Running Document Management System (DMS) database repair utility DBRepair

Occasionally, when working in Document Management System (DMS), you may need to perform a database repair to make sure the database is functioning properly. There are a few methods to use, but this article explains the easiest and most effective one.

Use these steps to resolve the following issues:

• DMS is running very slowly
• Scanning is slow or unresponsive
• Error messages reference "DBISAM"
• DMS closing while working in the program

Other issues can cause these error messages, such as Windows security settings on your server or third-party applications (including anti-virus software) causing interference with the database. If you run a database repair and it doesn't resolve the issue, contact our support team.

DMS database repair will fix issues, but it won't prevent them from happening in the future. To prevent future incidents, make sure that you've reviewed all of the information in  Lacerte system requirements.

Table of contents:

Before you start

Before running the DBRepair utility, it's essential to have a current backup of your database. To backup your Database:

1. Browse to the folder where the DMS database is kept.
   • If you're not sure where your database is located, look at Current Database Path at the bottom of the program window.
2. In the folder containing your database, select all the files ending in .DAT, .BLB and .IDX.
3. From the Edit menu, select Copy.
4. Create a new folder on the root of your C: drive and name it DMSBACKUP.
5. Open the C:\DMSBACKUP folder and paste the database files there.

Keep in mind this isn't a complete backup. It only allows you to recover files if there's a problem with the repair process. For a complete backup, you'll also need to copy the Details subfolder, which may be a large folder.

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We recommend using the automated repair in the Tool Hub:

Step 1: Download and install the Lacerte Tool Hub

If you do not have the Lacerte Tools Hub already on your computer, complete the following steps:

1. Close Lacerte.
2. Download the Lacerte Tool Hub Install file. Save the file somewhere you can easily find it (like your Downloads folder or your Windows desktop).
3. Open the file you downloaded (lacertetoolhub_setup.exe).
4. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. When the install finishes, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.
   

If you can't find the icon, do a search in Windows for Lacerte Tool Hub and select the program.

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Step 2: Using the tool in the Lacerte Tool Hub

1. Open the Lacerte Tool Hub.
2. Select DMS on the left.
3. Click on DMS Database Support Utility.
   
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the tool.

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Follow these steps to run a manual repair:

1. Complete the backup instructions above before starting the manual repair.
2. Browse to C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\DMS.
3. Double click on DBrepair.
4. Choose OK on the warning that opens.
5. Set the Database to the folder you created. (Examples: C:\DMSREPAIR or C:\DMSBACKUP)
6. Select the Repair button.
   • Depending on the size of your database and how badly it needs to be repaired, this may take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours to finish.
   • It's normal for some items to count from 0% to 100% multiple times before continuing.
7. Once the repair has finished you'll see Operation Complete.
8. Select the Exit button.
9. Make sure DMS is working.

Many folders inside the folder structure may cause slowness. See Improving performance in Document Management System (DMS) for instructions.

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How do I resolve the Database currently in use error

When trying to run database maintenance (DBrepair) within DMS, the program displays the following message:

• "Database currently in use"

No other users have the program open.

The repair will have to be initiated outside the program.

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Follow these steps to try to resolve this issue:

1. Close DMS on all workstations.
2. Browse to the program installation path.
   • The default path is C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\DMS.
3. Right-click on the DBrepair.exe file and choose Run as Administrator.
4. Proceed through the on-screen prompts.

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If the program still says the database is in use:

1. Open DMS.
2. Note the Current Database Location at the bottom of the program window.
3. Close DMS.
4. Use File Explorer to browse to the folder you noted in step 2.
5. Select all the files in this folder except Detail.
6. Copy these files to a new folder on the local C: drive.
7. Follow the original steps to run DBrepair, but change the Database path to the new folder on the C: drive from step 6.
8. Once the repair has completed, copy the files from the new folder to the original Database folder, replacing the current files.

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