3. To begin with, we test whether the database works without picture display: To do this, we start an "MS-DOS prompt" (in the start bar under the Programs folder) and change to the \dya subdirectory on the respective hard disk. Now type "btrieve /p:2048" and confirm by pressing the return key. By doing this, you have started the database engine Now type "d.bat" and confirm again by pressing the return key. The first screen of the database should now appear, which you can exit again by pressing "Quit". (You can continue with step 4.) If the database does not start, this can only be because the wrong drive has been entered. Open "d.bat" with the Notepad and check whether in the line "DYA.EXE /A /D?:\DYA /ICD" the ? has been replaced by the drive letter of your program hard disk (in our case, this would mean "/DD:\DYA"). If necessary, repeat step 3.

4. Close the DOS box and try to start the file startdya(.pif) with a double click in Explorer. The database should now start. In order to test the picture display, leave the database again by pressing Quit and continue with step 6. If the database still doesn't start, continue with step 5.

5. The PIF file startdya can have several errors which can be eliminated by manual configuration of the file. In the following, this configuration is described and the errors connected to the individual settings are explained. Position the mouse pointer in Explorer on the file startdya(.pif) (can be recognised by the MS-DOS symbol) and press the right-hand mouse button. From the context menu that appears select the entry "Properties". A window now opens with the name "Properties of startdya". The following table lists all of the entries to be checked in the folders of this window.

After checking them, close the window by pressing OK. If you now restart startdya(.pif), it should function (continue with step 8). If there is still an error, refer to steps 6 and 7.

6. In very rare cases, even though step 1 has been performed, autoexmy.nt is still not present. When startdya(.pif) is started, a Windows error then occurs with the title "MS-DOS 16-bit part system" with the text "...The system file is not suitable...". In this case, copy the file autoexec.nt from the subdirectory C:\WinNT\system32\ into the subdirectory \dya and rename it autoexmy.nt. Now open this new file with Notepad and enter the line "lh btrieve /p:2048" as the second line (after "echo off"). The error should now have been eliminated. (If no further errors occur, you can continue with step 8.)

7. If you have performed all of the other steps, and despite the correct entry in the memory folder under "Properties of startdya", the error "Record manager inactive" occurs accompanied by a short beep, the computer cannot load the database engine into the upper memory sector. Open autoexmy.nt with Notepad, and enter "rem " (the space is important) in front of the line "lh btrieve /p:2048". Save the file and also open the file d.bat with Notepad. Here, enter the line "btrieve /p:2048" as the first line. Save this file and try executing startdya again. The program should now function. If you still experience problems, please send us a mail under info@dyabola.de.

8. Start Dyastart and follow the instructions under "Starting the Program".

Dyabola on MS-DOS computers

The CD-ROM-Version of DYABOLA is a DOS-program. To the most people this souns like a living fossil, but in reality it is not a disadvantage. The program speed is not influenced by an overload of display graphics. Retrival speed is not dependent on the operating system but first of all on processor speed and overall performance of your hardware. We recommend running DYABOLA on Windows NT or 2000 Prof. to have optimal performance of the DOS environment. The faster the processor the more content you will be.

Program is slow:
If you are really going to run DYABOLA on a DOS computer, check whether the DOS program "smartdrv.exe" has been loaded properly. This program is to be found either in the DOS or in the Windows subdirectory. It provides for quicker hard disk access.
Since 1997, the inquiry program supplied has been greatly expanded in its range of functions. This program is designed for navigation especially in highly complex text and picture databases (CENSUS, Grabreliefs etc.) and has taken many years to develop.
The program requires a high computing capacity and rapid data access. The DOS-UTILITY "SMARTDRV.EXE" increases the speed of hard disk access under DOS and Windows 3.xx. This program is usually to be found in your DOS or WINDOWS subdirectory. Check whether "SMARTDRV.EXE" really is available on your system.
Make sure to load the DOS utility "SMARTDRV.EXE" on your computer before you start DYABOLA. "SMARTDRV.EXE" is normally called up by the DYABOLA start batch "d.bat". However, by performing individual test steps, check whether "SMARTDRV.EXE" really is loaded and loaded correctly on your computer.
Our request to the head of data processing: Check the correct functioning of "SMARTDRV.EXE". If possible, load this utility into the upper memory sector. DYABOLA will be very grateful to you.

Too little memory:
Please make sure that at least 30 files and 30 buffers are assigned in your computer's config.sys. The appropriate lines in config.sys must read:
files=30
buffers=30
It is very important that as much working memory (RAM) as possible is available on your computer. DYABOLA requires at least 540 KB RAM to execute the program. Test how much RAM is available before you start DYABOLA, using the DOS command "mem"!
Within DYABOLA, the remaining memory can be determined at any point in the program by pressing the key combination "Alt+F1". Close any memory-resident applications and drivers! Or try loading these applications into the upper memory sector ("loadhigh")! Please refer to your MS-DOS manual.