Database Corruption

[exiled2tx]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: Intel
Email Client: pop

For about six months now (maybe longer, like since I've installed 2008), I've had regular problems with database corruption messages. Most of the time the rebuild works but I've occasionally lost things.

Once recently and once about three months ago, my database would not rebuild properly. I took a backup copy of Entourage (a couple of days old) and did the .rge file and then set up a new identity. Didn't give me the error message then for about a week or so.

But is there any way to stop this regular corruption? The frustration as well as worry about losing things has reached the point where I'm ready to switch to other software.

My previous experience with Entourage 2001 was nothing like this - there I had to rebuild maybe 2-3 a year - I sometimes have to do that a week now.

 

[Diane Ross]

For about six months now (maybe longer, like since I've installed 2008), I've
had regular problems with database corruption messages. Most of the time the
rebuild works but I've occasionally lost things.

Once recently and once about three months ago, my database would not rebuild
properly. I took a backup copy of Entourage (a couple of days old) and did the
.rge file and then set up a new identity. Didn't give me the error message
then for about a week or so.

Hmmm, I was going to suggest that you move into a new Identity, but I see
you have tried that. Usually after moving into a new rather than imported
from another version Identity, Entourage 2008 is rock solid.

How large is your Identity? If you have a lot of old mail, you might
consider creating an archive Identity for the older mail and start with an
almost clean Identity. I would keep only the last 90 days of messages. We
can discuss this if this sounds like an option you would like to try. It's
fairly quick and painless.

But is there any way to stop this regular corruption? The frustration as well
as worry about losing things has reached the point where I'm ready to switch
to other software.

My previous experience with Entourage 2001 was nothing like this - there I had
to rebuild maybe 2-3 a year - I sometimes have to do that a week now.

This is not typical. We just need to find out what's causing you problems.

Did you install Leopard about the same time? If yes, how did you install?

There are 3 types of installs:

1. Upgrade Mac OS X (the default upgrade method)*
2. Archive and Install
3. Erase and Install

* Just because it's the default doesn't mean it's the best option.

This page describes what each method does:

Options to Install Leopard
<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/faq_topic/leo_options.html>

Combo updater helps odd problems with Office:

You might need to download the combo updater from Apple and run it again
rather than using Software Update. Doing so overwrites potentially
problem-causing files. Combo updaters will install on the same version as
they¹re applying‹no need to roll back or do a clean install.

Leopard:

Mac OS X 10.5.5 Combo Update
(For both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macs )
<http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx1055comboupdate.html>

Other things that can affect performance is space on your HD and memory.

 

[exiled2tx]

Thanks for the quick response.

I purchased a new Mac end of last year so it came with 10.5 on it. I've been upgrading the software via software update without any apparent problems.

I currently have about 1000 emails, about 800 to-dos (include those completed), and maybe 500 items on the calendar. The database file is typically about 80-90M. Too big perhaps?

 

[Guest]

I am having the same problem, How do I create an archive identity and how do I create an almost clean one? I am getting database daemon fatal error and I cant get it to the rebuild screen even by pressing the Option button.Thanks

 

[Diane Ross]

I am having the same problem, How do I create an archive identity and how do I
create an almost clean one? I am getting database daemon fatal error and I
cant get it to the rebuild screen even by pressing the Option button.Thanks

Database Daemon Fatal Error

This error probably means database corruption.
Text Errors <http://www.entourage.mvps.org/error/text.html>

The fact that you can't even get to the rebuild screen indicates more than
just Entourage problems.

Before we go any further, I need more info:

When asking a question please include which machine you're running and which
version of OS X, as certain answers will vary between different Macs and
Tiger vs. Leopard, etc. Including RAM helps, as well as free space on your
HD. You can find that in the Activity Monitor (Utilities folder)

We also need to know what version of Entourage you are using including any
updates. What type of account? (POP, IMAP, Exchange)

How to find version of Entourage:
<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/version/index.html#find_version>

Here is an example: iMac 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo, Memory 2GB, Mac OS 10.5.5,
Entourage 12.1.3, POP, IMAP, (Hard drive 47 GB, free space 21 GB)

You'll find a lot of this info under About this Mac under the Blue Apple in
the Menu bar. Click on the button "more info"

1) Can you open the Identity? If yes, create a duplicate in the Finder
NOW!!! As long as you can open an Identity you can salvage your data. If you
can still open it, it could completely shut down at any minute, so the
duplicate is a safeguard. Rename it or put in a folder so you know exactly
what it is and when it was duplicated. Also set to leave messages on the
server in your Account under the Options tab.

See this page on creating archives of your data.

Archive Your Data
<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/database/archive.html>

In the future, please start your own thread when asking a question. This
keep replies to the original poster uncluttered. Even though the problem is
similar, the specifics might result in different answers.

 

[Diane Ross]

I purchased a new Mac end of last year so it came with 10.5 on it. I've been
upgrading the software via software update without any apparent problems.

Updating via Software Update gives you incremental updates. Combo updaters
go back and overwrite older files that could have become corrupt. When
possible always use a combo updater. For more info on the different types of
updaters see

Mac OS X 10.5.3 Combo Update (For both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macs )

I currently have about 1000 emails, about 800 to-dos (include those
completed), and maybe 500 items on the calendar. The database file is
typically about 80-90M. Too big perhaps?

Databases are typically in the 2-3 GB range. Many have databases over 10GB,
so your MB size database is small.

My first inclination is to tell you to create a new Identity. I know you
have done this, but perhaps we should revisit how you did this if the combo
updater does not help.