Encyclopedias created with versions of System Architect prior to 9 (which were in a proprietary format based on dBase) need to be converted to SQL Server. If you created Microsoft Visual Basic Application macros, you might need to update them as well (see Adjusting macros that run off menus in System Architect 10.1).
Preparatory step if you have custom graphics
If you have custom .bmp and .wmf files associated with an encyclopedia, do this:
1 Use Windows Explorer or equivalent, to copy the custom .bmp and .wmf files associated with the V8 encyclopedia to be converted to the images folder of the main System Architect software directory (C:\Program Files\UNICOM Systems\System Architect Suite\System Architect\Images).
2 Copy the usrprops.txt file of the version 8 encyclopedia that contains custom images, and paste it into the main System Architect directory (C:\Program Files\UNICOM Systems\System Architect Suite\System Architect), replacing the usrprops.txt file that is there.
These two steps provide a shortcut to making the SQL Server or MSDE encyclopedia that you create, ready for conversion
Convert encyclopedias by using the merge facility
1 In System Architect, create a new encyclopedia in SQL Server or MSDE. (This new encyclopedia will now already contain all necessary custom pictures and usrprops.txt.). Procedures for creating a new encyclopedia in SQL Server or MSDE are provided in the on-line help or in the Installation Guide.
2 Use System Architect’s Encyclopedia Merge utility to merge all information from the version 8 (dBase) encyclopedia into the version 9 encyclopedia, as follows:
•In System Architect, select Tools, Merge.
•In the Merge/Extract dialog, click the Browse button. The Open Encyclopedia dialog opens.
•On the Existing tab, select dBase Encyclopedia, and then navigate to the path of the version 8 encyclopedia to be converted. Select Open.
•Back in the Merge/Extract dialog, click Everything.
•Keep the If Items are identical choice at its default “Use the more recent”.
•Click OK in the Merge/Extract dialog. The encyclopedia will be converted for use with System Architect 9: it will become a SQL Server database.
Modification of Microsoft Visual Basic Application macros and SA/Word macros
Users who have built their own Microsoft Visual Basic Application macros for use with System Architect, or their own System Architect Word Microsoft Visual Basic Application macros (which use the sawd2001.dll file), need to be aware of certain changes that have been made to System Architect’s IMF calls, and might need to modify their code appropriately. Details are provided in the following sections.