Microsoft Database damaged....that's the message that came up

L

Larry Ratner

I was using my Entourage (MS-office 2004) and I got the message above.

I ran the Verification utility and it said that there was problems, I saved
the 'Database Utility Log'. It offered the opportunity to 'rebuild the
databse'. I closed the window and called Microsoft. They said it was a
simple solution that could be answered with one question, but they wanted to
charge $50 for that one question.

Someone please help!

Thanks
 
D

Diane Ross

Larry Ratner said:
I ran the Verification utility and it said that there was problems, I saved
the 'Database Utility Log'. It offered the opportunity to 'rebuild the
databse'. I closed the window and called Microsoft. They said it was a
simple solution that could be answered with one question, but they wanted to
charge $50 for that one question.
Click to expand...

You need to rebuild your database. Make a backup copy first then rebuild.
The rebuild process makes a backup, but if the rebuild goes bad, you can
loose all your data. It's rare but best to be safe with the extra backup.
See Directions here:

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/database/rebuild.html>
 
M

MHT

I'm new to OS X and Entourage (came here from OS 9 and OE), and was startled to be faced with the same issue. Luckily, I quickly found you, Diane. What a relief! :)

The rebuild process worked fine for me—though attempts to follow the the instructions at <http://www.entourage.mvps.org/database/rebuild.html> weren't successful (didn't seem to apply to Office 2004 and/or OS X 10.5). Nevertheless, the rebuild worked without a hitch.

I assume that I can now trash the backup copy of the Main Identity that the app created, correct?
 
D

Diane Ross

MHT said:
I assume that I can now trash the backup copy of the Main Identity that the
app created, correct?
Click to expand...

Yes, once you are sure you have a stable database you can delete the old
copy.

Now, make sure you setup a backup strategy.

Entourage and Time-Machine like backup (creates chronological backup of
Identity can be used by both Tiger and Leopard)

<http://blog.entourage.mvps.org/2008/01/entourage_and_time_machine.html>

Alternative method to use Entourage and Time Machine (does a once a day or
whatever time period you select)

<http://blog.entourage.mvps.org/2008/01/alternative_method_to_use_entourage_
and_time_machine.html>
 
M

MARY PATERSON

Hi all,
My database was corrupt and when i tried to run the databases utility it said i had to pick another mail identity from a list - none of those offered were up to date so i had to pick one from November of 07 which means i lost all the emails received and written and filed between now and then. It's a horrible situation. My question is HOW do you back up your main identity and where do you look for past ones that are backed up? Please someone can you help??? I'm still hopeful i can find a more recent back up version but so far, i have not had any luck!
Mahalo (thank you) from Mary in Kauai :coolfrown:
 
D

Diane Ross

MARY PATERSON said:
My database was corrupt and when i tried to run the databases utility it said
i had to pick another mail identity from a list - none of those offered were
up to date so i had to pick one from November of 07 which means i lost all the
emails received and written and filed between now and then. It's a horrible
situation. My question is HOW do you back up your main identity and where do
you look for past ones that are backed up? Please someone can you help??? I'm
still hopeful i can find a more recent back up version but so far, i have not
had any luck!
Mahalo (thank you) from Mary in Kauai :coolfrown:
Click to expand...

What version of Entourage? X, 2004, 2008

Entourage does not automatically backup your data. Leopard has made it
easier by offering Time Machine, but Time Machine is not the best option to
backup Entourage as it writes to an open file and could result in corrupt
data. It also does it hourly and can quickly fill a drive plus slowing down
your computer.

To backup, you can backup the entire Microsoft User Data folder or just your
Identity folder. I have a tutorial that will help you do this automatically.

Entourage and Time-Machine like backup (creates chronological backup of
Identity can be used by both Tiger and Leopard users)

<http://blog.entourage.mvps.org/2008/01/entourage_and_time_machine.html>

Alternative method to use Entourage and Time Machine (does a once a day or
whatever time period you select)

<http://blog.entourage.mvps.org/2008/01/alternative_method_to_use_entourage_
and_time_machine.html>
 
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