01-08-2000 09:51									#1
	Downloads Database Messed up? Increase Your PM Length

Someone just sent me an email to let me know the Downloads Database link to my modpack is broken. I checked it out, and it looks like the database has gone about six months back in time!

The old version of my modpack (HiRes) is listed, and the number of downloads is less than half of what it should be. It appears that the entire db is affected, not just my entry. You might want to take a look!

Thanks!

- mindseye

	01-08-2000 10:06									#2
	Get a bigger avatar today!

the database crashed a few days ago, something that hadnt happen for several months, perhaps since 1999. when something works fine like that, you forget to make frequent back-ups
thus, our oldest back-up of the database was from february. we are now working to convert the database to a new script, more secure and with more features
all data that is not on the database now is saved in a different form....

just a little patience

	01-08-2000 10:08									#3
	Support Apolyton

A CRASH!? NOOOOOOOOOOOO! The end is near!

	02-08-2000 01:12									#4
	Support Apolyton, buy Call to Power 2

No recent back ups? ouch!

Does that mean that everything submitted after Feb will have to be re-submitted?Or is that safe somewhere?
<font size=1 face=Arial color=444444>[This message has been edited by Smash (edited August 01, 2000).]</font>

	02-08-2000 07:06									#5
	Full PM-box? Change here!

<center><table width=80%><tr><td><font color=000080 face="Verdana" size=2><font size="1">quote:
<img src=/forums/"/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1>
</font>(...) the database crashed a few days ago, something that hadnt happen for several months, perhaps since 1999. When something works fine like that, you forget to make frequent back-ups
<img src=/forums/"/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1></font></td></tr></table></center>

Let me get this straight - because the database had not crashed in several months, someone decided it was "working fine"? Thats incredible! In fact, they believed it was so rock-solid it need not be backed up again?

All I can say is that I hope the responsible sysadmin or ops person's head is now displayed on a stake next to the tape backup device. That is inexcusable! Your downloads database is the most valuable component of your entire site! And it wasn't being backed up?!

<center><table width=80%><tr><td><font color=000080 face="Verdana" size=2><font size="1">quote:
<img src=/forums/"/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1>
</font>our oldest back-up of the database was from february. we are now working to convert the database to a new script, more secure and with more features
<img src=/forums/"/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1></font></td></tr></table></center>

May I make a suggestion based on many years of computing experience? Do NOT attempt converting or enhancing anything until you get the orginal database restored and fully functional again. It will take you five times longer if you attempt to implement and troubleshoot a new system at the same time as trying to piece together a broken one. Concentrate on solving the crisis at hand, and then when the heat is off, consider changing the system. Otherwise you are only asking for trouble.


<center><table width=80%><tr><td><font color=000080 face="Verdana" size=2><font size="1">quote:
<img src=/forums/"/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1>
</font>all data that is not on the database now is saved in a different form....
<img src=/forums/"/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1></font></td></tr></table></center>

A different form - like (ulp) floppies or something? You have all the download files, descriptions, the ratings data, etc. saved on another medium? ... (pausing to offer tribute to the backup gods) ... I wish you the best of luck! Please keep us posted!

- mindseye

	02-08-2000 13:08									#6
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization: The Boardgame

<center><table width=80%><tr><td><font color=000080 face="Verdana" size=2><font size="1">quote:
<img src=/forums/"/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1>
</font><font size=1>Originally posted by mindseye on 08-01-2000 10:06 PM</font>
All I can say is that I hope the responsible sysadmin or ops person's head is now displayed on a stake next to the tape backup device.
<img src=/forums/"/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1></font></td></tr></table></center>the responsible for the back-up was me. i hope you can spare my life so that i can continue my job...
<center><table width=80%><tr><td><font color=000080 face="Verdana" size=2><font size="1">quote:
<img src=/forums/"/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1>
</font>Do NOT attempt converting or enhancing anything until you get the orginal database restored and fully functional again.
<img src=/forums/"/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1></font></td></tr></table></center>the old system with the recovered data is staying where it is. nothing is touching it while the new system is being installed. since the adding of enties will be easier in the new system, it will take us less time do the whole thing and the old scripts will remain in use for less time...

<center><table width=80%><tr><td><font color=000080 face="Verdana" size=2><font size="1">quote:
<img src=/forums/"/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1>
</font>A different form - like (ulp) floppies or something? You have all the download files, descriptions, the ratings data, etc. saved on another medium? ...
<img src=/forums/"/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1></font></td></tr></table></center>the files continue to be on the server, nothing was done to them. their descriptions, author info, etc are in text files as Sven kept them. ratings are lost

<font size=1 face=Arial color=444444>[This message has been edited by MarkG (edited August 02, 2000).]</font>

	03-08-2000 05:47									#7
	Increase Your PM Length

MarkG -

Sounds like you have a plan. Best of luck to you! Please keep us posted, and for heaven's sake: allocate some fresh budgetary resources for a top-of-the-line backup system!

- mindseye