Act 2008 Upgrading Errors, cannot open database.

When I try to open the database from a workstation that has 06, I get this error.

"ACT! requires at least a serive pack 3 of SQL Server. "

I cannot copy the files off the server for some reason, it says "It is being used by another person or program." So I am going to restore right now from the original backup to a network share so I can copy it down to the workstation running 06 and attempt to do the things you listed.

I was actually just thinking of exporing the data to excel and reimporting it to a new databasae but I am afraid of data loss, so I will try your suggestion and post back to let you know how it went.

...Um, how do I write over the files that are on the server if "It is being used by another person or program."  

Well That didn't work, even trying to access it on my local machine which still has act 06, I get the same error "ACT! requires at least a serive pack 3 of SQL Server. "

I tried installing SQL 2000 on my machine but apparently my desktop does not support instalation of SQL 2000. (MS XP Pro SP2, Pentium 4, 1GB or RAM). So I guess I will try to uninstall act 2008 from one of our other 2003 servers and reinstall 2006 for this part of the troubleshooting... unless anyone has any other ideas.

I am trying to uninstall ACT 2008 to put 2006 back on one of the server machines, because I upgraded everything to 2008! I was hoping that I could just do the repairs on a machine that was running a desktop version of SQL but I guess I have to have it on a server to even open the database or I get that SQL error.

So as soon as I can get 2008 completely uninstalled and 2006 reinstalled correctly without generating exceptions every time the program is launched, I guess I'm SOL huh?!!

Is there a way to pull all the data out of the act database and import it into another database with these errors I am getting?

Hah!! Well, i didn't catch this bit of information "Click File, Open and change the "file type" to .adf.
" (I did, but it didn't register what you were talking about!).

So I dot the database opened on my local machine, and did a check, repair, reindex, rebuild schema, rebuild security, rebuild ole/db reporting objects, rebuild synch objects and created a backup. I copied it to the server (running 2008).  When I tried to open it, I got the same error

"Exceptions occured while executing Db Schema Update Script. Check the errors in c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sage Software SB, Inc\ACT!\10.0.237.0\_ActSchemaUpdateResults<databasename>0922007064137.txt."

Here is that file: http://www.ee-stuff.com/Expert/Upload/getFile.php?fid=4779

I do have access to the database now in the ACTDIAG tool, it's showing a status of ONLINE and shows the correct DB Size and DB Version and says it's Unlocked. I changed the "Datastore Location" because it was referencing my desktop I copied it from, so now it's looking at the server for the dataset, but I still can't get into it or update it.

Same error. Then it says  "An attempt was made to access the framework without having logge on to a database. Please log on to a database first" again.

Wich one of the errors did you get when opening the ADF file?

"Exceptions occured while executing Db Schema Update Script. Check the errors in c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sage Software SB, Inc\ACT!\10.0.237.0\_ActSchemaUpdateResults<databasename>0922007064137.txt."

Then when I canceled out of the error and told it to stop trying to convert it (it just loops over and over again trying to convert the database even though it is erroring out so I have to cancel it) I got the "An attempt was made to access the framework without having logge on to a database. Please log on to a database first"

have a machine with ACT! 8.0 still installed that you can try that with?

I have the one desktop with ACT! 8.0 running. I can open the database as long as it's local on this machine, but when I get it to the server, it just will not open. If you look at the error logs, it shows that it can see all the users when it's converting (it goes to ACT 9, then once it's done it starts going to ACT 10 and that's where it errors out saying th user is not there.

Here is what I'm wondering... I read an article about how ACT 9 will only convert 9 users, then the rest are dropped. Do you think this might be what's happerning here? I'm not sure if this is correct, but I'm kinda brainfried and upset at this whole project that should just not be this hard!!

I have not heard anything about ACT!9 not converting users...

Why are you playing with ACT! 9? I thought you're trying to move from 8.0 to 10.0?

I am, but look at the error logs http://www.ee-stuff.com/Expert/Upload/getFile.php?fid=4779  it looks like it's converting it to ACT 9 before trying to convert to 10.

What's the error you get when trying to open the database in ACT! 8 frm the server?

"Exceptions occured while executing Db Schema Update Script. Check the errors in c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sage Software SB, Inc\ACT!\10.0.237.0\_ActSchemaUpdateResults<databasename>0922007064137.txt."

