Create a New Database from Existing

This facility allows you to create a new database identical or similar to an existing database. It is often quicker to create a new database using an existing one as a model. This saves you having to type in the details all over again, and lets you concentrate on thinking about the changes.

First you are asked for the database to be copied in the usual way — you can use the <F4–Select> key to find the full pathname.

If the database you choose has tables, you are asked: copy table values from the original database?

If you want to use the same table values in the new database, reply Y to this question, and the table values are saved in a temporary file until you come to create the new database at the end of the process.

Now you are asked for the filename of the database you wish to create. This is done in the usual way, including the use of the <F4–Select> function key.If the database already exists you are warned, and can either take the decision to overwrite the existing database by replying Y, or abandon the process by replying N.

From this point the process is exactly as described above for creating a new database, except that the details specified for the database that you are copying are shown to you. These details can be accepted, amended by overtyping, or deleted by using the <Space> bar to blank out an entry. Note that the editing keys such as <F2–Clear End>, <F3–Clear>, <F5–Insert Line> and <F6–Delete Line> are all available for you to use during this process. You can also use <Page Up> and <Page Down> to move backwards and forwards through the definition.