abcDB Database Knowledge Base

How can I transfer my old CDB databases from my device to Microsoft Access?

Administrator — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:10:00 GMT

Abstract:

In order to use the databases from your old version of abcDB, you will need to do the following:

1. Uninstall Microsoft ActiveSync 4.x

2. Install the OLD version of ActiveSync (ie. 3.x)

3. Connect your old device to your computer

Now, below the list of fields, you'll see the list of 'field properties' for my "ID" field. Notice that the REQUIRED PROPERTY has been set to NO.

WE NEED TO CHANGE THE 'REQUIRED' PROPERTY TO YES.

Once you have set the 'REQUIRED' property to YES, you can save your table, and continue doing this with every table.

Is Product compatible with Motorola Q9 (WM6)

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:33:00 GMT

Abstract:

Unfortunately the Q9 is a Windows Mobile Standard device (ie. no touch screen). abcDB is not currently compatible with these devices.

i have a WM6 BlackJack II smartphone with no touchscreen - will abcDB work on my mobile phone? I used to use abcDB on my iPAQ 2110x that has touchscreen and enjoyed developing applications on that one, but now my phone is different and in my opionion even better!

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:24:00 GMT

Abstract: Unfortunately no. At this time, abcDB will not function on Smartphone devices with no touchscreen.

Can I put abcDB into MS Access and have it print out my report. Im interested in the fonts, page styles, number at bottom of pages etc.Thank You

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:23:00 GMT

Abstract: One of the beauties of abcDB is the fact that it DOES utilize your Access databases. Thus, if you are using abcDB to take your Access data mobile, you can always go back to Microsoft Access in order to produce reports based on the data entered on your device(s).

Hello pocketsoft team My question is related a problem that I have at the moment to sinchronize my database, when I chose all the tables that I want to a sucessfull message appears and when I tried to find the tables on the ipaq my "forms" and "queries" didnt .Do you know why my forms and queries didnt pass from my main database on my desktop throght the Ipaq mobile database?Thanks a lot.

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:19:00 GMT

Abstract:

Please note that any forms and/or queries existing in your Microsoft Access database will not transfer to your device.

If you wish to use data entry forms or queries, you will need to recreate them using either the abcDB form builder or the abcDB Query builder.

Is there a way to activate a camera on your device and capture an image from within ABCdb? Thanks!

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:14:00 GMT

Abstract:

Not currently, however this is a great idea and one that we'd like to implement in a future build.

Thank you for the suggestion!

I was not able to find the location of the manual for abcdb v6.0. Is it available for download?Thank you

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:12:00 GMT

Abstract:

Yes, you can download the manual for v6.x here:

http://www.PocketSOFT.ca/misc/abcFINAL.pdf

How can I use function date() in a query? For example I would like to have records for today and later?Thank you

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:10:00 GMT

Abstract:

With abcDB 2009, you can use the built in SQL function getdate().

Here is a sample query:

SELECT * from YourTable WHERE yourDateField > getdate()

Does abcDB 2009 work with Access 2007 databases?

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:43:00 GMT

Abstract: Yes, abcDB 2009 works with all versions of Microsoft Access from Access 97 through to Access 2007.

Does Desktop Studio allow me to use SQL CE SDF files on my desktop?

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:40:00 GMT

Abstract: Presently this is not supported, however we hope to include this feature in a future release.

Can I use functions in my queries with abcDB 2009?

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:39:00 GMT

Abstract:

Yes!

Since the release of abcDB 2007, all abcDB versions utilize the powerful Microsoft SQL Server Compact database. This gives INCREDIBLE power that has until now simply not been possible. Some of the functions availabe include:

Aggregate Functions
Perform calculations on a set of values and return a single value. Except for the COUNT function, aggregate functions ignore null values.

AVGAVG

COUNT

MAX

MIN

SUM

Date and Time Functions
Perform an operation on a date and time input value and return a string, numeric, or date and time value.

DATEADD

DATEDIFF

DATENAME

DATEPART

GETDATE

Mathematical Functions
Perform calculations based on input values provided as parameters to the function and return a numeric value.

ABS

ACOS

ASIN

ATAN

ATN2

CEILING

COS

COT

DEGREES

EXP

FLOOR

LOG

LOG10

POWER

RADIANS

RAND

ROUND

SIGN

SIN

SQRT

TAN

String Functions
Perform an operation on a string input value

Does abcdb 2009 allow me to print?

