How to Run Sage File Doctor in Sage 300 18.3

Preparation Steps

Before running File Doctor, several crucial preparation steps must be completed to ensure a smooth process:

Create a Complete Backup Always make a backup of your data files before running File Doctor. If you launch File Doctor without a current backup, you should stop immediately and create one. This backup serves as a safety net in case any issues arise during the repair process.

Close All Programs Ensure all users have completely exited Sage 300 CRE and that no users will access the software while File Doctor is running. Having active users in the system during the repair process can cause additional corruption or incomplete fixes.

Accessing File Doctor

To launch the File Doctor utility:

1. Open Sage Desktop
2. Navigate to Applications > Common Tasks > Tools
3. Select File Doctor

Running a File Check

Select Data Folders When File Doctor launches, you have two options for selecting files to check:

• Current data folder: Choose this to fix specific files in the current folder
• All data folders: Selects files across all folders in your Open Company selection list

Important Considerations:

• Checking all folders and files can be time-consuming
• Plan accordingly based on the number of files being checked
• Schedule the check during off-hours if possible

File Doctor Operations

The tool performs several key operations when examining your files:

File Examination

• Verifies all records and keys are properly linked
• Checks for data corruption
• Validates file integrity

Optional Operations You can select additional tasks:

1. "Compact good files" checkbox: Reduces disk space used by selected files
2. "Fix and compact bad files" checkbox: Repairs improperly linked records and keys

Best Practices for File Doctor Usage

Recommended Approach

1. Initial Check:

• Run File Doctor first without selecting any optional checkboxes
• This performs only corruption checking
• Review the generated report thoroughly

1. Targeted Repair:

• After identifying problematic files, create specific backups
• Run File Doctor again only on files requiring fixes
• Select appropriate repair options based on the initial scan

Understanding File Doctor Results

Report Review File Doctor requires you to print or save a report of its results. This report contains vital information about:

• Files checked
• Corruption found
• Repairs made
• Potential issues identified

Important Note: Not all fixes suggested by File Doctor are necessarily good fixes. Contact Sage 300 CRE Customer Support if you need assistance interpreting the results.

When to Use File Doctor

Several scenarios warrant running File Doctor:

1. Before System Upgrades

• Run File Doctor on all files before upgrading to a new version
• Address any issues found before proceeding with the upgrade
• This prevents potential problems that cannot be fixed post-upgrade

1. Regular Maintenance

• Use as a preventive measure
• Schedule regular integrity checks
• Monitor file health proactively

1. Error Messages

• Run when experiencing data-related errors
• Use to diagnose and repair corrupt files
• Address system file problems

Advanced Considerations

Database Management For users managing multiple databases:

• Consider the impact on system resources
• Schedule maintenance during off-peak hours
• Coordinate with IT staff for large-scale checks

Version Compatibility Different versions of Sage 300 may have specific requirements:

• Ensure you're using the correct version of File Doctor
• Check compatibility with your current Sage 300 version
• Review any version-specific documentation

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems while running File Doctor:

System Access Issues

• Verify user permissions
• Check network connectivity
• Ensure proper database access rights

File Lock Problems

• Confirm all users are logged out
• Check for background processes
• Verify no automated tasks are running

Post-File Doctor Steps

After running File Doctor:

1. Review the results report thoroughly
2. Document any fixes applied
3. Test affected systems
4. Create a new backup of repaired files
5. Monitor system performance

Preventive Measures

To minimize future file corruption:

Regular Maintenance

• Schedule routine file checks
• Monitor system performance
• Keep regular backups

System Updates

• Keep Sage 300 current
• Apply recommended patches
• Follow upgrade procedures

Professional Support

While File Doctor is designed for user operation, some situations require professional assistance:

• Complex data corruption
• Multiple file issues
• Unclear error messages
• Critical system failures

Contact Sage 300 CRE Customer Support or your local Sage Business Partner when:

• You're unsure about File Doctor results
• Complex repairs are needed
• System-wide issues persist
• Data recovery is required

By following these comprehensive guidelines, you can effectively use Sage File Doctor to maintain and repair your Sage 300 18.3 data files while minimizing risks and ensuring optimal system performance.

Sources: [1] https://us-kb.sage.com/portal/app/portlets/results/botviewsolution.jsp?hypermediatext=null&solutionid=222924550020400 [2] https://support.eosgroup.com/support/solutions/articles/5000870701-sage-300-construction-and-real-estate-and-sage-estimating-pervasive-sql-upgrade-paths [3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCtc74-Tc_k [4] https://ethosystems.com/blog/the-sage-300-cre-file-doctor-is-in/ [5] https://acumenfl.com/blog/common-sage-300-errors/ [6] https://cdn.na.sage.com/docs/en/customer/300erp/2021/open/Sage300_GeneralLedger_UsersGuide.pdf [7] https://erpsoftwareblog.com/2024/01/top-10-erp-software-blog-posts-of-2023/ [8] https://techwithmaddy.com/how-to-write-a-technical-blog-post-template [9] https://help.sage300.com/zh-cn/2021/classic/Content/SystemManager/Legacy/AS/ErrorMessages/error_damaged_data.htm [10] https://help.sage300.com/zh-cn/2021/classic/Content/SystemManager/Legacy/AS/ErrorMessages/error_system_file.htm [11] https://www.sagefrog.com/blog/go-to-blog-format-ideas/ [12] https://www.hostitsmart.com/blog/how-to-write-technical-blog/ [13] https://communityhub.sage.com/us/sage_construction_and_real_estate/f/sage-cre-announcements/133372/sage-300-cre-fix-for-issue-with-file-attachments-or-links-in-version-18-3-1 [14] https://smist08.wordpress.com/sage-300-erp-articles/