx | Custom player lists |
dBase Files (.dbf)
Loading dBase Files
Open Database Wizard
Go to Database > Database wizard…
Select Database Type
Click USCF (or appropriate federation).
Decline Download
Click No when asked to download.
Browse to File
Select your .dbf file.
Handle Filename Length
If filename is longer than 8 characters, allow SwissSys to rename it automatically.
8.3 Format: dBase files have an 8-character filename limit. SwissSys handles this automatically.
Apply Defaults
When prompted, click Yes to apply suggested defaults (USCF or Golden pattern).
Create Indexes
If prompted about index files, click Yes to create them.
Index Files Required
dBase files need two index files for searching:
- Name index: Enables search by name
- ID index: Enables search by ID
SwissSys creates these automatically when you set up the database.
CSV Files (.csv)
Loading CSV Files
Use Database Setup
Go to Database > Database setup… (wizard may not recognize custom CSV files).
Set Database Type
Select Delimited text as database type.
Browse to File
Click Browse and select your .csv file.
Configure Delimiters
Set field delimiter to Comma and text delimiter to Quote.
Map Fields
Map CSV columns to SwissSys fields (Name, ID, Rating, etc.).
Save Configuration
Click OK to save.
See Database Setup for field mapping details.
Microsoft Access (.mdb, .mde)
Driver Requirements
Required: Microsoft Access Database Engine must be installed to use .mdb or .mde files.
Download from: Microsoft Access Database Engine
Loading Access Files
Open Database Wizard
Go to Database > Database wizard…
Select CFC
Click CFC (or use Database Setup for custom Access files).
Decline Download
Click No when asked to download.
Browse to File
Select your .mdb or .mde file.
Apply Defaults
When prompted, click Yes to apply suggested defaults.
Excel Files (.xls, .xlsx)
Loading Excel Files
Use Database Setup
Go to Database > Database setup…
Set Database Type
Select Excel as database type.
Browse to File
Click Browse and select your Excel file.
Select Worksheet
Choose which worksheet contains the player data.
Map Fields
Map Excel columns to SwissSys fields.
Save Configuration
Click OK to save.
Troubleshooting Legacy Formats
”Missing index files” (dBase)
Solution: Go to Database > Create index to generate index files.
”Cannot open Access database”
Solution: Install Microsoft Access Database Engine .
Database loads but searches don’t work
Solution: Verify field mappings in Database > Database setup… and ensure Name and ID fields are correctly mapped.
See Also
- Database Overview - All database types
- Database Setup - Advanced configuration
- Downloading USCF Database - Modern binary format
- Downloading CFC Database - Modern binary format