Database connection problems

Fixes for GeoDin database connection problems - locked Access databases, moved files, long paths, and safely handing data to colleagues or support.

Symptom-first fixes for problems opening or working with GeoDin databases. If your problem is not listed, capture a SQL protocol and contact support.

"Operation must use an updatable query"

The Microsoft Access database is locked against changes. Check that:

• No other user has the database open exclusively.
• You have not opened the database read-only yourself.

If neither applies, close the database in GeoDin, then look in the database file's folder for a leftover .ldb or .laccdb lock file with the same name as the database, and delete it (only if no other user still has the database open). If the problem persists, open the database directly in Microsoft Access and run File > Info > Compact and repair - make a backup copy first. If none of this helps, contact support and mention which steps you already tried.

The database could not be opened - Microsoft Access Database Engine missing

When opening a Microsoft Access database in the .accdb format, GeoDin shows this error if Microsoft Access 2007 (or later) is not installed:

The database 'XYZ' could not be opened. Verify that the following drivers are installed: Microsoft Access Database Engine 64-Bit.

The cause is that the Microsoft Access Database Engine driver itself is not installed. Install the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable from Microsoft's download page. The required bitness depends on your GeoDin version: up to GeoDin 9.0 the driver must be the 32-bit version, and from GeoDin 9.5 onwards the 64-bit version is required. If you are unsure which to install, check with your system administrator.

Access database asks for a user name and password

If GeoDin prompts for credentials when opening an Access database, the database file has usually been moved or renamed, or a network folder connection was lost. Select the database and start the Edit database connection method. Under Use existing database, click the folder icon, navigate to the database file, select it with Open, and confirm with OK. Newer GeoDin versions detect the missing file and point you to this method automatically.

Database or exchange file will not open from a long network path

File access is sensitive to long paths (roughly over 64 characters) and to spaces or special characters in folder names. If a database, project, or exchange file fails to open from a deep network location, copy it to a short local path such as C:\Temp and open it from there.

Handing a project or database to a colleague

A database connection can hold more projects than you intend to share. To pass on exactly one project: use Export data (produces a zip including layout and configuration files), or copy the project into a new, empty Access database with Copy project and share that file. The recipient creates a database connection to the received file on their own PC.

Support asked for your configuration

To reproduce a problem, support often needs your configuration rather than your data. Use the Transfer system files method to package geodin.ini and the SYSLIB, CONFIG, QUERYDEF, and SOURCE folders (optionally LAYOUTS) into one zip, and attach it to your support request.

Databases without a project structure will not open in GeoDin 10

GeoDin 10 no longer supports databases without the classic project structure (UniqueLocationID databases). If you use such databases, contact support BEFORE updating to GeoDin 10.