Then when I canceled out of the error and told it to stop trying to convert it (it just loops over and over again trying to convert the database even though it is erroring out so I have to cancel it) I got the "An attempt was made to access the framework without having logge on to a database. Please log on to a database first"

Is then when you're trying to open the database on the server... not from a workstation?

Do you have the latest build of ACT! 8 on the server?

Do you get this when trying to open the ADF file directly on the server?

I do not have ACT 8 running anywhere except one workstation. All the other PC's and servers were updated to ACT 10. I am trying to convert all of my databases to the new version and I am getting errors on 2 of them The Main Database that has about 30,000 contacts, and a Leads database we use to export leads to other databases we use.

I copied the Main Database to my desktop (the workstation still running ACT8) and was able to open it to do the check and repair functions then made a copy of the database and copied it back to the server (running ACT 10) to try again to convert it to the new version.

I am still receiving the errors I am posting every time I open the ACT 8 database on the server running ACT 10 and so I cannot access the database from any of the network pc's (because I upgraded everything to ACT 10). I spent 2 hours trying to revert back to ACT 8 on one of my other servers (so I could just host the database seperate from the other ACT 10 databases that did convert correctly) to no avail. The SQL server will not run correctly after removing ACT 10 and trying to install ACT 8 again so I'm done trying to revert back to ACT8.

The other databases we use converted just fine when I opened them on the server after installing ACT10, but not these 2 databases that keep kicking out the erros I am posting.

I tried to save the ACT8 database as something else thinking maybe it was something with SQL server storing the name and connection strings for the MainDatabase and not being able to get past those errors. Trying to open the copy I saved under a different name did not work either, so I'm still looking for options to get this database up and running.

I think that about sums up everything posted above here.

OK, well that at least explains why it's not running from the server.

How are you copying it up to the server?

You should not rename the files as this can produce so bad results

I tried restoring the original files (using windows backup tool). Then once I got it running locally on my desktop, I tried straight copy and paste, and zipping it up, then unzipping it on the server, all of these results produce the same error(s) when it tries to convert.

Tried unsharing it, tried dismounting it, tried everything I can think of and then some!!

When you did that did you copy all the splumental files with the database? Did you copy the ADF and AFL files?

Don't copy the PAD file as it containes the actual machine name.

If you have it running under 8.02 on the workstation, then copy the ADF, ALF and the sumplemental files folder all to the server. Then try and open the ADF file

Well, it's 10:30pm here and I'm on hour 14 today working on this (not to mention to 4 or 5 hours I put in yesterday before I ever asked for help)...I'm going to go home and go to bed. If anyone thinks of a way to solve this issue let me know. I will be back at this in 8 hours or so.

My temporary solution was to copy out all the least into a cvs file and import them into a new database. I lost all the notes and any opportunities and things (just because they never import/export correctly, looks like they didn't fix this in the new version, or maybe it's just that the ACT8 doesn't export them correctly I don't know), but at least I have names and phone numbers. I don't want this to be the permanent solution, but at least I am somewhat prepared for Monday!

Best way to export data from ACT! is the Exporter from www.jltechnical.com
Best way to import data to ACT! is itImport from http://www.glcomputing.com.au/main/57/1
Both handle all Notes/Histories/etc...

Another option would be to get a Certified Consultant to have a look at the database for you. The global list is at www.act.com/acc or if you let me know what area you're in, I might be able to recommend the best one in your area.

Ooh goodie a chance to dump more money into a product so inferior it wont even upgrade to a newer version of itself!

Any other suggestions to get this database open and upgraded so i can devote some time to finding a replacement product!

Databases of any product can become corrupt and require repair... that's the nature of computing and the reason for backup programs. In fact, many of the things you've said you've done are likely to corrupt the database if it wasn't already.

For example: did you stop the SQL services when copying the database? This is necessary for any SQL database.

This is why it's often more economical to have a trained consultant assist you. It certainly would have saved you the 20 hours.

So do you have anything useful to add. Or did you just want to tell me the program not working right is my fault?

If you have it working under ACT! 8, and done all the repair options.
Then stop the SQL services on the machine before copying the ALF, ADF and supplemental folder together to the ACT! 10 server. Then try and open the ADF file

I read through your link http://tinyurl.com/22en8d and I already did all that (AV is disabled for this whole process). I have done all of this at least once, and most if it 5-6 times, but lets do it again!