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Abstract: Yes. As of version 2008, all abcDB products support printing at no extra charge.

Will abcDB work on my Windows Mobile Standard SmartPhone?

Administrator — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:27:00 GMT

Abstract: No. Although we are currently working on a Smartphone version that will work on WIndows Mobile Standard devices, we don't expect this version to be done until the 2nd quarter of 2009.

Does abcDB work on the new Windows Mobile 5.0/6 devices?

Administrator — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:10:00 GMT

Abstract:

YES!

abcDB Version 2007 has been completely rewritten to work with Windows Mobile 5.0 and/or WM6 Pocket PC devices.

For all prior operating systems (ie. Pocket PC 2000/2002/2003), please use the abcDB v6.0 line of products.

How can I make a dropdown list or listbox that displays a string value but returns a different value? For example, a dropdown that contains a list of customer names, but returns the customer ID?

Administrator — Tue, 14 Jun 2005 13:22:00 GMT

Abstract:

In the attached sample database you will find 2 forms. One demonstrates the use of the DROPID function for dropdowns, and the other form shows how to use the LISTID function for listboxes.

In the DROPID form, you will find a dropdown box that has it's SQL property set to the following:

"SELECT [Table1].[Field1], field2 FROM [Table1] ORDER BY [Table1].[Field1] ASC"

In order to DROPID to work, the 1st field in the SQL statement must be the field you wish to display in the dropdown. The 2nd field must be the ID field containing the value you wish to return.

There is also a LABEL control which is used to display value the user chooses in the dropdown. The TAG name of this label is simply LABEL2.

In the ONCLICK event of the dropdown, 2 things happen:

message(DROPID(COMBO1)//DROPID)
caption(label2//"You chose: "~combo1~" which has a value of: "DROPID(COMBO1))

First, a message is displayed showing the ID value of the chosen item, and the 2nd line of code simply sets the caption property of the label to display something like this:

You chose: c which has a value of: 3

I am getting an error that states "Error opening \My Documents\YourDatabaseName.cbd. Cannot open a file when that file already exists".

Administrator — Thu, 09 Jun 2005 08:36:00 GMT

Abstract:

This error can occur when you attempt to open a database on your Pocket PC that was originally created on an older Pocket PC device.

The problem is that the internal format of databases changed in the Windows Mobile 2003-based Pocket PC and Smartphone.

The link below will take you to Microsoft's website where you can download a free utility that will upgrade your database files to the new version:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&familyid=636008aa-a011-4188-a1aa-4dd723e315bf

I am getting an error that states ''This application requires a newer version of Microsoft.net compact framework than the one installed on this device''

Administrator — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 16:15:00 GMT

Abstract:

When installing abcDB it is vital that you answer yes to overwriting all files, especially if/when prompted to install the Microsoft compact framework.

If after reinstalling you still receive this error, please download and run the following tool from Microsoft:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=359ea6da-fc5d-41cc-ac04-7bb50a134556&DisplayLang=en

How can I refresh a subform with with record that are related to a value entered by the user?/

Administrator — Fri, 03 Jun 2005 08:54:00 GMT

Abstract:

Here is one way of doing this:

(Note: The following assumes that you have some controls bound to fields in SUBFORM#1)

1. Add a textbox to your form. Give it a TAG name of something like VALUE

2. Add a button to your form.

3. In the ONCLICK event of your button put the following code:

SUBFORMREFRESH(1//"SELECT * FROM yourTableName WHERE yourField = '"~VALUE~"'")

Now, when you click the button, abcDB will refresh your subform to display only records where yourField = the value you entered in the textbox.

How do I create a query that prompts the user to input a value?

Administrator — Wed, 25 May 2005 12:01:00 GMT

Abstract:

This is very easy.

Whenever abcDB sees text surrounded by << and >>, it will stop and prompt the user, using the text as the message to display.

For example, the following SQL statement will first prompt the user to enter a city, and will then return all customers who live in that city:

SELECT * FROM tblCustomers WHERE city = "<<Please enter a city>>"

The attached database sample demonstrates this. When you open the sample, notice the 2 queries and how they are formatted.

I have purchased abcDB but have not received a registration code.

Administrator — Sun, 22 May 2005 20:56:00 GMT

Abstract:

After you purchase abcDB, you will receive an email from the online store you purchased from. In that email will be a registration code. This code is created based on the 'Owner Name' that you specified when purchasing.

