RIMAS for UNIX Software Installation

To: All Users of SLG UNIX Applications

From: The SHARED LOGIC Group, Inc.

Re: Restructuring a Data File

Date: April 20, 2000

The following steps are those that must be followed to copy (aka, restructure) a data file:

1. Make sure that no one is using the file. On a UNIX System, this can be done by checking the output from “pm –e –f”. On a Windows System, you must poll the users.

2. Rename the file, using the move command. This works like “MOVE” in MS Windows. For example, “mv path/oldfilename path/newfilename”.

3. Create a new empty file under the oldfilename. This is done by running DCC.CREATE. MAKE CERTAIN THAT THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT REPORT THAT THE FILE ALREADY EXISTS. IF IT DOES, DO NOT CONTINUE. INSTEAD REVERSE ALL ACTIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN TO RESTORE THE SYSTEM TO ITS ORIGINAL STATUS.

4. Copy the data in the renamed file from step 2 to the newly created file from
step 3. This is done by running DCU.COPYFILE.

The need to restructure varies from one situation to another, so determining when this procedure must be used is important. On the other hand, properly restructuring a file cannot cause a problem, so you may restructure a file even when you are not sure it will actually correct a problem.