I will dismount the ACT database on the ACT 10 server, disable SQL, copy the files to the server, run all the database checks and repairs on the server then try opening it again. I'll keep you posted.

When you copy the ACT! 8 database, have SQL stopped before copying it... and make sure you get ALL the files from the database (except the PAD file)

I'll be going to bed soon... 1am Monday morning here and just watching the Rugby World Cup

Still getting the ""Exceptions occured while executing Db Schema Update Script."

Here is the error from the log file incase anyone wants to see it, it's the same every time I get the error:

*** Upgrading database to Schema Version 10.00.0006.0000 at 2007-09-23 07:54:22 ***
Updating Team record status...
Msg 54347, Level 16, State 1, Server ACTSERVER\ACT7, Procedure TBL_ACCESSOR_TRU1, Line 175
TBL_ACCESSOR_TRU1: User has been deleted or inactived - cannot manage security accounts!
Msg 3609, Level 16, State 1, Server ACTSERVER\ACT7, Line 3
The transaction ended in the trigger. The batch has been aborted.
 
FOOTER ENTRY TRANCOUNT = 0
Msg 50000, Level 25, State 1, Server ACTSERVER\ACT7, Line 31
***** Update of database failed!  Exiting from update!
Msg 2745, Level 16, State 2, Server ACTSERVER\ACT7, Line 31
Process ID 74 has raised user error 50000, severity 25. SQL Server is terminating this process.

Wow, thanks for the response. I did stop SQL on both machines and copied all the files (same size files on both sides) still not working.

Do you know of a product that will do what your 2 products will do:
Best way to export data from ACT! is the Exporter from www.jltechnical.com
Best way to import data to ACT! is itImport from http://www.glcomputing.com.au/main/57/1
without charging me to do it?

Or does anyone know another way to get data out of ACT then allow me to create a new database and import the data?

This is after putting the ACT! database back on the server and opening the ADF file?

I don't know any way to do and export/import for free...

Do you have ACT! 10 on another machines that you could test the conversion on?

Another thought... on the ACT! 8 machine, try File | Copy and create a copy of the database and see if that works?

Yeah, this is after putting it back on the server and opening the ADF file. I already tried to create a copy of the database and upgrading that, it did not work.

I do have other machines with ACT 10 on them, I will try to move the db to one of those and upgrade it on that machine.

No luck, same error trying to upgrade it on a different machine as well.

I have 35,000 contacts in this database, I am goingto try to export some of them to another database and upgrade that one, maybe it just doesn't like the size. Of course the error is talking about bad user login information, but you never know, I'll keep everyone updated.

Try creating an empty copy of the database and seeing if that works.

If so, copy just the user records and and see if that works... if so, then copy the rest

Good Idea. I'll let you know....Get some sleep man!

Last 15 minutes of the Rugby... I used to play it and it's the only sport I watch - but I watch every game of the World Cup.

If that doesn't work... see if you have some methopd for me to have a look at the data for you.

BTW: Can you check what exact build of ACT! 8 and 10 you're using - Help | About.

I can always remot you in to my network, if it's something you're willing to do. I'll keep you in the loop.

ACT! by Sage Premium for Workgroups 2006 Version 8.0.2.82
ACT! by Sage Premium 2008 (10.0) (ST Edition) Version 10.0.0.237, Hotfix 1

Rugby's finished... I'm off to bed.

Let me know how the other ideas went

- Creadted a Blank Database on the pc running ACT 8 with one Administrator user in it
- Copied to the server running ACT 10
- Upgraded just fine
- Deleted the database

Will try a database with just the users in it now.

- Creadted a Users Database on the pc running ACT 8 with All the users in it
- Copied to the server running ACT 10
- Upgraded just fine
- Deleted the database

Will try a database with some contact exported from my database that is not upgrading correctly next.

- Created a Test Database on the pc running ACT 8 with 1500 Contacts and all the users in it
- Copied to the server running ACT 10
- Upgraded just fine

So it looks like I can export the data to a new database and upgrade that one, but it takes FOREVER on my local PC.

If I try to to more than a couple hundred contacts, it errors out on the export screen. Instead of saying how many contacts I am exporting and letting me compare the data, it just says 99999 or 99999 and the area to compare the source and destination databases is greyed out.

