The information in this article applies to:
Note: As of Version 16, the name Client Server Version (CSV) has been replaced with Platinum. All references to Platinum or Platinum Version software in this article also apply to Client Server Versions 14.3 and and 15 unless specifically noted.
This article provides specific information on how file size limitations may affect some firms that use Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software, particularly in regards to the built-in Back Up Data files program provided with the software.
Operating systems, hardware, and software all impose limitations on file sizes that can be used. When different limitations are imposed, the lowest common limitation applies.
The largest data file in Tabs3 is typically the Tabs3 archive file (T3ARCH.DAT).
The largest data files in PracticeMaster are typically:
E-mail Attachment Files: The e-mail attachment files are named CMARC1.DAT and CMARC1.IDX, CMARC2.DAT and CMARC2.IDX, etc. Each DAT file has an approximate 1.5 gigabyte threshold. Once this threshold is reached, a new CMARC???.DAT and CMARC???.IDX file will be created.
Note: As of Version 16, the built-in Back Up Data files program will copy the CMARC files instead of including them in the ARQ file, thereby helping to eliminate the threshold issue many firms currently face with reaching the 2 gigabyte limitation.
Journal File: The journal file in PracticeMaster (CMJRNL.DAT) can become quite large. As a result, this file has Huge File Support.
eNote File: The eNote file in PracticeMaster Platinum can also become quite large. This file also has Huge File Support.
With the release of Version 15.1, the ability to support files larger than 4 gigabytes has been added. This expanded capability is referred to as huge file support.
Huge file support has been added to the files that have the potential to reach that limit. In Versions 15.1 and 15.3, huge file support has been added to the PracticeMaster Journal File (CMJRNL.DAT) and PracticeMaster eNote file (CMENOTE.DAT). These files can now be as large as the operating system can support. In Version 16, any data files created by Version 16 programs or modified by the Version 16 conversion process include Huge File Support.
Technical Note: Theoretically, these files can be as large as 264, which is equivalent to 18 million terabytes. This figure easily exceeds the current 64 terabyte file size limitation of the Windows NTFS operating system.
For most firms, these file size limitations have not been a problem. However, a small percentage of firms may run into file size limitation issues when using the following:
Both of these backup routines use the same technology as described in the following.
The Back Up Data Files programs included with Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software provide a built-in method of creating a temporary backup. This backup method is intended for use by smaller firms with a limited number of users and smaller data sets. Once the size of a firm's data set gets large enough to exceed this capacity, other backup methods will need to be implemented by the firm.
The built-in backup programs incorporate compression technology and backs up all data files for all programs into a single compressed file. Although the total number of bytes being backed up can exceed 2 gigabytes, the single compressed backup file size cannot exceed 2 gigabytes. Because the various data files being backed up have different compression ratios, it is not possible to determine ahead of time if the 2 gigabyte file size limit will be surpassed. However, we have found that 3.5 gigabytes of data has successfully compressed down to 2 gigabytes.
The built-in Back Up Data Files program was designed to provide a temporary means of backing up data files prior to performing certain tasks and was not intended to replace your regular backup method. When approaching the 2 gigabyte threshold, this temporary backup method is not the most effective way to create backups and will take significantly longer to complete than many other backup options. Depending on the speed of your hardware and network, this backup can easily take over 30 minutes to complete.
Once the file size of your compressed backup data file exceeds 2 gigabytes, you can no longer successfully use the built-in Back Up Data Files program. As a result, you must use a different method to create temporary backups. Some alternatives include batch files or scripts to copy the entire directory structure or specified data files to another location, third-party backup software, or the backup utility provided with Windows.
We recommend that you consult with the reseller from which you purchased the software or your hardware vendor for recommendations regarding the best strategy for creating backups.
Note: It is critical that any backup be made while no users are using the software. KB Article R11213, "Backup Strategy" explains this critical requirement.
Another solution to this limitation is to upgrade to the Platinum Version, which includes HotBackup.
Firms that have exceeded the 2 gigabyte compressed backup data file will not be able to successfully create a single unified backup data file when using the conversion programs (i.e., using STCONV16.EXE to convert to Version 16, using STCONV15.EXE to convert to Version 15, etc.). The work-around for this situation is documented in R11356, Messages During the Version 15 to Version 16 Conversion. Essentially, you will need to use a different method to create a backup before starting the conversion.
In the event that the Back Up Data Files program attempts to create a single compressed backup data file that is larger than 2 gigabytes, it will appear as if the program has locked up or stopped working. Due to technical limitations of the third-party software that is used for the backup, the progress meter will appear as if it has completed, but there really is more information to be backed up. If you wait long enough for the backup to complete, a message similar to the following will be displayed. (Note: The actual file name will vary.)
Backup NOT successful. 'T3ARCH.dat' did not get backed up.
The above message will be followed by the following message:
Back Up Aborted (data was not backed up).
Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Platinum Versions include a HotBackup feature. HotBackup replaces the Back Up Data Files program and effectively eliminates the 2 gigabyte limitation. With HotBackup, you are only limited by the space available on the hard drive where HotBackups are made. For detailed information on HotBackup, see KB Article R11193 - HotBackup Overview. For a comparison between HotBackup and the Backup Data Files programs, and an overview of overall backup strategy, see KB article R11213 - Backup Strategy. If you are interested in learning more about the features of Tabs3 & PracticeMaster Platinum, please contact your local reseller or consultant, or our Sales Department at (402) 419-2200.
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