If you received this code, but it does not work, then please make sure that your Pocket PC owner name is 'exactly' the same as what you specified when purchasing.

If you did not receive this code, or if you are still having difficulties getting your code to work, then please do the following:

1. On your PocketPC, click the START menu

2. Click SETTINGS menu

3. Click OWNER INFORMATION

4. Please confirm that there are no extra 'spaces'

GPS Sample code

Administrator — Sun, 22 May 2005 20:50:00 GMT

Abstract:

NOTE: This article applies only to abcDB v6.31 and newer.

The attached database demonstrates how to access GPS data from your abcDB application. It demonstrates use of the following:

GPSOPEN
GPSCLOSE
GPSLAT
GPSLONG
GPSALT
GPSALTUNITS
GPSSPEED
GPSSPEEDUNITS
GPSRAW

Also uses a timer in order to update and refresh information.

LISTID function

Administrator — Sun, 22 May 2005 13:30:00 GMT

Abstract:

LISTID

This function will return the ‘itemdata’ from the specified listboxes currently selected item. Note: In order for LISTID to return a value, your listbox needs to be populated with an SQL statement that returns 2 fields … the first field being the field that will be displayed in your listbox, and the second field needs to be the ID field. (ie. “SELECT customerName, customerID from tblCustomers”)

LISTID(tagname)

DROPID function

Administrator — Sun, 22 May 2005 13:29:00 GMT
Abstract:
DROPID
This function will return the ‘itemdata’ from the specified dropdown boxes currently selected item. Note: In order for DROPID to return a value, your dropdown box needs to be populated with an SQL statement that returns 2 fields … the first field being the field that will be displayed in your dropdown, and the second field needs to be the ID field. (ie. “SELECT customerName, customerID from tblCustomers”)
DROPID(tagname)
This occurs because the 'owner name' on your device is different than the owner name that the registration code was created with.

In order for us to create an activation code for abcDB, please do the following:

1. On your PocketPC, click the START menu

2. Click SETTINGS menu

3. Click OWNER INFORMATION

4. Please confirm that there are no extra 'spaces' at the end of your owner name. If there are, please remove them.

5. Please send us the ‘exact’ name that is shown on this screen (case sensitive ... 'John' is different than 'JOHN')

What determines the tab order (i.e. cylcing through input fields in a form using the Tab key). Is there a way to change it?

Administrator — Sat, 21 May 2005 09:18:00 GMT
Abstract: The current version of abcDB (v6.0) does not support setting tab order. THis is something we intend to implement though in our next version.

Is it possible to create data entry forms with abcDB that are relational in nature in that they can display related data from 2 or more tables?

Administrator — Thu, 19 May 2005 18:43:00 GMT
Abstract:
Yes, this is possible.
The attached database sample shows one such example.
In this example, there are 3 tables:
1. Customers
2. Invoices
3. Invoice Details
The form is bound to the customers table, and contains 2 datagrids ... one to display a customers invoices, and the other displays the individual line items for the selected invoice.
Notice that in the form's ONCURRENT event, there is a GRIDREFRESH statement which refreshes the first datagrid to only show invoices for the currently selected customer ID.
Then, in the ONCURRENT event of the first datagrid, there is another GRIDREFRESH statement which refreshes the 2nd grid to only show line items for the selected invoice.
In this way, just using a few simply abcDB commands, it is possible to create powerful relational data entry forms.

GRIDREFRESH statement

Administrator — Thu, 19 May 2005 15:47:00 GMT
Abstract:
GRIDREFRESH
This function will requery the grid control on the current form.

GRIDREFRESH(SQL // RemoteTable // RemoteUniqueID // Server // Linkchild // Linkfield Master // Column Widths // gridTag)

FORMAT
This function will format the given value into either a CURRENCY or DATE/TIME format.
FORMAT(Type,Value,DateFormat)

Parameters
Type
CURRENCY = Format value into currency
&nbs

CAPTION statement

Administrator — Thu, 19 May 2005 11:16:00 GMT
Abstract:
CAPTION
This function will allow you to change the caption of either a label or a command button.

CAPTION(tag // CAPTION)
Parameters
tag

Where can I download the manual of abcDB database for Pocket PC?

