practice data base

[ellie]

I need to set up a dummy database for testing and/or training an individual without compromising our active d-base. Can I open the program to establish a blank d-base to build a smallet d-base OR copy just a few files into a dummy d-base.

[NeilZ]

I need to set up a dummy database for testing and/or training an individual without compromising our active d-base. Can I open the program to establish a blank d-base to build a smallet d-base OR copy just a few files into a dummy d-base.

The best way to do this is to download the Demo Program from the main Powerchurch website, then make sure it loads into a different directly. The default for the demo setup is C:\Powerchurch\PCDEMO115 .. you shouldn't have to change it, just verify the directory.

The demo will allow you to access the data, change it, and add some data of your own. It has most of the functionality you'll need to see for training.


The other alternative is to load the Full Program on another computer (if possible), or if you only have one computer, load it into a separate directory. You can change the directory location when the setup program shows you the location it will be loading to. If you have another drive available (D: drive or external hard drive) you could load it there.

Just make sure that after you install, you do not say you are upgrading from an previous version. Just enter the church data from your LIVE installation, the only thing you must enter correctly is the RN (registration) number from that installation. Everything else can be dummy information.

The system will then create an empty database. You can then restore a backup taken from the LIVE setup and play to your hearts content. Just MAKE SURE you change the name of the desktop Icon to something like PRACTICE or TRAINING to distinguish it from the live version.

In either case you won't be touching your live data.

[ellie]

Many thanks for your help.

[Jeff]

Another idea to make sure you are in the right database is to change the background image of your test database. You can import your own picture, if you can edit a picture in Paint or another graphics program you can have a big indication that you are using the "test" system and not the "live" database.