Have been running 3.0 on an XP computer. Now have 3.6 on a Windows 7 (64 bit) computer.

I tried to import old 3.0 backup into 3.6 - no go. Now when try to start 3.6 get message

Could not find c:\Birders Diary\data\database.mdb

Please copy a backup into this directory.

Do not have this file - what do I do?

Hello Alan,

When yu say you tried to import the old 3.0 backup into 3.6 - Exactly what did you do and what happened? This should work without any problems.

The error indicates that you somehow deleted the database for BD. All you need to do is to move a copy of your 3.0 database (database.mdb) into "C:\Birder's Diary\data\". Then start BD. It will find the database, recognize that it is 3.0 format and upgrade it automatically. I assume you still have a copy of your 3.0 database/backup. Just move it into the directory above and make sure it is named "database.mdb".

Beware: Windows likes to hide the extension of your files in Windows Explorer. This may be what you are experiencing. You may think you renamed your backup to "database.mdb", but since Windows is hiding the true extension, it is really called "database.mdb.mdb" - and BD cannot open it. So, in Windows Explorer, do this (I always change this setting on all Windows computers and leave it that way)

1. Alt+T to display the Tools menu
2. Select Folder options from the Tools menu
3. In the Options dialog, select the View TAB
4. Uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types"
5. Click Ok

Now check the true name of your database file.

Let me know,

Jeff

OK but now I have 'lost' the NA w/subspecies taxonomic file from the list of taxonomies!

Hi Alan,

What do you mean - "lost it"? If you had it in your database before - it would still be in your database now.

Do you have BD back up and running with your data? Is it that your tax list is not licensed? Then just re-activate.

You can still re-download and import it form the Downloads page on this site.

Let me know,

Jeff

HI Alan,

Can I get onto your system and get this running for you?

If you agree, simply go to the Support >> Desktop Sharing page on this site and follow the instructions.

If you have trouble with that, send email to support@birdersdiary.com.

Thanks,

Jeff

Got on Alan's computer and the problem ended up being simple. While Alan purchased and installed 3.6 back in 2006, he never transferred his 3.0 data into it. So when we asked him to get his 3.6 database over to his new computer, he copied over the empty demo database. All we did to fix this was to copy over the 3.0 database from his old system which contained all of his old data and imported the ABA 2009 w/subspecies tax list.

All set. Have fun in AZ Alan.

Jeff