And every once in a while it will spit out errors like "there was a network error" even though both databases are on my local machine, then I have to do a check and repair on the destination database before it will let me export more contacts to it.

GLComputing

I thought your company looked familiar, I worked with you over on Tek-Tips forum a couple times and was actually looking at your iTapi product a while back!!

I am going to get ahold of ACT support and see if they can help me get this upgraded. I ended up exporting some contacts to a new database and upgrading that one, but it is such a long process, so I need to see if I can get it going. I'll let you guys know if I get another solution to this.

Well, ACT was no help! They told me to do all the stuff we've already done. Then when I told them I already did that, they said my databases that will not update are corrupted and I have to pay someone to fix the database so I can update it, like the price we pay for users and support is not enough!!

They did email me this cool little tool to fix the database, but it didn't help. Maybe it will help someone else out there.

http://www.ee-stuff.com/Expert/Upload/getFile.php?fid=4810

So it looks like my only option is to export a thousand or so leads at a time to another database then upgrade that and import it into the new databases we are using as temporary databases....that sucks!

I will leave this open a while longer to see ip maybe someone has an answer on how to fix the database while I go about this tedious, time-consiming task.

Like I thought after the first couple of posts... the database has been damaged and needs to be repaired before it can be converted.

BTW: I'd be careful about putting support programs in a public place like this... some might only work on specific version s of ACT! and someone why tries it might completely damage their database - there is a reason those files are not pub on their web site. Not to mention the copyright issue

TTCLIVE,

I gave up on this thread after about the 20th post so I missed an answer to this question.

Were you ever able to get to a pre-conversion status?  Were you ever able to get ACT! 2006 and a backup of the database up and running?  If you were, I suspect that you could remove some of the security, teams, etc. and convert.

By the way - another option would be to try to convert to ACT! 2007 and then ACT! 2008.  There are database schema changes that happen along the way and I think the conversion process is missing something from v8 to v10.  I bet the interm step would fix the problem.  Keep in mind you could still download a trial version of ACT! 2007.  This has worked for others.

My 2 cents

Steve

SStroz: I got to a pre-conversion state and am running it on my local pc with act 2006. I am able to export contacts, but not to get the database to upgrade. I tried removing all the users and creating one admin with no password and it still did not work. I think the last thing I try will be to get a trial version of 2007 running on another machine and upgrade it that way.

The way this program works though, i'm not even sure I want to try to remove 08, install 07, then remove 07 and go back to 08....I really dislike having to edit registry entries manually, and removing hidded system folders...very poorly designed program removal....I will let you know what happens if I decide to do this though.

Just as a summary, this question was never answered, the solution I am using is to export contacts form ACT to another database on a local machine still running ACT 2006.

The reason for this is that I can updgrade otehr databases that I create locally, I just cannot upgrade the original database.

Other than paying someone to fix a database that works fine on ACT 2006 (and will not upgrade), or buying programs to export the data for me, this is the only solution to this problem.

In the knowledge base, there is a program called uninstaller.exe that will remove all parts of ACT! if the normal uninstall doesn't.

But don't do it before using a trial version as it will invalidate any trial period

Yeah, I have the uninstaller in my toolbelt, it does really well for helping remove ACT 2006, it doesn't work completely on ACT 2008!! (At least this is the results I got while preparing for this upgrade.)

You would need the new uninstaller for ACT! 2008...

So I guess the uninstaller file for ACT! by Sage 2007 (9.0) works for ACT! 10 as well? The link on the "Manually remove act 10" page takes me to the uninstaller for ACT! 9.

Yes... KB text needs updating.

You can see the updated list of products on the left, and the file itself should have been updated

Cool, thanks.

TTCLIVE,

Thanks for the update.  I'm not sure if you've tried this but my last attempt would be to Create an "empty copy" of the "bad" database (File, Save As) and then import into it.  (The thought being that the data or schema corruption wouldn't import).  And then you could try to convert that database.  It takes a long time but it can run unattended.  It would be interesting to see if the "empty copy" of one record would upgrade.  If not, that might indicate some problem with a field name, etc.  Also, if the merge fails it might indicate where there's trouble (a bad note or history date, group name, etc).

Sorry for all of your trouble.

Steve