Administrator — Thu, 19 May 2005 11:11:00 GMT
Abstract:
You can download it here:
http://www.PocketSOFT.ca/misc/abcFINAL.pdf
You will require the Adobe reader in order to view the manual. You can obtain Adobe Acrobat for free from the following link:

Where can I find samples of how to use the various abcDB script commands?

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 17:56:00 GMT
Abstract:
The attached database contains many examples.
NOTE: THis database will only work with abcDB versions 6.0 or newer.

Where can I find the owner name of my device?

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 17:48:00 GMT
Abstract:
Obtaining the 'Owner Name' of your PocketPC

1. Click START button in top left corner of your screen. Then click SETTINGS menu.

2. Now tap OWNER INFORMATION.

3.Carefully copy the Owner name shown, and email this to us at support@PocketSOFT.ca. Make sure there are no spaces after the end of the name. In this example, the owner name is: Tery

4. After we receive your owner name, we will create an unlock code and email it back to you.

What are modules? How do I use them?

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 17:27:00 GMT
Abstract:
As of version 5.0, abcDB now supports code ‘modules’. What does this mean for you? It means you can now ‘share’ and ‘re-use’ code!
Here’s how it works:
Whenever you’re editing a FORM, you can click the FORM properties, and you’ll find 5 properties called Module1,Module2,Module3,Module4,Module5. Each module can contain up to 32,000 characters of code. These 5 modules are not specific to the form you’re editing. They are available to EVERY form in your database.
Let’s look at a very ‘useless’ example. Perhaps your application will need to test the value of a variable called VALUE and notify you of whether it is equal to 1,2,3, or else give you an error message. Let’s also assume that you’ll need to perform this test MANY times throughout your code!
Well, rather than duplicating the following lines of code EVERY time you need to run this test, you can instead place this code in one of the modules, and ‘call’ it using the following RUNSUB s

Can I use memory variables in abcDB?

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 17:26:00 GMT
Abstract:
abcDB also allows you to use memory variables. There is one command that you need to remember in this regard:
SETMEM(variableName // value)
You could for example, execute the next command to save the value in a textbox to the variable named CustomerNumber:
SETMEM(CustomerNumber//~CustomerID~)
You refer to variables by surrounding the variable name with <! !>.
For example, if you then wanted to requery your form based on the CustomerNumber variable, you could do something like this:
FORMREQUERY(“SELECT * FROM YourTableName WHERE CustomerID = “ <!CustomerNumber!>//1//”---“)

What are TAGS and when and how should I use them?

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 17:25:00 GMT
Abstract:
One of the other properties that is common to all the controls is the TAG property. TAG names allow us to reference the various controls on our forms. For example, if we add a textbox for entering CITY names, we could give that textbox a TAG name of CITY. Thereafter, whenever we want to refer to the value contained in that textbox, we can use the following syntax where we surround the TAG name with ‘tilde’ characters:
~CITY~
If we want to reference the value in a FIELD on our form, we can use this syntax where we surround the field name with braces {} (Note: these are not brackets!):

How can I use my GPS in my abcDb application?

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 17:23:00 GMT
Abstract:
W
ith the release of abcDB v5.0, it is now possible to retrieve data from connected GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers.
What does this mean to you as a developer? Simple.
EXECUTE
This function will execute code.

EXECUTE(CODE)
PARAMETERS
CODE
ENABLE
This function will make the control specified either enabled or disabled.

ENABLE(tag // TRUE/FALSE)
PARAMETERS
tag

REFRESH statement

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 16:56:00 GMT
Abstract:
DROPREFRESH
The function will refresh the data in one of the dropdown boxes on your current form.

DROPREFRESH(tag // SQL // Server // Remote Index// Distinct)
PARAMETERS

Color command

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 16:55:00 GMT
Abstract:
COLOR
This function will set the background/foreground colors of the control specified.

COLOR(tag // Background Color // Foreground Color)
PARAMETERS
tag

Why can''t I use DISTINCT and GROUP BY in my SQL statements?

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 16:50:00 GMT
Abstract: Unfortunately, the Microsoft PocketPC database engine is VERY limited as compared to what we're accustomed to on our desktop computers. Neither the DISTINCT or the GROUP BY operators are supported on the PocketPC.

Why won''t my database synchronize with my desktop database?

