Database Utility

The Database utility program verifies the integrity of the database tables that are used to store events, alarms, network alarms, and graphics. Basically, the system scans all the system database tables and corrects errors (when they are found). Usually, the system verifies the database integrity automatically at start-up (a system message is displayed). If an operator decides not to perform a database check at startup, he/she may trigger the operation later, using the Database Utility program. It may also be necessary to launch the database utility program when for instance the system experiences problems frequently. This operation should be executed when the system is not used since the system database is not available during operations on the databases. Some verifications such as re-indexing the archive files, updating database fields, verifying archive files, or swapping database languages require that the EntraPass applications be shutdown. Once all the EntraPass applications that are running on the EntraPass Server computer are closed, you can start the Database utility. When an operation that requires the application to be shutdown is launched, the operator is warned that the database access will be suspended during the operation.

NOTE: The EntraPass Server must be shutdown before you run the database utility.

Running the Database Utility

1  - You can use the buttons under the Utility tab in the EntraPass server application, or launch the Database Utility from the Windows® Start  > All Programs  > EntraPass Corporate Edition  >  Workstation > Database Utility .

NOTE: When you select the File   > Workstation menu, the system displays only two buttons, the   Verify database integrity  and the Update database fields  buttons. The File > Server menu offers more choices.

Verifying Database Integrity

1  - Click the Verify database integrity  button in the toolbar. You have the choice to perform a quick  or a complete check.

•   Quick check : The system scans through the database tables, but does not display a detailed report afterwards.

•   Complete check : The system scans through the database tables and a detailed report is displayed.

Updating Database Fields

This function is   automatically executed when you perform a software is updated. If an operator performs a database restore ( Server , Options  toolbar, Restore ), the database fields are automatically updated when the information is restored. Even when an operator performs a database restore outside the Server (copies the databases from a third party backup program), this function is automatically carried out when the Server is started up again.

1  - From the EntraPass Database utility window, select the Update database field button.

NOTE: Use this function when, for instance, you experience problems when starting the server or workstation. When the system does not start, this may imply that there are problems in the database; that the source and the structure do not match.

Verifying Database Index

The Verify database Index program allows to entirely rebuild the database index by using the information that was copied in the primary databases and grouping it to rebuild the Registry.DB database. The latter is used to increase the system performance.

NOTE: This program can be used when a database is corrupted because it has not been backed up.

Verifying Database Links

The Verify Database Links utility is used to rebuild all the links of the database. Moreover, this program cleans the databases by deleting links that are no longer valid. For example, if a schedule was assigned to a functionality and this schedule was deleted, the system will initialize the field where it was assigned in the primary database. It will also remove the records that point to deleted components. For example, if an access level is assigned to a gateway and this access level was deleted, it will delete the record in the database. The Verify Database Links utility enables complete management of the links between each component and ensures that the correct information is displayed when:

•   Viewing the structure of a component's links to all other components of the system,

•   Removing all the traces of a component within the database when this component has been deleted. For example, if a schedule is deleted, the system will use the link list to initialize all the database fields that contains this schedule.

NOTE: It may be necessary to use this function when it is obvious that the database links are incorrect. This features is useful when for example the system experiences abnormal terminations.

Verifying Database Hierarchy

In EntraPass, the database is set up in a hierarchical way, which means that all components have a parent and can have children components. The Verify database hierarchy utility is used to rebuild the parent-child links within the database. The results of this program are limited if the damages of the database are severe.

NOTE: When a user tries to access a controller by selecting a gateway and a connection and when the result does not correspond to the reality, this means that the database hierarchy is probably corrupted. In this case, the Verify database hierarchy feature can be used to correct the problem. If the problem cannot be fixed, this could mean that the database is too damaged to be fixed. It will be necessary to restore the database.

verifying Database Archive Files

This function is used to verify archive files. It assigns a new unique sequential value to all primary indexes of archive files.

Verifying In/Out Files

This function is used to verify In/Out database files. It assigns a new unique sequential value to all primary indexes of In/Out database files.

Verifying Video Event Files

This function is used to verify video event files. It assigns a new unique sequential value to all primary indexes of video event files. Depending on the number of video event files you have, start with the quick check of the database, if you get errors then do the complete check of the database.

Swapping Descriptions

This function is used to interchange or to swap the database descriptions.

Cleaning the Database

This option is used to physically remove database records which have been identified by the system as erased. Most of these records relate to cards and are kept in the Deleted Components section of the database. Using this option will considerably reduce the space required by your database. It will also improve system performance relating to searches for card information. It will not affect the table Registry, nor will it have an impact on historical reports.

NOTE: It is strongly suggested to back-up the database before performing this operation. Clean database will suspend operation of the database while cleaning is in effect.

Rebuilding Card Last Transaction Files

This function is used to rebuild the card last transaction files.