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 16:49:00 GMT
Abstract: PRIMARY KEYS are the way that relational databases are able to quickly find and bring together the data that is found in separate tables.
In Microsoft Access, when a field in a table is defined as a PRIMARY KEY, it means that Access will not allow any new records to contain duplicate PRIMARY KEY values.
For example, consider the following two tables:
First of all, make sure your PocketPC is cradled, and ActiveSync is connected.

In this picture, you can see that ActiveSync is connected, and ready to accept commands. Click the TOOLS menu and proceed to the next step.
Notice that in under the TOOLS menu, there is an option to IMPORT DATABASE TABLES. Select it now, and proceed.

Now that I have purchased abcDB, where do I enter the registration code in order to unlock the full version?

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 16:35:00 GMT
Abstract:
When you run abcDB, please go to the HELP/REGISTER menu at the bottom of the screen. From there you can enter the registration code to unlock the full version.

I have installed Desktop Studio, but I get an error that states "Execute reader requires an open and available connection. The connections current state is closed". What should I do?

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 16:27:00 GMT
Abstract:
Please download and install v2.6 of MDAC. It can be downloaded from Microsoft at the following link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=8e5f816c-4918-4250-b8bd-3794582c9089&DisplayLang=en

Welcome To the abcDB Database Knowledge base!

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2005 16:12:00 GMT
Abstract:
Thank you for choosing an abcDB Database solution!

abcDB Database Knowledge Base

How can I transfer my old CDB databases from my device to Microsoft Access?

Is Product compatible with Motorola Q9 (WM6)

i have a WM6 BlackJack II smartphone with no touchscreen - will abcDB work on my mobile phone? I used to use abcDB on my iPAQ 2110x that has touchscreen and enjoyed developing applications on that one, but now my phone is different and in my opionion even better!

Can I put abcDB into MS Access and have it print out my report. Im interested in the fonts, page styles, number at bottom of pages etc.Thank You

Is there a way to activate a camera on your device and capture an image from within ABCdb? Thanks!

I was not able to find the location of the manual for abcdb v6.0. Is it available for download?Thank you

How can I use function date() in a query? For example I would like to have records for today and later?Thank you

Does abcDB 2009 work with Access 2007 databases?

Does Desktop Studio allow me to use SQL CE SDF files on my desktop?

Can I use functions in my queries with abcDB 2009?

Does abcdb 2009 allow me to print?

Will abcDB work on my Windows Mobile Standard SmartPhone?

Does abcDB work on the new Windows Mobile 5.0/6 devices?

How can I make a dropdown list or listbox that displays a string value but returns a different value? For example, a dropdown that contains a list of customer names, but returns the customer ID?

I am getting an error that states "Error opening \My Documents\YourDatabaseName.cbd. Cannot open a file when that file already exists".

I am getting an error that states ''This application requires a newer version of Microsoft.net compact framework than the one installed on this device''

How can I refresh a subform with with record that are related to a value entered by the user?/

How do I create a query that prompts the user to input a value?

I have purchased abcDB but have not received a registration code.

GPS Sample code

LISTID function

DROPID function

What determines the tab order (i.e. cylcing through input fields in a form using the Tab key). Is there a way to change it?

Is it possible to create data entry forms with abcDB that are relational in nature in that they can display related data from 2 or more tables?

GRIDREFRESH statement

Parameters

CAPTION statement

CAPTION

Parameters

Where can I download the manual of abcDB database for Pocket PC?

Where can I find samples of how to use the various abcDB script commands?

Where can I find the owner name of my device?

What are modules? How do I use them?

As of version 5.0, abcDB now supports code ‘modules’. What does this mean for you? It means you can now ‘share’ and ‘re-use’ code!

Can I use memory variables in abcDB?

What are TAGS and when and how should I use them?

How can I use my GPS in my abcDb application?

With the release of abcDB v5.0, it is now possible to retrieve data from connected GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers.What does this mean to you as a developer? Simple.

PARAMETERS

PARAMETERS

REFRESH statement

PARAMETERS

Color command

PARAMETERS

Why can''t I use DISTINCT and GROUP BY in my SQL statements?

Why won''t my database synchronize with my desktop database?

Now that I have purchased abcDB, where do I enter the registration code in order to unlock the full version?

I have installed Desktop Studio, but I get an error that states "Execute reader requires an open and available connection. The connections current state is closed". What should I do?

Welcome To the abcDB Database Knowledge base!

W
ith the release of abcDB v5.0, it is now possible to retrieve data from connected GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers.
What does this mean to you as a developer? Simple.